Can you straighten a bent sprocket

poorman · Apr 12, 2017

I am messing around with my project bike while the weather is nice, got ready to install the crankset and I noticed my sprocket is bent. Is there a easy way to to fix this or is it even safe, or do I need to save up and buy a new one? I hope I dont have to get a new one thats going to be even longer before I can ride cause I'm poor lol. Any advice is appreciated thanks in advance.

Poorman

Wildcat · Apr 12, 2017

If it's a steel sprocket, then it can be straightened, alloy or aluminum may crack. The way I've straightened them is like truing a wheel.
With the chain off the sprocket, I spin the cranks to see how and where the bend is. I use the chainstay as a guide. Then I gently tap the sprocket with a mallet until it spins true. I've also used a crescent wrench jaws to make slight bends to correct them.

poorman · Apr 12, 2017

Ok thanks Wildcat glad I can straighten it. It is steel. Much appreciated.

Poorman

aceuh · Apr 13, 2017

We had a couple riders collide with each other and go down. One of the bikes ended up with a bent sprocket. We used a crescent wrench to straighten it... Still riding with the same sprocket many years later

CrazyDave · Apr 13, 2017

If you use care you can bang it with a deadblow hammer on or off the bike. I prefer to take them off, lay them flat against the concrete and pound it. Metal has memory and if you are careful this can work very well and easily. If you choose to leave it on the bike try to straighten it like you would a bike rotor. See where its bent by spinning the cranks with the chain off and tap it back into place.

Dizzle Problems · Apr 13, 2017

I third the crescent wrench method. Have done it several times. Find the 'off' spot, clamp the wrench on it, and lightly pull using the leverage of the handle. Very similar to truing a disc rotor