Bicycle Mechanics - Chain Breaking

So today I finally received my Avenir chain breaker. I tried it out on the chain I was hoping to take off, and the chain wouldn't fit. So I see if it would fit on my single speed chain. No dice. No luck with my 8 speed Giant Brass 1 either. How the heck can I break a chain with this thing (http://www.amazon.com/Avenir-94-27-818-Chain-Tool/dp/B00165S5DM)? It appears that those stupid metal pieces between the top and the bottom of it get in the way of the chain. Please help. I ended up having to hack-saw that chain off of the bike.

You lay the chain perpendicular to the metal piece, so that those stupid metal pieces fit in between the links of the chain. Good luck!

Maybe you are not putting the chain in the tool the right way? It should be positioned so the tool pin presses the chain pin out, "almost" all the way.

Looks like a cheap version of the now-classic Rivioli chain-tool. I'd invest in a good one, like the Park Tool CT-3, for shop use, and something that works and is relatively small for onboard use in case you have a breakdown on the road. I've found the one that comes with the Topeak Alien II does a remarkably good job. The Park Tool CT-4 is one I've heard good things about:

http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=5&item=CT-4

I'm somewhat confused as to why the one you bought won't work. Strange days.

Chain tools all work about the same way. I don't think the OP is using it right. Try here: http://bicycletutor.com/chain-tool/

He's probably trying to use that piece of **** on a 1/8" singlespeed chain (learn to read peoples). Which, depending on the exact singlespeed chain, may or may not work for one that is not designed specifcally for 1/8, or is not adjustable.

He's probably trying to use that piece of **** on a 1/8" singlespeed chain (learn to read peoples). Which, depending on the exact singlespeed chain, may or may not work for one that is not designed specifcally for 1/8, or is not adjustable.

Actually, I was trying to use this piece of ***** on a 10 speed bike.

Actually, I was trying to use this piece of ***** on a 10 speed bike.

Please don't make me quote you to preserve your original post.

I tried it on the 10 speed first, then my single speed, then my 8 speed. It did not fit on any of those chains.

I tried it on the 10 speed first, then my single speed, then my 8 speed. It did not fit on any of those chains.

Ok.

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=25

Inspect the chain breaker, visually for deformation.