How to Break a Bike Chain? – 4 Easy Methods to Try

Step # 1: Secure the chain in the chain tool

Place your chain in the middle of the cradle of your bike chain breaker with the rivet aligned directly across the extracting pin. This way, you can push out the rivet easily.

Read more: How to use a chain tool to break a chain.

Step # 2: Push out the rivet

Gently turn the push bolt or extractor bolt until it reaches the chain pin. Once you start turning your bolt, you should see the rivet sliding off as you continue rotating.

If you wish to reconnect your chain later on, we suggest that you do not remove the rivet entirely; just leave enough area so that the master link can still be removed while keeping the rivet attached.

Step #3: Clean Up

Once you are done breaking the chain, you can retract the push bolt and tidy up your place. Whether you are going to use the chain eventually or store it for safekeeping, lubricate your chain to prevent rusting and damage.

Step #1: Locate the Master Link of your bike chain

For those who don’t know, a master link — also known as a quick-release link — gives you the ability to attach or detach a chain without a chain breaker.

To determine if you have this chain type, look for a unique-looking link that is a tad bit wider than the others and has one of the side holes elongated or oblong in shape.

Step #2: Position your pliers

With pliers or special quick link pliers, position their tips on the chain so that the master link is enclosed between the two jaws of the pliers. The jaws should be nestled on each side of the master link and between the gaps of the chain.

Step #3: Split A Bike Chain Quick Link

Apply a good amount of force to the pliers. Once done, you should hear a popping sound that indicates your master link has been unlocked. Carefully remove your pliers, and your chain should have been successfully broken.

Step #1: Adjust your bolt cutter’s tension

To avoid applying too much force and literally breaking the chain, adjust your cutter’s setting to its minimum level.

Check your manufacturer’s manual on how to properly alter the tightness of your bolt cutter.

Step #2: Locate and mark the part you want to cut

This method, unlike the first two above, will literally break your chain and possibly damage the link you’ll cut beyond recovery.

You should mark the spot where you want to break a chain link before proceeding with the cutting step to avoid potential confusion and mistakes.

Step #3: Use your bolt cutters

Bring your chain breaker tool close to the marked spot until the jaws are touching the chain. Grip the handles firmly so they won’t slide off during the process.

Apply a great force until the blades are closed and the chain is cut. Remember that some people cannot do this in one take, especially if they haven’t tried it before.

If your chain is not yet broken, feel free to reposition your bolt cutter at the same exact spot and apply force until you have successfully cut your chain.

Step #1: Position your chain to your socket

Place your chain on top of the socket. Set it down in a way where the chain is laid face down and the rivet is sitting on top of the hollow area. This setup will make it easier for the rivet to pop out later.

Step #2: Remove the rivet

With your hands, put your screwdriver or any durable stick on top of your rivet. When choosing your tool, check and confirm that its tip is the same or at least smaller than the diameter of your rivet.

Then, drive down the screwdriver with a hammer to push the chain rivet off. You can apply mild continuous force if you don’t want to fully remove the rivet. Otherwise, take a nice swing until this component is detached.