Whether you own a bike or just work with chains a lot, you will probably need to break a chain at some point in your life.If you want to break a bike chain, you can either use a chain tool that will break one of the rivets, or use pliers if there is a master link on the chain.There are some simple and easy methods you can follow to break a chain.
Step 1: Make sure the chain is not loose.
As you attempt to break it, you should not have any slack in your chain.Shift the chain to the largest front and rear sprockets if you are working on a bike chain.To make the chain wrap around the pulleys, shift it to the smallest ones.Make sure the pulley doesn't pull too far back if the chain is wrapped around it.
Step 2: Don't break the chain by locating the special connecting rivet.
Other rivets in the chain may not have the same flaring or color.If you are going to break the chain with a chain tool, make sure you break a rivet that is away from the connecting rivets.If you have trouble identifying connecting rivets in your chain, the manufacturer will probably have a picture of them on their website.
Step 3: You can place the chain tool on the rivet.
To make sure the two are in contact, line the driving pin of the chain tool up with the rivet in a straight line.If your chain tool has a receptacle for the pin, make sure the rivet is lined up with it.Before you can place the tool on the rivet, you need to remove part of the chain tool.You won't be able to force it out if the driving pin is in the center of the rivet head.
Step 4: To break the chain, you have to force the rivet out.
Once you have lined up the driving pin, turn the handle with force and slowly drive the rivet out of the front plate and through the rear plate.Remove the pin and break the chain with your thumbs, as the rivet protrudes from the rear plate.If you decide to connect the link, this method will allow you to easily locate the hole.If you don't plan on repairing the chain, you can push the rivet all the way out with a chain tool.
Step 5: Make sure the bike chains are taut.
If you want to avoid having any slack in the chain, shift it to the largest front and rear sprockets.The chain will be taut as a result.Make sure the pulley doesn't pull too far back if the chain is wrapped around it.
Step 6: The master link is located on the chain.
The master link may have a pair of side plates that are different colors than the other links.You can use pliers to break the chain.The master link has an arrow pointing towards the inside of the chain loop.
Step 7: Use the pliers to disengage the master link.
If you position the pliers over the master link, one head will be placed on the outward side of the pin and the arrow will go towards the side plate.The other head should be on the opposite side of the pin.Press the side plates inward until the link is broken, then squeeze the pliers to push the pins together.Special pliers designed for use on master links will automatically press the side plates for you.
Step 8: The strength of the chain should be adjusted.
You can adjust the tension on the blades with an adjustment bolt.To set the correct tension for the chain you are breaking, use this bolt.The weakest setting will most likely suffice for small chains like bike chains.
Step 9: Where you want to break the chain is where you should be.
To make a clean cut in the right location, use a marking line or small dot to mark where you want the cut to be made.The mark can be made with a marker, paint, or blade.If you can, you should cut the chain to make it easier to break.This is not required for breaking a chain with a bolt cutter.
Step 10: Open the blades and place the cutter over the mark.
Make sure to open the blades as far apart as possible by pulling the handles of the bolt cutter apart.Move the cutter head so that the marked part of the chain is between the blades.
Step 11: Apply force to the blades.
The handles should be moved back towards one another to close the blades over the chain.Continue closing the blades and applying force until the chain is broken.When closing the blades, make sure you use a firm grip.The blades can slip away from the material if your grip is too loose.If you have a chain that requires you to break off from your initial cut, you need to apply force a second time before they break.