Home Forums Bike Forum Putting chain back on other way round

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  • Putting chain back on other way round
  • MrSalmon
    Free Member

    I took my chain off yesterday to give it a good clean before switching to Squirt lube. It’s a KMC chain, and I’ve just noticed it isn’t directional. There’s lettering on both sides.

    Of course now I’ve no idea which way round it was on before. What issues if any might I have if I end up putting it back on the other way round?

    Slightly pointless question I suppose since I’ll just have to guess whatever the answer!

    EDIT The more I think about it I suppose it won’t be a problem. I was thinking it might cause accelerated wear but I guess the rollers don’t care so much about direction.

    1
    mert
    Free Member

    Shouldn’t make the slightest bit of difference except some of the wear on the plates from shifting and tooth engagement will be on the “wrong” side.

    2
    shoko
    Full Member

    Put it on upside down just to make sure…

    1
    Ambrose
    Full Member

    I put one on inside out once.

    reeksy
    Full Member

    Try it. You might like it.

    Depending on how long it has been used already if you get it wrong it may make a bit more noise at first. In which case you can flip it round again or just wait carry on regardless.

    vlad_the_invader
    Full Member

    I put a Shimano chain on the wrong way (inside out) once. It was noiser and shifting wasn’t as clean and both improved when I re-fitted the correct way around.

    So based on that, you might have lucked out and “accidentally” got it the right way round!

    jkomo
    Full Member

    The quick links can be directional.

    prettygreenparrot
    Full Member

    Directional chains and quick links 🤔

    Never  noticed this. I’d expected them to be symmetrical.

    old style master links (C-links?) on non-derailleur bikes were directional. Not seen one of those since the advent of the Shimano snap off pin and sram/KMC quick link.

    I just replaced the 9-speed SRAM chain on one of the children’s bikes and just popped it on as it came.

    I can imagine putting an old chain back on might have some issues if the drivetrain has worn unevenly.

    MrSalmon
    Free Member

    The quick links can be directional.

    I did think of that, but in this case (KMC silver Missing Link) they don’t seem to be – two identical parts as far as I can see.

    I’ve put the chain back on but not ridden yet.

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