i could just be terrible at using a chain break, it always ends up with a stiff link no matter how much i try to free it up flexing it back and forth (perpendicular to natural motion, i once read this is what you should do, bad idea?), but my chain break also cost $3 at walmart. so assuming it's not completely my awful technique, anyone have suggestions for a good chain break, one that won't kill my chain?

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...r"&btnG=Search

i got fine results with the walmart tool. did you push it back out a few turns (flip the chain and push the pin in the opposite direction) like it says on the box?

yep, did not do it for me.

You could also try wedging a Phillips head screwdriver or hex key between the stiff link's plates and twisting the key/screwdriver to force the plates apart slightly. Usually just using your man hands is enough though. Eat some meat and try again.

-1

The upper position on the chain tool was designed to resolve stiff links. The other option is to bend the chain with your hands back and forth. Don't do this on 10 speed chains.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_tool

"I'm sick and tired of these mother f!@#$%^ breaks on this mother f!@#$%^ chain!"


I'm sorry I beat a dead horse.

i wiggle it side to side n it loosens right up.

ding!

Try the bending trick first, that usually gets the milder cases. If not, push the pin ever so slightly with the upper position, but make sure that the pin is still centered and that it sticks out past both plates, otherwise the link could pop apart.

What type of chain is this?

I flip the tool and press it back a bit then wiggle it.

The other day I totally murdered a chain tool, the chain was not coming apart and the tool was definitely not designed for 1/8 chain. I broke the teeth that hold the link in place, I broke the metal and plastic part of the handle and I stripped the threads... oops good thing it broke just when I was done.

I didn't know this. My chain tool is the one that comes with the Crank Bros M19 multi-tool and I don't think it has a position for loosening still links. The hex-key trick works just fine though.

i don't even worry about the link being stiff after i put the pin back in.. is this bad?

I dont get it, how do you put brakes on a chain?

KHS 610

i'm probably going to buy a new chain soon anyway (just because), but how much does the quality of the chain have to do with this problem? seems to me any chain could have stiff links as a result of a poor chain break(er).

if you can't get rid of a stiff link your doing something wrong. have someone show you how to do it properly.

the thread title instantly reminded me of:

i came in here to post the "mother****in" line.

lol

no, no, no. can't you read? it's breaks on a chain.