Chain Tools

Chain Tools: the right way to break, size and rivet a drive chain

A drive chain doesn't come off with a grinder if you want to do it properly. Chain tools are the hand tools that push a pin out of a link so you can break a chain, cut it to the correct length, then press a new master link home and peen the rivet-style pin over so the joint holds. Do it by hand and you'll ruin plates and end up with a link that binds; a proper breaker and press does the job square and repeatable.

What we stock

This category shows 9 products from 2 brands - Bike Master and RK Chain. Current prices run from $5 to $138 for what's in stock right now; that's a live range, not a fixed price. The bulk of the range is Bike Master, with RK Chain covering the cutter/press side and its own spare parts.

Concrete examples: the BikeMaster Heavy Duty Chain Breaker/Rivet Tool (151555) sits near the top of the range and handles both breaking and riveting. The BikeMaster Chain Breaker Tool for 420 through 630 chains (151611) is a simpler breaker for a wide chain-size spread. On the RK side, the RK Chain Cutter and Press Fit Tool (UCT2100) is a combined cut-and-press unit, and the RK Chain Small Pressure Bolt (PBS210) is the replacement pressure bolt when you wear one out.

How to choose

Match the tool to the job. If you only ever break chains to remove them, a dedicated breaker like the 151611 is the cheaper route and covers 420 through 630. If you're fitting rivet-style master links, you need a tool that both breaks and presses/rivets - that's the heavy-duty BikeMaster or the RK cutter/press unit. The higher-priced tools buy you more capability and a sturdier frame, which matters if you do this often rather than once. And if you already run an RK press, buy the matching pressure bolt as a spare rather than a whole new tool - the PBS210 is exactly that.

What else you need with it

The tool is one piece of the drivetrain. You'll usually want the chain itself and master links from Chain Components, and if the chain is worn the sprockets almost always are too - see Sprockets. While you're in there, related work often touches Shift Components and the clutch side in Clutch Components. Browse the full Drivetrain section for everything that pairs with a chain job.

Fitment and ordering

Every order ships with free shipping, and Affirm and Katapult financing is available at checkout. If you're not sure which breaker covers your chain size, call fitment help at 813-535-5801 or use the contact page. Questions on returns and orders are answered on the FAQ.

Chain Tools: the right way to break, size and rivet a drive chain

A drive chain doesn't come off with a grinder if you want to do it properly. Chain tools are the hand tools that push a pin out of a link so you can break a chain, cut it to the correct length, then press a new master link home and peen the rivet-style pin over so the joint holds. Do it by hand and you'll ruin plates and end up with a link that binds; a proper breaker and press does the job square and repeatable.

What we stock

This category shows 9 products from 2 brands - Bike Master and RK Chain. Current prices run from $5 to $138 for what's in stock right now; that's a live range, not a fixed price. The bulk of the range is Bike Master, with RK Chain covering the cutter/press side and its own spare parts.

Concrete examples: the BikeMaster Heavy Duty Chain Breaker/Rivet Tool (151555) sits near the top of the range and handles both breaking and riveting. The BikeMaster Chain Breaker Tool for 420 through 630 chains (151611) is a simpler breaker for a wide chain-size spread. On the RK side, the RK Chain Cutter and Press Fit Tool (UCT2100) is a combined cut-and-press unit, and the RK Chain Small Pressure Bolt (PBS210) is the replacement pressure bolt when you wear one out.

How to choose

Match the tool to the job. If you only ever break chains to remove them, a dedicated breaker like the 151611 is the cheaper route and covers 420 through 630. If you're fitting rivet-style master links, you need a tool that both breaks and presses/rivets - that's the heavy-duty BikeMaster or the RK cutter/press unit. The higher-priced tools buy you more capability and a sturdier frame, which matters if you do this often rather than once. And if you already run an RK press, buy the matching pressure bolt as a spare rather than a whole new tool - the PBS210 is exactly that.

What else you need with it

The tool is one piece of the drivetrain. You'll usually want the chain itself and master links from Chain Components, and if the chain is worn the sprockets almost always are too - see Sprockets. While you're in there, related work often touches Shift Components and the clutch side in Clutch Components. Browse the full Drivetrain section for everything that pairs with a chain job.

Fitment and ordering

Every order ships with free shipping, and Affirm and Katapult financing is available at checkout. If you're not sure which breaker covers your chain size, call fitment help at 813-535-5801 or use the contact page. Questions on returns and orders are answered on the FAQ.