Chain Wear Checking for Dummies
08-13-10, 11:29 AM
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Chain Wear Checking for Dummies
I'm sure this has been explained here before, and I may have even read it and then forgot about it, but it occurred to me the other day that checking chain wear with a ruler is really, really easy.
Here's the deal: the rivet on a Shimano 10-speed chain is 3/16" in diameter, or 6/32nds of an inch. That means half the diameter is 3/32nds which, interestingly enough, is generally considered the maximum amount of acceptable "stretch" or wear a chain should have before it needs to be replaced.
So, if you take a steel 12-inch ruler and lay the first mark down the middle of a rivet, the position of the last mark on the other end of the ruler will fall somewhere between the left edge and the center of the corresponding rivet at the 12-inch mark. If the mark is anywhere to the right of the edge of the rivet, your chain is still good, as shown in the accompanying photograph. The yellow zone, in other words, is the "safe" zone.
This being the 41, we can and no doubt will argue vigorously whether or not the acceptable amount of stretch is actually 3/32 or 1/16. Moot point. Either one is easy enough to determine using this method.
Here's the deal: the rivet on a Shimano 10-speed chain is 3/16" in diameter, or 6/32nds of an inch. That means half the diameter is 3/32nds which, interestingly enough, is generally considered the maximum amount of acceptable "stretch" or wear a chain should have before it needs to be replaced.
So, if you take a steel 12-inch ruler and lay the first mark down the middle of a rivet, the position of the last mark on the other end of the ruler will fall somewhere between the left edge and the center of the corresponding rivet at the 12-inch mark. If the mark is anywhere to the right of the edge of the rivet, your chain is still good, as shown in the accompanying photograph. The yellow zone, in other words, is the "safe" zone.
This being the 41, we can and no doubt will argue vigorously whether or not the acceptable amount of stretch is actually 3/32 or 1/16. Moot point. Either one is easy enough to determine using this method.
08-13-10, 11:40 AM
#3
Mr. Dopolina
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This works just fine and you don't need to buy an expensive tool.
If you want the expensive tool follow the link in my sig and I will source a really expensive tool for you.
Heck you may even have to fly here and foot the bill for hookers and blow. Wink.
If you want the expensive tool follow the link in my sig and I will source a really expensive tool for you.
Heck you may even have to fly here and foot the bill for hookers and blow. Wink.
08-13-10, 11:43 AM
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08-13-10, 11:45 AM
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When I lived in Taipei in the mid '70s there were plenty of hookers, but no blow. Lots of pills, but apparently those didn't count as drugs. I think they executed an American for selling heroin around that time.
08-13-10, 11:46 AM
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08-13-10, 11:50 AM
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08-13-10, 11:50 AM
#10
Mr. Dopolina
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Pills are still the rule.
They like speedy stuff here (like they need it!) or horse tranquilizers so they can drool on themselves.
Bin Lan is still king.
08-13-10, 11:53 AM
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Nice how-to post.
Oh, and you need to wash your hands.
Oh, and you need to wash your hands.
08-13-10, 11:57 AM
#13
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Long Life's
Taiwan Rum
Romilar
Normanox
"Green Pea" diet pills
We used to go down to Shimanding and load up on beetle nut for a little variety.
08-13-10, 12:03 PM
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Mr. Dopolina
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I don't smoke.
I like white liquors or tequila
?
?
New game in town.
Bin Lan is nasty and gives you cancer. No thanks.
I prefer green tea and a pick n, fry of ducks blood and chicken a-holes.
08-13-10, 12:10 PM
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The red bean popsicles were pretty good. I agree that the rest of it was pretty rank, but being teenagers, we really didn't know any better.
08-13-10, 12:13 PM
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08-13-10, 12:31 PM
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Professional Fuss-Budget
I concur, the Park tool is a snap to use, costs $10, keeps things clean.
08-13-10, 12:40 PM
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08-13-10, 12:50 PM
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08-13-10, 12:51 PM
#25
Senior Member
Garage would cost me $25,000
And doesn't require a wall...
Move to Russia, or join a commune?
Ruler, chain-checker, tape measure --- which one is in easier reach?
Move to Russia, or join a commune?
Ruler, chain-checker, tape measure --- which one is in easier reach?
