How to Use a Chain Break Tool

Whether you're building a custom motorcycle or just working on the rear sprocket on your bike, at some point you're going to need a chain breaker. The chain breaker splits a chain in the drive, allowing it to separate and pull off of the bicycle. This allows you to add links if necessary, or take some away as well. The chain breaker tool looks a bit awkward to use, but once you see how it works, it's not very tough at all.

Things You'll Need

  • Chain
  • Open-end wrench set
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position yourself in front of the chain. Adjust the chain break tool until the pin on the inside of the tool is retracted about 1 mm inside of the tool, so you can still see the tip.

    • 2

      Slide the chain break tool around one of the links in the chain. Align the pin on the chain break tool with the pin in the center of the link, which is what the chain pivots on. Tighten the chain break tool by hand to make sure the alignment is correct.

    • 3

      Tighten the chain break tool with an open-end wrench, and continue tightening until the pin comes out of the chain. Loosen the chain break tool with the open-end wrench, then pull the chain break tool off of the chain. Pull the chain apart by hand.