Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test

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Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test
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Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test

Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test
Cutting tool for chains

Riveted motorcycle chains can be opened with brute force, a power cutter or steel saw – or with a suitable tool. Four chain breakers in a short test.

Holger Hertneck

07/05/2009

The chain tensioner scale has already reached the end, the chain is slacking hopelessly, and the many teeth on the sprocket look like shark-biters? Then it is high time to change the chain set. And if the worn drive train does not have a clip lock, the quickest way to cut it is with a standard chain breaker. MOTORRAD has dealt with four cutting tools in different price ranges on chains of different sizes. The chain breaker from the manufacturer Whale is offered by several companies in Germany, but at surprisingly different prices. The absolutely identical models cost 29.95 euros for Polo, 24.99 euros for Hein Gericke and Econ WA, for example. 22.49 euros. MOTORRAD chose the cheapest supplier Econ WA. decided.

Only in one of the test devices, the chain cutting tool 4986 from Buse, do the bolts have to be driven out completely to cut the chain. In the other three almost identical test devices from Buse (691A), Econ and Louis the bolts are simply pushed through the cover flap, which significantly reduces the time required for separating. So that the link to be loosened does not bend, MOTORRAD recommends driving out the two bolts to be loosened alternately in stages.

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Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test

Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test
Cutting tool for chains

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Buse chain cutting tool 691A

Providers: Buse, phone 02471/12690, www.buese.com
Price: 31.95 euros; For chain types *: 415 to 632
Weight: 292 grams


Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test


fact

Buse chain cutting tool 691A.

plus
Simple, problem-free handling; compact device; light weight; The mandrel can be exchanged without great effort; Including instruction manual (in English) and replacement mandrel.

minus
With strong chains from around size 530, high operating forces

Conclusion
The operating forces are low up to chains of size 525, whereby thanks to the long lever and sturdy mandrel, even thick chains can be cut with this tool, but only with great effort.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Buse chain cutting tool 4986

Providers: Buse, phone 02471/12690, www.buese.com
Price: 31.95 euros; For chain types *: 420 to 632
Weight: 718 grams


Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test


fact

Buse chain cutting tool 4986.

plus
Chain link well fixed by screwing; stable, robust design; comparatively low operating forces with a long ratchet; Bolts are driven out completely

minus
Additional tools are required (size 17 socket and ratchet); only conditionally suitable for small chains (up to 520), as the mandrel is thicker than the bolts; comparatively high expenditure of time; no instruction manual.

Conclusion
The 4986 can only show its strengths compared to the three test competitors with extremely strong chains. The thick mandrel then drives out the bolts with comparatively little effort – with a correspondingly long ratchet arm.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Econ chain separator 80795-00

Providers: Econ WA., Phone 02689/928747, www.econ-wa.de
Price: 22.49 euros; For chain types *: 420 to 530
Weight1: 272 grams


Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test


fact

Econ chain breaker 80795-00.

plus
Simple, problem-free handling; compact device; light weight; The mandrel can be replaced with little effort

minus
With strong chains from about size 525, high operating forces, no operating instructions.

Conclusion
The original with the whale emblem is ideal for cutting small to medium-sized chains. Despite the slightly higher operating forces than with the Buse 691A, a recommendation for hobby screwdrivers.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Louis chain separator

Providers: Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
Price: 9.95 euros; For chain types *: 415 to 632
Weight: 278 grams


Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test


fact

Louis chain separator.

plus
Simple, problem-free handling; compact device; light weight

minus
With strong chains from about size 525 high operating forces; The mandrel wears out after just a few uses (is pressed flat); In the test device, it was not possible to change the mandrel even with the aid of a vice; no instruction manual.

Conclusion
For occasional screwdrivers who tinker with slender chains up to a maximum of 520 format, the Louis model is a tip due to its low price. Buyers should get a replacement supply of the thorn that has turned out to be too soft.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory

Chain care – against pain in the limbs

Drive chains are among the most heavily stressed components on a motorcycle – no wonder they wear out. However, good care and maintenance can extend their life considerably. The most important thing is the right chain tension. Too little chain sag is just as harmful as too much. Depending on the vehicle type and the available spring deflection, the sag should exactly follow the manufacturer’s specifications (see vehicle manual – sometimes also swing arm imprint).


Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test


fact

It is advisable to clean the chain from time to time.

It is also advisable to clean the chain from time to time, especially if you use it frequently. Do not use a steam jet because it can rinse out the grease filling between the bushes and the bolts. At the latest when the chain links feel dry, it is time to lubricate. There are also important basic rules for this: Apply the chain spray generously on the inside, moderate on the outside, and more often and sparingly than rarely and as thick as in the photo above.

Chain construction – resilient connection

Modern motorcycle chains have to withstand high loads, should generate little friction and have the longest possible service life. To ensure this, the manufacturers use high-quality materials and give the chain links a wear-reducing grease filling that is protected by sealing rings. The simplest are so-called O-rings, depending on the manufacturer, the higher-quality models are called, for example, X-, XW- or Z-rings.

However, the number one distinguishing feature is the chain’s dimensions. They are usually given as a three-digit number (for example 530). The stands for the pitch (distance from the center of the bolt to the center of the bolt) and width (inner width of the bushing) of the chain links – traditionally in the English unit of measurement, inches (one inch corresponds to 2.54 centimeters). Chains of type 530 and 532 as well as 630 and 632 differ in the area of ​​the rollers (the higher number has reinforced rollers) and require different pinions and sprockets despite the identical pitch.

Chain locks – for solid cohesion

There are two versions of motorcycle chains: endless as a closed chain or with a chain lock. The version with a lock is much more screwdriver-friendly, as the rear swing arm does not have to be removed when changing the chain. There are three lock versions to choose from as a connecting link for the open chains: clip, screw or rivet lock. Clip locks are not recommended for powerful motorcycles and chains that are stronger than dimension 520.

The patented screw locks, on the other hand, are suitable for all motorcycles and can be assembled by hobbyists without special tools – a small wrench or a nut of the right size is sufficient. For the assembly of rivet locks, however, you need special tools. In addition, it is better to leave this work to a professional or the workshop, as incorrect riveting can have fatal consequences.

Chain riveting – cold forming

Press on the cover flap, rivet and you’re done. Sounds easy as pie. Still, there are tons of ways you can go wrong.


Chain breaker for the motorcycle in the test


fact

Professional chain riveter from Buse for 270 euros.

The cover flap tilts slightly, the sensitive O-rings must not be damaged, and precision work is required when expanding (with hollow rivets) or compressing (with solid rivets) the rivet heads. Riveting tools are available for less than 100 euros, professional devices cost 250 euros and more.

Either the actual riveting is done using screws and torque, or hammering, which is faster but more difficult to dose. Occasional hobbyists should therefore look around for a device with a screw principle.

Conclusion on the chain breaker product test

None of the test participants failed completely, even if the extremely inexpensive Louis model is a bit inferior in quality. However, even this device is sufficient for occasional screwdrivers who want to cut chains up to strength 520. For just over 20 euros you can get the tried and tested whale chain breaker at Econ, the compact Buse 691A device is a bit better, but costs a good 30 euros – MOTORRAD means: a worthwhile investment for hobby mechanics.

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