Chain splitter. Worth it?

[conkerman]

Hi,

Is it worth buying a chain splitter. I’d normally just grind the old one off, I already have the little AFAM riveting tool.

If it is worthwhile, is there a cheaper alternative to th DID tool that isn’t made of cheese.

Cheers.

[LordFlathead]

The DID splitting tool is worth it if you already have the crimper. However I normally just swap out the chain when its noticeably stretched.

[KTMsm]

When I was a kid running a field bike on a non existent budget - yes, I spliced my chain together multiple times after it broke and locked the engine or back wheel

Now I can't see why I'd want one - the only time I take a chain off is to replace it and an angle grinder is faster

[jjones]

KTMsm said:

Now I can't see why I'd want one - the only time I take a chain off is to replace it and an angle grinder is faster

Agreed

[conkerman]

Thanks all.

The tool snob in me wants to buy the DID tool, but I'll just be replacing an old chain with a new one (I got a decent deal from Demon Tweeks on an RK chain/sprocket kit).

Currently bored waiting to get over COVID so keep buying tools and stuff.

[wa16]

i raised the same on here i think

anyway i bought the DiD from m and P, well made used it on two chains so far i think its worth it, others look the same but you just never know

they may well be and i just hood winked with a 50% price hike for the DID name

[meridian]

Always best to grind the rivets off, will save the tool
no matter how good. Proper peener/flarer most important though....

[xstian]

meridian said:

Always best to grind the rivets off, will save the tool
no matter how good. Proper peener/flarer most important though....

Agree with the above, I always grind the rivet off first.

I use a whale tool, which works really well. I have used cheaper tools, but you have to work slow and be careful not to over tighten.

[tim0409]

I recently replaced my chain and sprocket, and after a failed attempt at riveting with a cheaper tool I invested in the DID and it’s a fantastic bit of kit. I was going to sell it on ebay once I’d used it but have decided to keep it.

I used my dremel to cut off the old rivet heads and the pins came out with minimal effort.

[LordFlathead]

tim0409 said:

I recently replaced my chain and sprocket, and after a failed attempt at riveting with a cheaper tool I invested in the DID and it’s a fantastic bit of kit. I was going to sell it on ebay once I’d used it but have decided to keep it.

I used my dremel to cut off the old rivet heads and the pins came out with minimal effort.

Brilliant! The ONLY reason I didn't use the angle grinder is I was worried about all that chaff getting sent all over the bike. At least with a Dremel its easier to manage/control.

[KTMsm]

What am I missing - if you have a grinder out why are you messing about with another tool, why not just cut straight through the link ?

[mikey_b]

If you have a grinder, just chop the chain - or least, drill the head off the pin before using a chain tool to push it out.

No idea about the AFAM tool you have, but I bought a (relatively) cheap Sealey chain tool and it was ste - broke on the first chain, which of course meant I had no functioning bike. Sent it back for full refund and bought a DID tool, which is about 3x the weight and 20x the quality. It's paid for itself already in saved labour (2-3 chains) and I know for sure I can rely on it.

[V1nce Fox]

Another vote for dremel if it’s a tidy bike. Accurate and clean then use chain fitting tool to push pin out.

[xstian]

V1nce Fox said:

Another vote for dremel if it’s a tidy bike. Accurate and clean then use chain fitting tool to push pin out.

Electric file is another option.

[catso]

My chain splitter is also a chain riveter so, yes worth it as I do all the maintenance.

I always grind the rivet top off before trying to split it with the tool. As far as cutting through the chain with a grinder, not only would that be more messy, it would take longer.

[KTMsm]

catso said:

My chain splitter is also a chain riveter so, yes worth it as I do all the maintenance.

I always grind the rivet top off before trying to split it with the tool. As far as cutting through the chain with a grinder, not only would that be more messy, it would take longer.

I did a rusty MT07 chain yesterday - cut through in 10 seconds, no mess

[conkerman]

KTMsm said:

What am I missing - if you have a grinder out why are you messing about with another tool, why not just cut straight through the link ?

Just musing really, I seem to be replacing my old tools/buying new ones and was gong to go right through my bike (2016 GSX-S1000F).

I have no issues with getting the grinder on the old chain and knocking the old link off, I was just debating whether the DID tool was worth the outlay. I'll not be doing many chains so was unconvinced by the DID.

My riveting tool is this.


https://www.demon-tweeks.com/afam-chain-riveter-bi...

[ReverendCounter]

conkerman said:

Hi,

Is it worth buying a chain splitter.

Yes - 100% no need to grind the pins down to push them out, this will do it within 60sec:




About a tenner from ebay, no need to mess around with any dremels or anything - I've used a grinder wheel in a drill before, now I just push them straight out with one of these.

(Yes, it's not exactly a piece of precision engineering but it works fine)

[smack]

I have a Whale Breaking and Riveting tool - just looked how much they go for these days, yikes. The first time I tired to beak a chain I got pissed off and fetched the angle grinder, which I have done on every time since. But it is a really good for riveting.