How To Use A Bicycle Chain Tool: Quick Guide

Yes, you can use a bicycle chain tool to take apart or join a bike chain. This tool is key for bicycle chain removal, installing new bicycle chain, and properly sizing bicycle chain. It helps keep your ride smooth and safe.

Why You Need a Bicycle Chain Tool

Your bicycle chain wears out over time. It stretches or gets damaged. When this happens, you need to fix it. A chain tool makes this job simple. It lets you take the chain apart safely. It also helps put it back together right. This is a big part of servicing bicycle drivetrain components.

Common Chain Repairs That Need a Tool

There are a few main reasons you will grab your bicycle chain breaker:

Chain Breakage: A hard hit can snap a chain link. You need the tool to remove the broken part.
Chain Replacement: Old chains must go. You use the tool for replacing bike chain entirely.
Adjustment: Sometimes you need to shorten a new chain. This involves sizing bicycle chain to match your gears.
Cleaning: Taking the chain off makes deep cleaning much easier.

Types of Bicycle Chain Tools Available

Not all chain tools look the same. They come in a few styles. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right one for your job.

Handheld Chain Breakers

These are small and simple. They look like a small vise grip. You place the chain pin into the slot. Then, you turn a handle to push the pin out. They are great for trailside fixes. They are also often called a chain rivet extractor.

Bench or Shop-Style Chain Tools

These are bigger and sturdier. They offer more leverage. This makes pushing tough pins easier, especially on stiff, dirty chains. They are better for heavy use or workshop settings.

Chain Link Press Tools

Some modern chains use special pins or plates. A chain link press tool is designed to push these specific pins back in without damaging them. This is often needed for certain types of multi-speed chains.

Master Link Pliers

These are specialized pliers used for master link removal or installation. They are not strictly a chain breaker, but they are essential if your chain uses a quick link system for quick link installation.

Preparing for Chain Work

Before you touch the tool, preparation is key. A clean setup prevents problems later on.

Inspecting Your Chain and Drivetrain

Look closely at your chain. Are the pins sticking out weirdly? Is one section bent? Check the cassette and chainrings too. A bad drivetrain wears out new chains fast.

Gathering Your Supplies

You will need a few things ready:

Your bicycle chain tool (breaker).
New chain or connecting pins, if needed.
Gloves (to keep your hands clean).
Degreaser and rags for cleaning up mess.
If your chain uses a quick link, you need master link removal pliers.

Setting Up a Work Area

Work on a stable surface. A workbench is best. If working outside, lay down an old towel or mat. This stops small parts from rolling away forever. Gravity is not your friend when dealing with tiny pins!

Step-by-Step Guide to Bicycle Chain Removal

Bicycle chain removal is the first big step if you are replacing the chain or doing a deep clean.

Locating the Connection Point

Most modern chains have a master link or quick link. This is the easiest spot to split the chain. Look for a link that looks different from the others. It often has a small plate bridging the two outer links.

Option 1: Using Master Link Pliers for Quick Links

If you find a master link:

Grip one side of the link with one jaw of the pliers.
Grip the other side with the second jaw.
Squeeze the handles firmly together.
The link will pop open easily. This is the simplest form of master link removal.

Option 2: Pushing the Pin Out (When No Master Link Exists)

If you have an older chain or one without a quick link, you must push a rivet out. Be careful here.

Positioning the Chain in the Tool

Place the chain link you want to separate into the cradle of the bicycle chain breaker.
Make sure the driving pin (the small pin on the tool) lines up perfectly with the chain rivet (the pin holding the chain together). This alignment is vital for smooth operation.

Applying Pressure

Slowly turn the handle of the tool clockwise.
You will see the tool’s driving pin push the chain rivet out.
Crucial Tip: If you are removing a chain for replacement, only push the rivet almost all the way out. Stop just before the rivet head clears the outer plate. If you push it completely out, it’s hard to tell which side the rivet came from, making reassembly tricky. If you push it all the way out, the chain section separates.

