Breaking a 50-2 Chain

[Joker]

I want to shorten several double-50 chains in my Argo. Does anyone have a favorite way of removing links?

I have done some searches for chain breakers but haven't found any that specifically say will work on a double chain. I am willing to try the old grind-and-punch method, but figured I should ask first.

Thanks for any suggestions.
J

[racerone3]

a regular chain breaker will work fine. look in the hardware drawers at Lowes or home depot. . they usually have a cheap one that works pretty well

[lewis]

We fixed a chain in Arizona with a rock and screwdriver.
Whipper, George, Reb and I. Primitive but it worked!

Regular chain break should work. I have one but hope to not have to use it.

[Joker]

Well, I drove to a couple local stores and couldn't find a breaker. So I went home to look for a rock and a screwdriver, but could only find a rock. So I ended up with the diamond cut off wheel and pliers. This worked well. Tomorrow I get to find out if the chain is too short now.

J

[lewis]

Well, I drove to a couple local stores and couldn't find a breaker. So I went home to look for a rock and a screwdriver, but could only find a rock. So I ended up with the diamond cut off wheel and pliers. This worked well. Tomorrow I get to find out if the chain is too short now.

J

That funny there Joker. We were in the desert and had no air grinder. I ordered my puller and break from a vendor at work. You can make your own puller from a pair of neednose vise grips and it works fine. Some use tywraps and swear by them.

How worn is you chain?

[Joker]

I think the chain is ok. It measures 3.25 inches of bend over the almost 5 feet of length. There is some wear from the chain rubbing on the cross brace of the frame (bad design).

I took out a link but now the chain is too short so I have some half-links on order. It's too bad that the frame design only allows for a half-link worth of stretch. The chain tensioner doesn't get much chance to work.
J

[jerseybigfoot]

I think the chain is ok. It measures 3.25 inches of bend over the almost 5 feet of length. There is some wear from the chain rubbing on the cross brace of the frame (bad design).

I took out a link but now the chain is too short so I have some half-links on order. It's too bad that the frame design only allows for a half-link worth of stretch. The chain tensioner doesn't get much chance to work.
J

If you have to take out a link or add a half link the chain has past its lifespan and will only lead to other problems. Its time to replace the chain.

[lewis]

Marc is right, it will start working on sprockets.

I would put new chain on it as soon as possible. Don't throw the old ones away you can put them in a bag with oil and use them on the trails if you bust a chain. It will get you back home at least.

[Joker]

I agree that a chain that is too worn will cause damage to the sprockets, but changing out $400 worth of chains prematurly isn't cost effective. A half link worth of chain wear seems acceptable. The frame design doesn't allow for enough room for the tensioner to correct the early wear common to new chains.

I'll keep an eye on them, but don't think their fit to the sprockets looks bad enough to change them right now - maybe next year if I get to use the Argo as much as I hope to this season.

Thanks for the advise. It helps to hear the opinions of people in the same situation.

J

[Roger S]

I think you'll find 1/2 links are too short. If they aren't slipping on the sprockets, and your concern is the chain slap against frame members, you can make pads out of nylon/plastic sheet and mount to frame to keep the chain off of it.