Chain Stretch Tester?

[pragmatic393]

Have not tried it, but for $14, it seems like a good buy for an accurate and quick stretch limit test. Whatta ya think?

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[Satch0922]

that is interesting....

[Thumprding]

Hmm interesting, but normally I wear a set of sprockets out before I wear the chain out. As such I am changing chains before they are "stretched" out.

[FFRacing11x]

The easiest way to tell if your chain is beyond limits is to grab it at the 3 o'clock position on the rear sprocket and pull directly back. If you can pull it back far enough to see the "valley" between the teeth, it's time to replace. Tdub

[ossagp]

I like the pull and peek method. Used to be so into gadgets of anykind. Now I have so many that I can use a time tested method (such as Tryce's) faster than I can find my "test gadget" and then retrain myself to use it.

[Jaybird]

Originally Posted by Thumprding

Hmm interesting, but normally I wear a set of sprockets out before I wear the chain out. As such I am changing chains before they are "stretched" out.

If you wear out a set of sprockets, the chain is worn out.
It is the elongation of the chain pitch that wears out the sprockets. If the chain is still within safe running specs, then there is an adjustment problem.
Sprockets DO NOT wear before the chain elongates, unless there is a bad adjustment or you are using a gooey lube and riding in sand dunes.
Most folks who see sprockets wearing first have the chain too tight. Every jump is ruining the chain drive, CS, and wheel bearings.

[beeradd88]

I think you can also measure 12 (or so) links, and compare to what that distance should be for a 520 chain (for instance) when new. If 1.5% greater distance used than new, its time to replace. Some people say 3%, I`m not sure which is right, for a cheapskate like my I`d go 3%.