Chain breaker tool and related info requested

[Rusty-Gunn]

Hi. I would like to buy a good chain breaker tool in case a chain breaks while out in the field. I did a few searches on Amazon and eBay, and there are a few differing designs.
Which one would you recommend?
Also, a few of the breaker tool instructions said to grind the heads off the pins first, as it would make it easier to remove the pin.
Otay, what do you guys do to grind while in the field?
Thank you.

[Rusty-Gunn]

I just came across one breaker tool from Argo Adventure | Argo Atv | Argo Parts for $37.00 that claims theirs is better than a grinder especially in the field. Its my main choice now but will still take other recommendations.

[msafi65]

I have successfully cut chain with a diamond knife sharpener and a leatherman tool. It was slow but was able to remove the rivited end of pins. If you use a breaker tool only carry a good pin punch and hammer. The expanded ends of the pins won't push through a good piece of chain by hand. Badly worn chain will break and push out. I always grind pin ends before using the breaker when in the shop. I just don't like to force a big pin through a tight roller. I grind pins with a 4.5" grinder and a flap wheel, fast and dosent make a lot of heat. The tools I use on the o- ring chain in the MAX are modified vice grips that can remove a side link and one that has a nut welded into it to set the tight side links. Don the chain in your vehicle should last for years if properly maintained.

[johnnova]

Rusty I have one of the Argo chain breaker tools and it worked fine on regular #50 chain. When I tried to use it on brand new Oring chain without grinding the head off the chain the pin on the chain breaker just crumbled. Granted I knew that everyone recommended grinding the pin first but I was in a hurry and tried it anyway. As you said how are you suppose to grind the chain in the field. The chain breaker does work well and Grainger sells what looks like the same thing for more money.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Thanks for the info guys, I do appreciate it.
I suppose a very good hand file might need to be added to my tool box too. A diamond sharpener sounds like five hundred years in filing off the pin heads! Lol. I even think a good center punch won't hurt, to pound out stubborn pins.
I figure I will order the ArgoAdventure tool anyway.
Maybe a 12volt portable rotory tool might be cool as a grinder. I know of none though.

[Rusty-Gunn]

After a search on Amazon I chose a Bike Master c-clamp style heavy duty breaker tool, which I ordered.
It comes with two pin sizes which they claim are heavy duty. Anyhoo, I will need to grind off the
pin heads.
So I did another Amazon search and found a few mini die grinders (Dremel, Milwauke, etc. Even cheapy ones) battery powered and 12 volt type. I will do more reading on these before I buy one.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Question on grinding pins... Do I need to grind off one side or both ends? I figure one side but not sure. Thanks.

[locolouie]

I got a chain breaker from rollerchainforless.com for I think $25 and its the same as the argo one then went to harbor freight and bought a pair of vice grips for 3 to 5 dollars and made my own chain puller

[amphibious drew]

Question on grinding pins... Do I need to grind off one side or both ends? I figure one side but not sure. Thanks.

If your using a chain breaker, you shouldn't have to do any grinding.

[Rusty-Gunn]

If your using a chain breaker, you shouldn't have to do any grinding.

Not to doubt you, but all the info I was able to gather all suggest grinding first. It reduces the chance of breaking the push pin. Unless you know of a very strong one. Thanks.

[amphibious drew]

Not to doubt you, but all the info I was able to gather all suggest grinding first. It reduces the chance of breaking the push pin. Unless you know of a very strong one. Thanks.

I don't know where I got my breaker, but it is a c-clamp style that requires wrenches to turn. Of all the chain I have broken up into sections, never once have I ground down a single pin. If it makes you feel better to do so, I would suggest only doing the side you are pushing from.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Drew... Thank you. I most likely well grind first. I've never removed pins from 530 chains before. Anything to make it successful is a benefit.

[fmints]

I don't know where I got my breaker, but it is a c-clamp style that requires wrenches to turn. Of all the chain I have broken up into sections, never once have I ground down a single pin. If it makes you feel better to do so, I would suggest only doing the side you are pushing from.

I agree with Drew, I have the same type and I never have to grind off the ends. Grinding the ends is easier if your in the garage at home, but in the field, the c-clamp style will work just fine. Besides, thats what's it made to do!!

[Dozerlarry]

I have to agree with Drew too, I've never ground a link either. If you have to have a grinder most chain saw dealers sell a 12 volt grinder to sharpen saw chain with. They are usually high quality and will get into a tight place.

[Rusty-Gunn]

The Bike Master tool I ordered is a c-clamp type made of heat treated tool steel with hardened steel pins. It comes with two sizes of push pins which are interchangable. Folding handle on the.side.
It does not say anything about grinding pin heads first though. Might be prudent maybe.