How do I get a rusted bike chain off the bike?
 

I'm a college student who has, unfortunately, taken very poor care of his bicycle. The chain has rusted to the point where some sections don't bend. How do I get this thing off my bike so I can put a new one on?

I used a flathead screwdriver and lifted up on the chain (between chain and flywheel) while turning the footpedals. Worked fine on my kids bike. May be a better way, but I don't know. I usually go for the brute force method when in doubt. Works most of the time.

You'll need a chain tool which pushes out the pins between the links - both to remove the old chain and to adjust the length and install the new one. Cheap ones are available for a few bucks; with expensive ones going for $25.00 or more.

And here are some rather extensive instructions.

http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQchnRe.shtml

The way that will require the least force is to soak the thing in WD-40 and let it sit overnight. If the links are all flexible then you can lube it with some oil and get back on your way. If it stays frozen, or is damaged in some other way you will need the chain breaker tool as noted above.

If you take the old chain off to replace with a new one, don't discard the old chain until you've used it to measure out the length of the new one.

Good luck!

Another vote for the solvent method. The chain is either put together with a master link, or it was made to length. Look carefully for the master link-the clip may be on either side. If it is a manufactured chain, it may prove less expensive to let a local bike store repair it for you. Otherwise, spray the chain, work it back and forth. View it as a Zen lesson in bicycle care. ;)

Quickest way (without the correct tools) would be to break the chain. My preferred method is two crescent wrenches... adjust the jaws to just fit over the chain, slip the wrenches on the chain separated by a couple of links and twist in alternate directions.

That said, you'll need a chain tool to adjust the length of any new chain you buy (they come in generic lengths) so at that point you might as well just get a bike shop to do the new chain swap for you. Shouldn't be more than $10 labour on top of the cost of the new chain.

Thanks for all the help.

Just cut it off with a pair of bolt cutters, your dorm will probably have some you could borrow.

As for the new chain, take it to a bike repair shop, it is not worth the effort and you could have more problems if you don't get it the right length. Usually there would only be a 10 or 15 dollar labor charge.

break free...i sold at autoparts stores in a can that looks like it is from the 60s... best stuff ever, acctuly desolves, makes wd 40 look like water... i think its like $5. and i bet you will be able to use your chain again..