Roller Chain Breaker Tool

[Slowboat]

I need to do a one-off project (replacing the steering gear on my sailboat) with some 10B (metric roller chain close to size 50) and need to purchase a breaker tool. I was able to find 5m of Stainless chain on Ebay for $35.00 (which was a huge deal) so it's worth it to purchase the tool.

I looked on Amazon, and all the tools they had received crappy ratings.

Anybody got a favorite tool that doesn't break the bank?

 

[ibedayank]

i use a hammer and punch on chains and use a quick link to put it togather on what its going on

 

[Freeborn John]

Did you get a 'soft link' specific to that chain? I suspect stainless is hellish stuff to rivet otherwise.

 

[Slowboat]

Did you get a 'soft link' specific to that chain? I suspect stainless is hellish stuff to rivet otherwise.

I have quick links that I will be putting on the ends (which attach to cable), so all I really need to do is shorten the piece of chain that I purchased to the correct length (4ft).

 

[tatra]

use a grinder / dremel to take the heads off the rivets.............

 

[garfunkle24]

use a grinder / dremel to take the heads off the rivets.............

^^^^^This. Punch it through with a pin punch if necessary.

 

[2oolhound]

You can check motorcycle shops as they carry a variety of chain breakers. On stainless I'd grind the rivet first, then pin punch.

http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=...a=X&ei=LTkOTqOWBujYiALcqe3nDQ&ved=0CDgQ9QEwAw

 

[dharma-bum]

We do a lot of chains at work, all the way from 25.5 to 120. I use the Daytons. Not US made, but they work real well. Here's a link-
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/DAYTON-Chain-Detacher-2YEH5?Pid=search

All the Best

 

[Ditchdigger]

I just used this cheap HF chain breaker today on some Lynx Extra heavy duty 50 pitch chain and was quite suprised at how well it did the job.

I usually use this style

No idea on the brand, just whatever McGuire bearing has when I need one. But I have to say I prefer the cheap HF version and am going to look for a better quality one.

 

[kms]

D.I.D Chain Cut and Rivet Tool KM500

What I used when I used to have a bike. Expensive, but quick, durable and very easy to use. As mentioned, grinder works fine too.

 

[airbuff101]

It's a cinch to just grind the pins flush with plate (one one side) w/ a bench grinder, then punch them out w/ a straight punch and hammer.

2 minutes tops. You don't need a chain breaker.

airbuff

 

[pacmktg]

I sell roller chain for a living.

1. Use a die grinder and a punch. Do not waste your money on a tool you will use once.
2. Stainless Steel chain is softer than carbon steel by a lot. It is much more corrosion resistant though.