How to Fix a Stiff Link in Your Bike Chain

A stiff link (also called a tight link) causes a rhythmic skip or jump every time it passes through the rear derailleur. It's usually easy to find and fix. Here's how.

What is a stiff link?

A bike chain is made up of dozens of inner and outer plates connected by pins. Each link needs to pivot freely. A stiff link is one where the plates are binding against each other, preventing the link from flexing smoothly. This causes the chain to kink at that point.

How to spot a stiff link

1. Backpedal slowly and watch the chain passing through the rear derailleur jockey wheels. A stiff link will cause a visible jump or hesitation as it passes over the small pulleys
2. Run the chain through your fingers — bend each section laterally. The stiff link will feel noticeably harder to flex than the rest
3. Look from the side — a stiff link often sits at a slight angle rather than lying flat in line with the rest of the chain

What causes stiff links?

• Chain tool over-tightened — if you've recently shortened the chain or reconnected it with a chain tool, the pin may have been pushed too far through, compressing the outer plates against the inner plates
• Quick link not fully seated — modern chains use a quick link (master link) that can fail to click fully into place, leaving a tight spot
• Rust or corrosion — a rusty chain develops stiff links as corrosion builds between the plates. See our guide on removing rust from a bike
• Dirt and grit — accumulated grime jams between the plates. A dirty chain that hasn't been cleaned or lubed
• Damaged plates — if the chain has been twisted or snagged, the plates can deform slightly, causing binding

How to fix a stiff link

Method 1: Flex it free

The simplest approach:

1. Find the stiff link
2. Hold the chain either side of the stiff link with both hands
3. Flex the chain laterally (side to side) while gently working the stiff link. This spreads the plates slightly and frees the pin
4. Apply a drop of chain lube to the freed link

Method 2: Chain tool adjustment

If the stiff link was caused by pushing a pin too far with a chain tool:

1. Place the chain in the chain tool with the stiff link's pin aligned
2. Very gently push the pin back a fraction of a turn — just enough to relieve the compression on the outer plates
3. Check the link flexes freely
4. Be extremely careful — pushing the pin too far back will cause it to fall out

Method 3: Quick link check

If the stiff spot is at a quick link:

1. Check that both sides of the quick link have clicked fully into place — you should feel a positive click when the link seats properly
2. If it won't seat, the link may be the wrong size for the chain or slightly damaged. Replace it with a new quick link

When to replace instead of fix

• Multiple stiff links — if several links are stiff, the chain is likely worn, corroded, or badly contaminated. Cleaning may help, but replacement is usually the better option
• Visibly bent or damaged plates — a twisted or deformed chain should be replaced. It won't run smoothly no matter what you do
• Chain is also stretched — if a chain wear checker shows the chain is worn, replace rather than repair