Chain replacement
- Thread starter Wolf
- Start date
Lucytriple
Wrrrench
This is a good one you only have to buy once, but you MUST grind off the rivet heads before you try to push the pin out or you'll break it lickety split. https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0467
Even better is to grind off the rivet heads, use this to push out the master link and then use the above to install the new chain. https://www.ridersdiscount.com/regina-chain-breaker-35-to-632-size-chains-654478
Even better is to grind off the rivet heads, use this to push out the master link and then use the above to install the new chain. https://www.ridersdiscount.com/regina-chain-breaker-35-to-632-size-chains-654478
usedtobefast
Well-known member
This is the cheapest one I've used: https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/motion-pro-chain-breaker-with-folding-handle
It works, but some effort to hold it while torquing away.
I bought the RK version of this: https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/stockton-chain-breaker-and-rivet-tool-kit
Mine was around $90 or so. Not sure of the quality of that Stockton tool. But this style you have more leverage and you have parts to help put the new plate on and to mushroom out the masterlink pin so it holds.
Actually, that first style tool will only let you take it off, not install a new one! So skip that.
Buy the kind in the plastic case so you can break and install.
So $50 for cheap one (Stockton), ~$100 for a good one (MotionPro, RK).
It works, but some effort to hold it while torquing away.
I bought the RK version of this: https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/stockton-chain-breaker-and-rivet-tool-kit
Mine was around $90 or so. Not sure of the quality of that Stockton tool. But this style you have more leverage and you have parts to help put the new plate on and to mushroom out the masterlink pin so it holds.
Actually, that first style tool will only let you take it off, not install a new one! So skip that.
Buy the kind in the plastic case so you can break and install.
So $50 for cheap one (Stockton), ~$100 for a good one (MotionPro, RK).
musiclucho
Well-known member
I have a Stockton brand I bought from cg for 20 bucks (I think New is costs about 50) and it is a decent one. Just make sure to grind the pin in the chain so you won’t risk your tool pins.
I have accumulated way too many chain breakers, so if you want, I could part with one of them...I have a few of the folding style, some of the red box style, and some really heavy duty RK.
My favorite one is the folding one BTW, it could be modified into a side plate press/riveter, and it is very convenient to carry.
The price would depend on the one you'd want
20$+
My favorite one is the folding one BTW, it could be modified into a side plate press/riveter, and it is very convenient to carry.
The price would depend on the one you'd want
20$+
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To prevent pin snappage when using a chain breaker, tighten the barrel extra tight with a pair of pliers. If you watch, you can see the body of the breaker expand under pressure, exposing part of the drive pin. It's this extra extension that allows the pin to break. I usually use an old very heavy chain breaker in this way without grinding the pin. Having broken pins in the past, I've not broken one using this method. I mention this as a lot of driveway mechanics don't have access to a Dremel tool, a grinder, or even a drill mounted grind stone.
dravnx
Well-known member
The Cycle Gear Stockton set up works fine. Mine has done about 6-7 chains so I don't know how long it will last but I'm not worried about it. From what I hear, it's not the easiest tool to use but it works. As everyone else has mentioned, grind the head off the rivets before trying to push them out. You'll need a dremel type tool with abrasive cut off wheels. The Harbor Freight one will work fine if you're only going to use it for the occasional chain. You can also skip the whole pushing the rivets out step and just cut through the link side plates with the cut off wheel.
RickM
Well-known member
I have the stockton tool one I got from cycle gear for $20 or $29 on there perpetual sale.
Have used it for over 25 chains so far. Never broke a pin yet. I do have an angle grinder and grind the rivet head on 525 and larger chains. 520 i just use the tool, no grinding.
When pressing new chain, I go slow and frequently check with calipers to make sure I don't press the plates to much to cause binding or flare the rivet head too much and crack.
If your CS sprocket is held by one large nut, remember to loosen the nut before cutting chain. I have an Aircat 1200 lb.ft impact gun that makes light work off that too.
With the right tools at disposal, chain replacement is under an hour and easy work. I will waste more time traveling to and from a shop to get this done.
Without correct tools, it can take significantly longer if you get stick unable to remove the CS sprocket etc.
Have used it for over 25 chains so far. Never broke a pin yet. I do have an angle grinder and grind the rivet head on 525 and larger chains. 520 i just use the tool, no grinding.
When pressing new chain, I go slow and frequently check with calipers to make sure I don't press the plates to much to cause binding or flare the rivet head too much and crack.
If your CS sprocket is held by one large nut, remember to loosen the nut before cutting chain. I have an Aircat 1200 lb.ft impact gun that makes light work off that too.
With the right tools at disposal, chain replacement is under an hour and easy work. I will waste more time traveling to and from a shop to get this done.
Without correct tools, it can take significantly longer if you get stick unable to remove the CS sprocket etc.
Darkness!
Where's the kick starter?
Wolf / Patrick. If you need to replace your chain, you likely need to replace your sprockets too. Putting a new chain on sprockets that already have enough wear on them such that your chain is worn/kinked/loose etc. is basically throwing money into the garbage disposal. Check your front and rear sprockets very carefully before you just buy a chain.
On the hand if you have JUST replaced the sprockets, you may be fine just replacing the chain. but it's been my experience over many years of helping fellow riders out with minor repairs that they almost always just replace the rear sprocket at best because the front is "too much of a hassle to get to..."
Check your sprockets. Or post up pics if you're not sure and the fine folks here Teh BARF will be sure to educate you...whether you like it or not. :laughing
Good luck
On the hand if you have JUST replaced the sprockets, you may be fine just replacing the chain. but it's been my experience over many years of helping fellow riders out with minor repairs that they almost always just replace the rear sprocket at best because the front is "too much of a hassle to get to..."
Check your sprockets. Or post up pics if you're not sure and the fine folks here Teh BARF will be sure to educate you...whether you like it or not. :laughing
Good luck
ScottRNelson
Mr. Dual Sport Rider
I have an RK chain tool and have been able to drive out pins on all but one chain - of maybe 10 - without grinding off the head. It's fairly obvious if it's going to start moving with reasonable pressure or not. So the one chain that I couldn't push the pin out I was tossing anyway and just cut the plates through the middle of the link to get it off. I think I used an angle grinder on it. :laughing
I'm about due for a new chain on my XR650L, so I'll have to dig the tool out of my toolbox again.
I've been happy in the past to help others swap chains if they lived nearby. Not gonna happen these days. :x
I'm about due for a new chain on my XR650L, so I'll have to dig the tool out of my toolbox again.
I've been happy in the past to help others swap chains if they lived nearby. Not gonna happen these days. :x
dravnx
Well-known member
What does it do better?
I bought the knock-off of the knock-off of the knock-off https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EO17L02 and have been happy with it so far with it's use on 3 chains. Just grind the rivet heads off first.
stangmx13
not Stan
fewer pieces to lose. shorter pin which wont bend/break as easily. larger threads so they dont gall up. smaller tool as a whole. the whole thing is just easier to use, which likely translates into lasting longer.
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cal scott
Wookie
I sprung for the Motion Pro PBR tool and don't regret it. Super easy to use in a nice compact package...
https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0470
Breaks & rivets 520, 525, & 530 chains.
https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0470
Breaks & rivets 520, 525, & 530 chains.
Wolf
Experienced, not Skilled
Picked one up yesterday. $49 on sale from $90. :thumbup
Wolf
Experienced, not Skilled
On the way; +3 rear :teeth:teeth:teeth
Already have an angle grinder, just gotta get a long extension cord to bring power from my apt to the garage.
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Wolf
Experienced, not Skilled
:thumbup thank you