What chain-breaking tools do I need?

[number9]

I need to put the new chain on the KTM but it's too long. I don't have any chain tools, and am a bit overwhelmed by the options.

Which of these should I get? Chain | Motion Pro

I hate buying things twice, so I'm okay with spending the money up-front for something that will last.

[Crimedog]

I don't think there's a big difference between their tools besides press or rivet functionality. I have the PBR and would recommend. If you are going clip master I'd get pliers too.

[breakdirt916]

I messed one up

It may have been user error, but I kept cranking until something bent

[number9]

I don't think there's a big difference between their tools besides press or rivet functionality. I have the PBR and would recommend. If you are going clip master I'd get pliers too.

I don't want to show my ignorance, but.. I didn't understand a word of that do I want press or rivet?

Interestingly the Tusk pliers look identical to the Motion Pro ones, and are 1/4 the price.

[isaac_]

Get this. It is the only chain tool you will ever need.

RK Chain Rivet and Breaker Tool Brand New Design All Size Chains | eBay


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[Crimedog]

I don't want to show my ignorance, but.. I didn't understand a word of that do I want press or rivet?

Interestingly the Tusk pliers look identical to the Motion Pro ones, and are 1/4 the price.

Typically ~600cc and lower use clip style master links and above use rivet style but it's user preference. Usually dirt bikes use clips because you can reuse the link if you wanted to take the chain off for cleaning. You might as well get a tool that does both since there isn't going to be much of a difference in price.

With either style you assemble the master link and press on the outer plate. Then with clip style you simply clip on the retainer, with rivet style you rivet the two pins which permanently (hopefully!) retains the outer plate. Either way you need to press on the outer plate, and if/when you try to remove it you'll discover that you want the pliers.

For breaking you're just pushing the pins out of the links. For 520 and thicker chains they usually recommend that you grind off the rivet head. I broke about six 520/530 links before I broke the pin on my PBR tool, luckily it comes with two.

[CBR929RE]

sounds like this is your first time doing it and you don't have a clue how to do it. Get some help this time.

[DaveZX6r]

I have one of the press break riveters by motion pro. It's changed a bunch of chains and I've loaned it to 2 or 3 different members here. They last very well. The one recommendation I have is the same as crimedogs grind the pin heads before trying to break the chain.

Oh and also make sure you press the side plate a little at a time and check movement you don't want to press it to tight and crush the orings.

[nhbubba]

I have a fleabay special. Think I paid $30 for it. It works just fine, even on bicycle chains. The Tusk is probably the same. They are cheap and look exactly like the MP unit because they ripped off the MP design. It's the same thing and will work just as well.

Don't use it to cut old chains. Use a grinder or cutoff wheel. Faster and easier. Not like you care what condition the cut chain is in when finished.

When removing links from a new chain you will use, grind the rivet end flat then use the breaker. Way easier on the breaker tool and less work as well. Careful with heat buildup when grinding as it will ruin x or o-ring seals in adjacent links. Dremel grinders work well here.

Even clip type masters need to be pressed. The tool will press the plates for either rivet type or clip type. I'd use a clip type on anything, no displacement limit. Install the clip open end opposite direction of travel. Wire or dab of silicon for extra security.

[Stromper]

ANGLE GRINDER with cut off blade under $40

many other uses

[typeone]

i have the simple Chain Breaker with Folding Handle from MP, works great, price was nice, but the tools that break AND press are the better tool for the whole job.

Even clip type masters need to be pressed. The tool will press the plates for either rivet type or clip type.

yes, word of caution here if you attempt to press on the master plate of an o/x-ring with regular pliers... you will bend the plate, rendering it useless, if you squeeze from the middle of the plate. it's natural to want to squeeze the plate from the middle because you're trying to snap the clip on at the same time. no bueno.

all my MotionPro stuff has held up very well over the years, same for the Tusk tools i have but when i don't mind spending a little more, MP wins.

EDIT: typed too quick... long story short, if you want to go with MP tools... the simple breaker ($26) + mini press ($10) would be a nice economic solution that will last prob forever. this would be for a dirt bike toolkit, not street with rivet.

[Jim]

I reciently bought a Pit Posse, after using one a few times: Pit Posse PP2845 Motorcycle ATV Chain Cutter Breaker Splitter Rivet Riveting Heavy Duty Tool Kit 520 525 530 Life Time Warranty Amazon.com: Pit Posse PP2845 Motorcycle ATV Chain Cutter Breaker Splitter Rivet Riveting Heavy Duty Tool Kit 520 525 530 Life Time Warranty: Automotive

Price was right and their customer service is great.

Only other thing you'll need is a grinder to cut the riveted pins.


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[rpete]

I've used an RK tool to break and rivet a number of chains. If you'd like to get together to deal with yours (I'm not too far away), just send me a PM.

[aldend123]

I bought the Cyclegear knock-off, and once you see the price you might consider it too: Stockton Chain Breaker And Rivet Tool Kit - Cycle Gear $29.99

As an occasional user, it was hard to justify buying anything fancier. It worked fine. Grind the head of a pin off with angle grinder/dremel, push pin out and remove chain. Set up the new one, and press new pin, thus riveting the chain. Don't forget to put your new o-rings in place before pressing.