Chain wear indicator?

[Cyclopathic]

I've been told I'd be as well if not better off to just measure a chain to check for wear rather than using a specific device.
Can somebody tell me how to go about measuring a chain for wear. What exactly do I measure and what do I use as a comparison? Also how much wear is too much?

 

[tyred]

Each rivet should be 1/2" apart.

Using a steel ruler or tape, measure the distance between 24 rivets. You need to do it from the centre of the rivet. On a new chain it should be precisely 12". If it is any more than 12 1/16" you should replace the chain.

For non-derailleur geared bikes, you can pull the chain tight by squeezing top and bottom runs together with your hand and try and pull the chain away from the chainring. If it moves any more than about 1/4", you should consider replacement.

 

[Cyclopathic]

Each rivet should be 1/2" apart.

Using a steel ruler or tape, measure the distance between 24 rivets. You need to do it from the centre of the rivet. On a new chain it should be precisely 12". If it is any more than 12 1/16" you should replace the chain.

For non-derailleur geared bikes, you can pull the chain tight by squeezing top and bottom runs together with your hand and try and pull the chain away from the chainring. If it moves any more than about 1/4", you should consider replacement.

Thanks. I've just aquired some digital vernier calipers which will do the job very well. I might have to divide the numbers by 2 which should be ok as they measure to 2 decimal places.

 

[02GF74]

i used to do it that way but found you need to keep the chain taught and it is a bit hit and miss as the where exactly is the centre of the rivet - a chain tool is much quicker and in my opinion reliable.