The 9 Best Chain Breakers
This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in May of 2016. All sorts of things are driven by gear chains, including all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and industrial machinery. So what happens when that chain needs to be adjusted or replaced? That's when you reach for one of these breakers. Using powerful cutters and splitters, these tools let you quickly get your equipment back on the road or working smoothly again. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. ABN 9086
2. Pit Posse PP2845
3. Pro Bike Tool
Editor's Notes
April 09, 2020:
Added the ABN 9086.
You'll want to choose a chain breaker to fit the sort of chains you normally work on. Besides the pin sizes, some of the large breakers like the ABN 9086 are great for industrial chains but overkill and uncomfortable to use on small bicycle chains. The Pro Bike Tool is perfect for bicycle chains, not just because it is just the right size but also because it includes an all-metal body and handle. You'll want to stay away from models that have plastic handles mated to metal treads as this builds in an obvious failure point (this is true with tools generally).
I know that it is common and sometimes advisable to grind down pin heads with a flap wheel since this makes it less likely that you'll break a push pin - this is because staked pins have rolled-over edges that force the link face and the push pin to take undue pressure. Before doing so, check your particular chain breaker's manual since many manufacturers advice against it and have built the tool to deal with both pressed and staked pins.
Always lubricate any threaded drive tool to ensure smooth operation and reduce the likelihood of cross-threading or binding.
4. Motion Pro 08-0001
5. Koch Industries 77250
6. Topeak Universal
7. Park Tool CT-5
8. Oumers Bike Tool
9. Sunlite Mini
Rafael Perez is a doctoral candidate in philosophy at the University of Rochester. His primary focus is the metaphysics of time and the philosophy of mind, with a particular interest in artificial intelligence and antirepresentational models of the mind. He has extensive experience as a mechanic, a construction worker, and a general repairman. This has allowed him to gather a wealth of knowledge on automobile repair, auto parts, carpentry, masonry, welding, and the tools used in those trades. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, woodworking, and fishing.