kink in motorized gate drive chain

[Jim Beaver]

I've got a sliding (rolling, actually, but you know) gate on my driveway, driven by a motor with a drive chain of the same sort as on a bicycle, basically. It's got a couple of links that are kinking, preventing the chain from processing through the drive mechanism and thus preventing the gate from opening all the way. I've lubed the heck out of the chain, but the kinks won't loosen up, even twisting them with pliers. They're not HUGE kinks, just a quarter- to a half-inch out of alignment, but it's enough to stop them from going through.

Trying to DIY, but gave up and called the company that installed the gate two years ago, Himco. Himco has promised me for two days in a row that someone would be out "today." So I'm back to DIY, in hopes someday of getting my car out of my driveway.

Jim Beaver

[Mark H]

Sounds like it may be time for a new chain , But you could try a thin product like WD40 to get it freed up.

[Jim Beaver]

Tried it, with no luck yet. Will letting the WD sit a few hours have a noticeable effect, usually, or is it generally just as effective fresh on as when it's set for a while?

Jim Beaver

[tom]

If this chain is really "bike chain" gauge or a_bit_ beefier, you can grip the offending link(s) on either side and flex the link back and forth, opening up the side plates slightly. If the chain tension is tight, you may have to loosen the tension to get enough flexing. Maybe wear gloves, too. Tom

[S]

If its bike size chain it should be possible to replace a few links if nescessary, taking out the offending links first of course.

[Kwethluk]

Can you remove the master link to take the chain apart and remove the chain from the mechanism?

[G Wood]

If the chain is bike sized, you could use a bike chain tool to release the tension on the messed up links. Happens to me all the time when biking, I will suddenly develop "Chain-suck" and kinks due to damage / rightness caused by some sort of contaminant.

From your description it sounds like many links are involved in the kink? This almost sounds like a twist pressure has been or is being exerted on the chain. If a few links get bent, the chain is usually toast.

Anyways, a chain tool simply isolates a link and lines up the link-pin with a a thumb driven driver. A few turns of the screw from each side will help re-center the pin, possibly displacing the contaminant as well? Don't turn too far, as you're not looking to displace the pin entirely. Then apply a healthy lubricant.

If it's been a long time since maintenance, there are also cheap bike chain cleaners out there too. If the chain is mounted with plates vertical (like on a bike), you don't need to remove the chain to clean it. Use a envir-friendly degreaser in the cleaner to clean the chain, dry it, then try a standard oil as lube, or a wax-based lube to reduce attraction of dust/dirt.

[Don Young]

WD40 is not a very good penetrating oil. Try something like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench. I like Kroil best but it is not widely available. Long soak time will help as will heat.

Don Young

[beecrofter]

Cost of new chain is not a wallet buster. Consider it a wear item like a fan belt.

[Jim Beaver]

Estimating twenty feet of chain, what's that likely to cost? Not counting putting it on.

Jim Beaver