Originally Posted by
ScubaGearhead85
For the chains, you said that you replace them when they stretch 1/16" in 12". What is your process for measuring this?
Chain links are exactly 1/2" long. If you measure from a given pin to one 12" away, the position of the 12" mark on the ruler relative to the second pin gives the information about wear. See
THIS and
THIS.
Chain checker tools are faster and more convenient, but generally less accurate. I find chain checkers tend to over-estimate wear slightly, which makes them good "screening" tools. I'd rather change a chain a bit too early than risk excessive gear wear, since chains are relatively cheap. If you're a stickler for exact measurement, the ruler method is the way to go.