Chain breaking

George Grenier · Joined: 23 Jul 2001 Posts: 105

Can someone explain how to break a chain and remove links and put it back together. I know it seems simple, but every time I try it a get a tight link where I put it back together. Please explain every step including which pins to push out and which ones not to. I use a Coleman 219 chain tool, but I still can't get it right.
TIA,
George
Maybe a diagram would help too.

John Wehrheim · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2001 8:48 am Post subject: Chain breaking

I have found that the trick is to use the install screw for most of the pin installation, but the last bit, use the removal pin screw to complete the pressing of the pin into position. I never get a tight link by using this method.

David Mayhew · Joined: 31 Jul 2001 Posts: 209

Buy yourself a good chain breaker. The coleman ones look nice just don't work that well. We have one and we also have a steel one that I am not sure who makes but it works with ease. It will save a lot of chains. Maybe someone else knows of the brand of the one I am talking about. Good luck.

David Mayhew

John Desouza · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 220 Location: Afghanistan,

George, when you come to the track this weekend I'll be happy to help you out. Shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes.

Alan Lyon · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2001 10:39 pm Post subject: Chain breaking

Having worked as a bicycle mechanic for 10 years the same "tight" problem occurs on bike chains. When you push the pin back in, the tool pushes the side plates togheter making a tight spot in the chain. There are two solutions. (1) place your thumbs (using both hands) on one side of the chain right where the tight spot is and your fingers on the otherside. Lightly flex the chain sideways by applying pressure with your thumb. This will losen up the side plants and fix the tight spot. (2) When pushing the pin back into the chain, push it it slightly too far. Then turn the tool around and push the pin back into the correct position.