Chain Breaker Instructions

Breaking the chain on a motorcycle or other chain-driven device is a daunting task without the proper tool. Using hand tools, or even an electric saw or grinder to break a chain will take significantly more time to complete--and quite possibly damage the chain--than when using a chain breaker. These simple devices can break a chain in seconds without damaging the chain, and are inexpensive and easily stored. Operation is easily accomplished in five steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Chain breaker tool
  • Clean rags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the proper conditions to use the chain breaker (tool). Place the motorcycle or other chain-operated device on a flat level surface that gives you room to work beside the chain. Retract the extractor bolt on the chain breaker as far as it will go. The extractor bolt is a long bolt with a knob on one end, and a drive pin on the other. Twist the knob counter clockwise to retract the extractor bolt.

    • 2

      Position the tool's drive pin over a pin on the chain in the link you wish to break. The drive pin is located at the tip of the extractor bolt, on the opposite end from the knob. Insert the chain into the tool (it only fits one way) and position the drive pin just over the chain pin to be removed. Once the chain pin has been removed, the chain will be broken.

    • 3

      Advance the tool into contact with the chain, by aligning the small recess surrounding the tool's drive pin over the top of the chain's pin that will be removed. Slowly turn the extractor bolt clockwise to advance the drive pin. The recess surrounding the drive pin on the tip of the extractor bolt will grasp and hold the pin on the chain once it is aligned properly and in contact with the chain. Turn the extractor bolt clockwise until the drive pin and recess are flush with the pin to be removed.

    • 4

      Break the chain by advancing the extractor bolt. This will drive the drive pin forward, resulting in the chain pin being driven out. It takes a bit of force for the extractor bolt to accomplish this, so attach an adjustable wrench just below the knob to give yourself some leverage. Hold the tool in one hand and turn the adjustable wrench clockwise to remove the chain pin.

    • 5

      Reverse the direction you are turning the extractor bolt once the chain pin has been driven from the chain, and the chain is broken. Turn the extractor bolt counterclockwise by hand using the knob. Remove the chain from the tool.