Using a chain split tool, also known as a chain breaker or chain tool, is a fundamental skill for bike maintenance, allowing you to remove or shorten a bicycle chain. The process involves carefully positioning the chain in the tool and using a pin to push one of the chain's rivets out, effectively splitting the chain.
Here's a breakdown of the steps:
Getting Started
Before you begin, gather your chain split tool and ensure your bike's chain is accessible. It's often easiest to work with the chain when it's off the bike or held taut.
Steps to Split a Bicycle Chain
Follow these steps to correctly use a chain split tool:
- Position the Chain: Open the chain split tool and place the bicycle chain onto the tool's cradle. You need to position the chain so that one of the chain links, specifically the rivet you want to push out, aligns directly with the tool's pushing pin. Many chain tools have different slots for different chain widths; make sure you use the correct one for your chain (e.g., 1 to 12 speed chains).
- Align the Pushing Pin: Carefully turn the handle of the chain tool to bring the tool's pushing pin closer to the chain rivet you've aligned. Ensure the tip of the pin is centered precisely on the end of the rivet you intend to push out. Proper alignment prevents damage to the tool or the chain.
- Push the Rivet: Begin rotating the handle of the chain tool clockwise. This action extends the tool's pushing pin, which will start to press against the chain rivet.
- Reference insight: Just keep on rotating the handle. Until you push the rivet all the way through like. So now that the rivet has been pushed out of the chain the chain will be split.
- Continue turning the handle steadily. You will feel resistance as the pin pushes the rivet through the opposite side of the chain link.
- Keep turning until the rivet is completely pushed out of the link. You'll typically see the chain split apart as the rivet is fully dislodged.
- Separate the Chain: Once the rivet is pushed through, the chain will separate at that link. You can now remove the chain from the tool.
Important Considerations:
- Partially Pushing Rivets: Sometimes, when shortening a chain to connect it using a master link, you only partially push a rivet out of a link (leaving it connected to the outer plate) to use as a connecting pin. However, to fully split the chain for removal or repair, you push the rivet completely out as described above.
- Chain Types: Ensure your chain tool is compatible with your chain's speed (e.g., 8-speed, 11-speed, 12-speed). Newer, narrower chains require tools designed for them.
- Practice: Using a chain tool can feel awkward at first. Practice on an old piece of chain if possible.
Using a chain split tool correctly makes repairing or replacing your bike chain a manageable task. By following these steps and carefully aligning the tool, you can efficiently split your chain.
