I was out trail riding alone the other day and my chain snapped. Fortunately, it had a master split link with a spring clip and that broke, so I was able to replace it with a spare split link that I had. Well, not quite, as I didn't realise that I needed a master link press tool to compress the link enough to get the clip on, so I ended up hobbling home with just the spring slip holding the link together! It snapped again half way home, so I bodged it again with another spring clip and made it the rest of the way.
I don't want the same thing to happen again, so I need the right tools for the job!
I'm going to rivet the new chain when I fit it rather than use the split link and clip, but that makes life a bit more complicated if the chain ever snapped on the trails as it';s more difficulty to remove a riveted link.
There are loads of chain breaking and riveting tools around, but can anyone recommend one that will push out a rivet without needing to grind the rivet head off first? I can do that at home, but not on the side of a trail! Motion Pro make a big chain tool that will do that, but it's a bit big and heavy to carry on the bike. Is there a cheaper/lighter alternative that will do the job?
I'm also going to buy a master link chain press so I can fit a split link and clip if I ever get another snapped chain. Motion Pro make one for about £35, but there are identical Chinese copies on Ebay for £12-15. Anyone bought and used one of the cheap copies?
I don't want the same thing to happen again, so I need the right tools for the job!
I'm going to rivet the new chain when I fit it rather than use the split link and clip, but that makes life a bit more complicated if the chain ever snapped on the trails as it';s more difficulty to remove a riveted link.
There are loads of chain breaking and riveting tools around, but can anyone recommend one that will push out a rivet without needing to grind the rivet head off first? I can do that at home, but not on the side of a trail! Motion Pro make a big chain tool that will do that, but it's a bit big and heavy to carry on the bike. Is there a cheaper/lighter alternative that will do the job?
I'm also going to buy a master link chain press so I can fit a split link and clip if I ever get another snapped chain. Motion Pro make one for about £35, but there are identical Chinese copies on Ebay for £12-15. Anyone bought and used one of the cheap copies?
