Paging Jaybird's chain knowledge

[evenslower]

Well, not really chain, more like chain tools. What chain breaker and/or press would you recommend for the spode who's going to need to break a chain a couple times a year. There's a few out there with prices all over the board. Not looking for an emergency repair tool, just something to hang over the workbench.

Thanks in advance.

 

[MrLuckey]

I wouldn't buy it from this link but the MotionPro pictured at the top is a quality unit for most needs.

LINK

 

[Jaybird]

I have always used the classic style, spring loaded chain breaker.
They are hard to beat.

I prefer them over the Motion Pro style tool for a couple of reasons. Since you need to press the pins through both plates with the MP tool, it makes it very easy to break the push pin off if you don't have it situated just right. The price of 4 replacement pins can buy you one of my chain breakers.
Also, the MP tool needs another tool to make it work ie..a screw driver, or a cresent wrench. Very cumbersome.

The classic chain breaker is very easy to use and the jaws will line you up perfectly with the pin.
Many have tried to re-invent the wheel, but the classic chain breaker has been around for decades and remains the choice of those who break chains often.

No matter what style breaker you use, always take just a little bite on one pin at a time, then move to the other pin and take a small bite. Repeat the process 2-3 times and you will never damage the link next to the break link. Folks screw this up most often.

 

[MrLuckey]

The motion pro that I have actually centers itself over the pin. Over 3 yrs and about 50 uses and it still works like a champ. Holding the tool in one hand and putting a wrench to it with the other is pretty easy for me. Certainly not cumbersome lol.

 

[Jaybird]

Much more cumbersome than not needing another tool, aye?

Have you ever tried a classic style breaker, Eddie?

One thing you can do with a classic breaker than you can't do with others...
If you worry about your clip style master link coming apart, you can always mount it normaly, then you can slightly peen the pins so that the plate won't slide off even if the clip flys away.
If you use a classic style breaker, you can always remove the master and replace it for re-use, even if you have peened the heads of the pins. Can't do that with a MP breaker without trashing the master link.

 

[MrLuckey]

Holding the chain breaker/chain with one hand and turning a wrench with the other is not cumbersome for me to begin with so it couldn't be much more cumbersome. I usually do mine with the chain on the bike and it's one of those things that is so easy you just never think about it. Haven't used the classic style and probably won't unless for some reason I don't have mine when I need it and someone else has one handy. I expect my motion pro to last quite awhile, it fits in my smallest toolbox drawer or my fanny pack and fills my needs nicely. I'd bet the classic style is easy and a nice tool along with some others that other people like. <shrug>

 

[Rooster]

It all comes down to what you have handy, eh? I just use a 9" angle grinder and a punch.

 

[Jaybird]

You know, if you use a hammer along with that punch, your head wouldn't hurt so bad, Rooster!
:bang:

:nener:

 

[JTT]

Over 3 yrs and about 50 uses and it still works like a champ.

Not to add to the aguement..er' discussion :) but my "Classic" breaker is 20+ yrs old and still work a charm :cool:

 

[RM_guy]

My classic breaker was new to me 25 years ago and it's still works like a charm. I got it from some mechanic that felt it was to worn out to use :eek:

...but what ever works for you is fine.

 

[GREENBEAN]

Whoa!...Thats ten times a year if it is five years. That is a lot of chain maintenance. Those must not be O-ring chains... and you probably only use WD-40 for lube...Ha

 

[MrLuckey]

Bean, I actually did a lot of experimenting taking some chains apart and checking out the insides. Another reason I will only run ring chains from now on.