Breaking a Chain w/o Chainbreaker
08-21-10 | 05:21 PM
#1
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Breaking a Chain w/o Chainbreaker
First post!
I have an old bike that I want to take the chain off. I did not find a master link or anything. I just want to get the chain off by any means possible, as I'm just going to throw it away afterwards.
Any ideas?
I have an old bike that I want to take the chain off. I did not find a master link or anything. I just want to get the chain off by any means possible, as I'm just going to throw it away afterwards.
Any ideas?
08-21-10 | 05:34 PM
#4
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
You might just buy a Chain Breaker.
Why?
When you get a new chain you might have to remove some of the links to get a proper fit.
Why?
When you get a new chain you might have to remove some of the links to get a proper fit.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
08-21-10 | 05:50 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
08-21-10 | 06:05 PM
#6
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Bay Area, Calif.
One person on today's ride managed to remove his chain without using any tools at all. Getting it back together was a little more work and did require use of a chain tool.
But I'd expect that if you're not concerned about reusing the chain then just twisting it back and forth sideways would open up one of the links before long.
But I'd expect that if you're not concerned about reusing the chain then just twisting it back and forth sideways would open up one of the links before long.
08-21-10 | 06:29 PM
#8
Senior Member
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From: Southern California
08-21-10 | 06:53 PM
#9
rebmeM roineS
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Unless a master link is used.
Of course, a tool would be needed if the chain is too long. As previously mentioned.
Small investment, as bike tools go.
Of course, a tool would be needed if the chain is too long. As previously mentioned.
Small investment, as bike tools go.
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
08-21-10 | 06:54 PM
#10
$5 - $10 spend it or just do any one of the hacks above it will come off.
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It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
Last edited by JTGraphics; 08-21-10 at 07:03 PM.
08-21-10 | 07:21 PM
#11
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
+10 Bolt cutters, that's what I use on nasty, rusty chains. Broke my old chain tool trying to force a pin on a POS chain. No more.
08-21-10 | 07:31 PM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
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From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
As others point out, you'll need a chain tool to cut the next chain to size so you might as well go for it now. But if you just want to get it apart for now, fit 2 screwdrivers into the spaces between two adjacent outer links, and twist them in opposite directions.
Remember this is only for chains headed to the scrap heap.
Remember this is only for chains headed to the scrap heap.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
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