Had my chain break twice on me a few days ago and I’m wondering if it’s anything tondo with the way I fixed it. I’ve noticed that when I use the chain tool to rejoin the chain after removing the broken link, the joint that I’ve remade is very stiff. I push the pin through until it’s even on both sides, but it’s like the side plates are too tightly pressed either side of the centre piece. Is this normal after joining a chain (and it will loosen when you ride it) or am I likely doing something wrong?

a lot chain tools have a ‘stiff link’ position that allows you to bend the chain a bit back and forth to loosen up a tight link.

also, are you using new pins or just rejoining using the old one?

I’ve just been rejoining using the old pin. Should I be using a new pin then? Is that something I can pick up a pack of from my lbs?

How would I know if my chain tool has this “stiff link” position? What does it look like??

Thanks!