What a tool
A chain breaker and riveter is the tool of the month.
WHAT IS IT?
Exactly what it says on the tin. This is a specialist tool used to break and rivet motorcycle chains.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Just like a Swiss army knife there are quite a few functions to this Bikeservice chain breaker and riveter, that’s capable of tackling chains from 415-632 pitch. The box the tool’s supplied in contains three different sizes of push pins. According to the size of chain you’re working with you’ll choose the most appropriate size pin and insert it into the body’s main chamber, being secured in place by the correct size guide for the pin (there are three different size holding tips – one for each pin). At the other end of the tool’s securing channel, you’ll insert another holding tip that’ll locate onto the far side of the chain, and allow a link’s pin to pass through its hollowed centre. With the tip and pin in place, you simply insert the chain into the tool’s channel and wind the centre screw, using its t-bar handle, until the push pin is forcing on one side of the link, with its other side secured against the hollow holding tip. With the link secured in place, and the push pin central on the link pin, you’re ready to wind the forcing screw clockwise and drive the link pin out. Do this and the chain will split in half.
Now here comes the tricky bit: riveting a chain back together. You can’t do this properly without a chain-riveting tool. A particular nightmare when you’re fitting any link to any chain is evenly pressing a split link’s plate onto its pins. The Bikeservice tool bins off that issue, using a combination of shallow and deep press blocks, that thread into the tool and allow themselves to be wound down towards one another, forcing the link plate onto the pins until it’s achieved the correct depth (check thickness with verniers). Once this rivet link is at this stage, it’s ready to be secured in place. If your chain has a hollow type link, there’s a conical-shaped insert that can be wound down onto the link to splay its surface area. If you have a solid type link, there’s also an anvil-style fitment that’s designed for solid links pins to spread them as needed. Do this correctly and your chain will be safe and sound to use.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
It sure is. I’ve used several breaker/riveter tools over the years, but this is probably the simplest to operate… and there’s no need for a hammer. The kit comes with all the components you need to cover every stage of breaking, pressing and riveting a chain, supported by childproof guidance from the inclusive instruction manual. It’s not every day you rivet a chain, but it’s proving durable so far, and kept safe in its tough, metal case. I like it and, costing what it does, I’d say it’s something of a bargain.