Removing the Chain

Once the pin is loose or out, gently wiggle the chain to break the connection. Now the chain is off for cleaning or replacing bike chain.

Sizing and Installing a New Bicycle Chain

After removing the old chain, you need to prepare the new one. This is where sizing bicycle chain becomes essential for smooth shifting.

Determining the Correct Chain Length

The right length depends on your gearing setup—specifically the largest chainring and the largest rear cog (the “big-big” combination).

Method 1: The Big-Big Plus Two Method (Most Common)

This is the standard way to ensure the chain is long enough for climbing without being too long for the derailleur.

Wrap the new chain around the largest chainring in the front.
Wrap it around the largest cog in the rear.
Do not thread the chain through the rear derailleur cage yet.
Pull the two ends together so they overlap by two full links (one inner and one outer plate link).
The point where they overlap is where you need to join them. Mark the outer plate just past this point.
Use your bicycle chain breaker to remove the excess links, making sure to end on an inner link if you are using a connecting pin or a master link.

Method 2: Following Manufacturer Guidelines

New chains usually come with a guide chart. Always check this first. It often suggests the correct length based on the number of speeds (e.g., 10-speed vs. 12-speed).

Pushing the Pin for Final Connection

If your chain uses connecting pins or a special joining pin (not a master link), you need to use the tool again for assembly. This is part of installing new bicycle chain.

Feed the chain through the rear derailleur cage correctly. Make sure it goes over the guide pulley and tension pulley.
Bring the two ends together. They should meet end-to-end (one inner plate facing one outer plate).
Insert the new connecting pin into the empty outer plate hole.
Place the chain into the chain link press tool or the designated slot on your bicycle chain breaker.
Slowly turn the handle to press the new rivet/pin into place. You must press it until the head of the pin is flush with the outer plate.

Setting the Pin Tension (Crucial Step!)

After pressing the new pin, the link will feel stiff. This is normal.

Gently move the chain side to side where you joined it. You may need to gently bend it a few times.
The link should now move smoothly up and down, just like all the other links. If it is still stiff, it will cause poor shifting. This stiffness often means the tool pushed the pin too far, or not far enough.

Quick Link Installation (The Preferred Modern Method)

Most modern 9, 10, 11, and 12-speed chains use a master link for easier maintenance. This avoids the tricky part of sizing bicycle chain perfectly with connecting pins.

Once the chain is the correct length, ensure the two ends are positioned correctly: one end must be an inner plate, and the other end must be an outer plate.
Snap the two halves of the master link together by hand.
To lock it fully, you need tension. Shift the rear gear into the largest cog.
Hold the rear brake firmly.
Push down hard on the top of the pedal (or use master link removal pliers in reverse, depending on the link type) until you hear a solid “click.” This confirms successful quick link installation.

Advanced Uses: Dealing with Stubborn Pins

Sometimes, pushing a pin out seems impossible. This is common with older, rusted, or highly used chains.

Re-Driving a Rivet

When performing bicycle chain removal or servicing bicycle drivetrain, you might need to push a pin out slightly to free a tight spot, but not fully remove it.

Use the tool to push the pin just enough so the link becomes loose.
Do not push it all the way through.
When putting the chain back together, you use the tool again to push that same pin back in until it seats flush. This process is often called “re-driving” the rivet.

What About Non-Removable Pins?

Some chains, especially older 8-speed or some lower-end models, use what manufacturers call “non-removable” connecting pins. These pins have ridges or flared ends.

While technically possible to remove them with extreme force, it is usually advised against.
If you must remove one, you need significant force and a very strong chain rivet extractor. Removing these pins often damages the outer plate, making that link weak.
For these chains, it is much better to simply use the tool to remove a standard pin elsewhere to achieve the desired sizing bicycle chain.

Maintenance and Care for Your Chain Tool

Your tool is a precision instrument. Taking care of it ensures it works well when you need it for replacing bike chain or other repairs.

