how to shorten chain

nadroj · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 02:17 AM

Hi,
I need to remove about 7-8 links from my chain, it has a master link. What kind of tools do i need. I dont have a dremel or a good drill or a grinder.

Motormac · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 07:22 AM

You should get a chain breaker tool.It will come in handy later too. you are asking what kind of tools you need,well, either a dremel or a drill or a grinder will work too,perhaps you can borrow one of these from someone, or as a last resort go to a bike shop and ask them to remove the links for you. Should be no more than 5-10 bucks.
If you are careful you can also punch out the pin with a nail or something.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 07:46 AM

The pins are pretty hard to punch out, nearly impossible to punch back in. Get a good breaker or find somebody with tools and an interest in motorized bicycles.

Biker Mike · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 04:48 PM

You can get a chain breaker tool in the bike section at Wal-Mart for under 5 bucks.

MikeBike · #5 (**permalink**) 10-13-2008, 01:36 PM

i just whent thru this problem.

i whent and bought the 4.95 bell chain braker at wall mart.

it fits a 415 chain but when you go and brake it, the thereds stript.

so bought a new one and the chain post broke!!! BS

so i went to a local bike shop(try a bike) and they broke it with know problem with a Park tool chain braker. so i whent and orderd own from SBP
(Welcome to Sick Bike Parts) and its perfect!!!

save your money

**Bikeguy Joe** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-13-2008, 06:45 PM

Yeah, those Bell jobbies from wmart are junk.

comfortableshoes · #7 (**permalink**) 10-13-2008, 07:03 PM

don't buy the aventura brand at dick's sporting goods either, I broke one in the middle of my build. POS. wish I could find my old chain breaker...

deacon · #8 (**permalink**) 10-13-2008, 07:07 PM

Get a cheap file and a punch, with a master link you just have to knock out the links you don't want. I usually try to put them back together and not use the master link but if you are in a jam just file down the pin and knock it out. Be careful though to get the right length.

Cabinfever1977 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009, 10:22 PM

I cut the link in the chain with a jigsaw or you can use a hacksaw,
cut one link,count from there how many to remove,then cut again
break off the cut link pieces with pliers,pieces come right off,and pins fall right out,then slide a master link right in its place,pins go in easy- joining the 2 sides of chain back together,its easy this way

Hawaii_Ed · #10 (**permalink**) 03-24-2009, 02:28 AM

Dremel is cheap, and SO handy. That is what I used!