Breaking a bike chain using a chain tool?

trex

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May 15, 2011
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you normally don't need to break your chain.
The front derailler has a small cage bolt at the bottom. Undo it, open the cage - that's all you have to do.
 
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Fordulike

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Feb 26, 2010
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you normally don't need to break your chain.
The front derailler has a small cage bolt at the bottom. Undo it, open the cage - that's all you have to do.
Mine doesn't have the luxury of the screw to open the cage. It's pop rivetted, so I'll have to break the chain to remove the cage :(
 

D8ve

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Jan 30, 2013
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But it's a tool you will need to replace your chain and it's good for adjustment too.
 

Fordulike

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Ahh, but the Topeak one has the wire gadget in the handle to hold the two loose ends of chain together so they don't escape and unwind from the derailleur or chainrings. :D
.
That's pretty handy :)
 

EddiePJ

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Jul 7, 2013
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None specifically. If you Google cycle multi tool, or Topeak multi tool, loads of examples should show up. I think that Halfords currently have 15% off cycle accessories and tools at the moment.
I guess that the main consideration is to make sure that the tool actually contains tools on it that would be useful, rather than just padding the product out with useless extra weight.
 

RobF

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Sep 22, 2012
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You might find the front mech comes in handy as a chain guide.

CorCoach, a company in Harrogate which aims to do factory quality conversions, fits a front chain guide.

http://www.corcoach.com/products10/2.html
 

Fordulike

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Feb 26, 2010
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You might find the front mech comes in handy as a chain guide.

CorCoach, a company in Harrogate which aims to do factory quality conversions, fits a front chain guide.

http://www.corcoach.com/products10/2.html
I'll have to fit the motor first, before I can see if my front derailleur stop, can adjust far enough to be used as a chain guide.

BTW, waiting on Eclipse to get a stock of batteries in, so in the meantime, just building up some knowledge and tools to get the job done without fuss.

Then again, with electric bikes there's always a little fuss :rolleyes:
 

mfj197

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Jul 18, 2014
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When I finally get my BBS02 kit, I will need to break the chain to remove the front derailleur assembly.
I see on the actual chain it has KMC narrow stamped on it.
Would this tool be suitable for the job?

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/tools-maintenance/tools/topeak-universal-bike-chain-tool
Most KMC chains have their trademark Missing Link, for which you don't need any tool at all. It's a link with longer slots so holds the chain pins when under tension but can be released by pushing the link together. The way to do it is grasp the chain either side of the link and flex it side to side. The link just comes apart.

Michael
 

Fordulike

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Feb 26, 2010
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Most KMC chains have their trademark Missing Link, for which you don't need any tool at all. It's a link with longer slots so holds the chain pins when under tension but can be released by pushing the link together. The way to do it is grasp the chain either side of the link and flex it side to side. The link just comes apart.

Michael
I'll take a look in the morning to see if it's got one :)
 

RobF

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Sep 22, 2012
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Opinions vary on missing or snap links.

Shimano won't entertain them.

Single use only is another theory.

My mate Chris the mechanic, who takes a sensible view of most things bike, reckons missing links are OK to be used a couple of times.

Breaking/joining using a chain tool will also weaken the link, although not by enough to matter, and the chances are you won't attack the same link twice.