Cleaning After Use

Chain grease is sticky. After using the bicycle chain breaker, wipe down the tool thoroughly. Use a light solvent or degreaser if needed. Dry it completely.

Lubrication

The threads and the driving pin need light oil. A drop of chain lube applied to the screw mechanism helps it turn smoothly next time. This prevents seizing.

Storage

Store your tool in a dry place. Extreme moisture causes rust, which ruins the fine threads needed for accurate pin pushing. Keep it with your other essential bike repair items.

Troubleshooting Common Chain Tool Issues

Even when following the steps, things can go wrong. Here is how to fix typical problems faced during bicycle chain removal or installation.

The Pin Won’t Move

If you are applying pressure and the chain rivet isn’t budging:

Check Alignment: Is the tool pin perfectly centered on the chain rivet? If it’s off by even a tiny bit, it will bind. Reposition and try again.
Check for Dirt: Rust or packed mud can lock a pin in place. Soak that section of the chain in penetrating oil for 15 minutes before attempting to push the pin.
Tool Quality: Cheap tools can bend under high pressure. If using a handheld tool, try using a bench-style tool for more leverage.

The Link is Too Stiff After Reassembly

This is the most common mistake when installing new bicycle chain using connecting pins.

Too Tight: You pushed the new pin too far in. Use the chain link press tool (or the opposite side of the breaker) to push the pin out just a hair. Then, flex the link side-to-side until it moves freely.
Too Loose: You did not push the pin far enough in. Use the tool to gently press the pin further until the link loosens up when flexed.

The Pin Pushed Out Too Far

If you were aiming to separate the chain completely but pushed the pin all the way out:

If you are using a standard rivet, you have ruined that rivet. You cannot reuse it effectively. You must use a new connecting pin or master link for reassembly.
If you have a master link chain, you can simply use the tool to push the pin out fully, and then use a new master link or connecting pin for the quick link installation.

Comparison Table: Different Chain Connection Methods

Connection Type	Tool Primarily Used	Ease of Installation/Removal	Best For
Standard Rivet (Non-Removable)	Bicycle Chain Breaker	Difficult to remove/reuse	Older, less expensive drivetrains
Connecting Pin (Removable)	Chain Link Press Tool / Breaker	Moderate difficulty (requires precise setting)	9/10 speed systems requiring permanent joining
Master Link / Quick Link	Master Link Removal Pliers	Very Easy	Modern drivetrains (9-speed and above)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a regular hammer and punch instead of a dedicated bicycle chain tool?

While technically possible to use a strong punch and hammer for bicycle chain removal, it is strongly discouraged. Hammers provide uncontrolled force, leading to bent chain plates, damaged pins, and potentially shattering components. A proper chain rivet extractor applies straight, precise pressure, protecting your chain.

Do I always need to remove the chain for basic cleaning?

No. For quick wipe-downs, you do not need bicycle chain removal. However, for deep cleaning, especially when using heavy solvents, taking the chain off (using the tool) allows you to soak and scrub every part thoroughly. This is better for servicing bicycle drivetrain longevity.

How many times can I reuse a master link?

Most high-quality master links (like SRAM PowerLinks or Shimano quick links) are designed to be reused a few times. However, every time you perform master link removal, the mechanism wears slightly. Many mechanics recommend replacing the link every third time it’s separated to ensure security. Never reuse a link that has been removed after being under extreme strain or one that seems loose.

What is the difference between a chain breaker and a chain rivet extractor?

The terms are often used interchangeably, as both tools push out chain rivets (pins). However, a chain rivet extractor specifically refers to the component that does the pushing (the tool’s pin). In practice, the entire device used for bicycle chain removal is commonly called a bicycle chain breaker.

Is it necessary to use a special tool for 12-speed chains?

Yes, absolutely. 12-speed chains are narrower and use very specific connection systems, often relying solely on master links. Attempting bicycle chain removal or installing new bicycle chain without the correct, high-quality tool can easily damage the thin outer plates, leading to immediate failure once under load. Always use tools appropriate for the chain speed.