How-to: Open a chain lock without special tools? It works with these tech hacks!

To prepare: Reduce chain tension

Before you put your hand on the chain, you should reduce the tension. This means: Engage the cage lock on Sram derailleurs and remove the chain from the chainring on Shimano drivetrains. Caution: Sram 12-speed chain locks are intended for single use only and should be replaced after opening.

Variant 1: Old shift cable

At home in the workshop, the job is simple and can be done quickly with a piece of old shift cable and a pair of pliers. The derailleur cable is threaded over the pulleys on the left and right of the chain lock and crossed underneath the chain.

Now grip the derailleur cable with the combination pliers and turn it in more and more while holding the chain as straight as possible with one hand. This brings the cable onto the two bolts of the chain lock and releases it from its anchorage.

If necessary, this method can also be used on the go without combination pliers. In this case, however, we strongly recommend keeping your gloves on. Otherwise, the wire of the cable pull will cut your hands badly. The effort required is also quite high.

Variant 2: Cable ties

Even with a stable Cable ties A chain lock can be opened, although this requires a little more skill. As with the shift cable, the cable tie is threaded over the two connecting bolts of the chain lock and zipped together underneath the chain.

Then grip the cable tie with the combination pliers directly behind the head and pull the loop tighter and tighter by turning the pliers. As soon as there is sufficient tension on the bolts, the chain lock is released. The cable tie must of course then be snapped open.

Variant 3: Combination or water pump pliers

Of course, a chain lock can also be opened with pliers alone. The best way to do this is to place the chain on the chainring so that the chain lock is slightly raised. This secures the chain, making it easier to work with.

If you now place one side of the pliers on the front plate and the other side on the rear plate, the chain lock can be opened with a little pressure. Caution: The pliers must always be on the side with the fixed bolt, otherwise it will not work.

This also works well with water pump pliers, and without the chain resting on the chainring. The best way to do this is to fold three chain links on top of each other. This makes it easier to grip the chain. Then place the pliers back on the outer plates of the chain lock and squeeze the pliers together. Click - and the lock is open.

We have many more valuable screwdriving tips in store. For example, how to fit a Vario seatpost to a mountain bike in just a few steps. Just have a read!

Variant 4: Shoelaces

Very few people will have pliers with them on tour. This is where a shoelace comes in handy. Just like the gear cable, the shoelace is threaded through the chain links - whether from above or below is irrelevant.

The shoelace must be crossed once, then gripped firmly with both hands. The chain lock opens with a firm pull on the lace. For a little more flavour, you can also wrap the lace around your fingers.