All in one chain tool

mrtEE · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Karma :

I would like a chain tool for about £50 max. Want one that will work on most chains and also do hard link as well as soft links.

Want it not to snap on the first go. I have heard about the whale tool but it costs about £120!

Has anyone any experience of this one for just £35?

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hi-Level-Chain-Tool-Extractor-Rivetor-520-632-Chain_W0QQitemZ140326818436QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Motorcycle_Parts?hash=item20ac215284#ht_1267wt_939

Will it snap on the first go?

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I've got one of those, it's not designed to do hard links as far as I know.
The whale is the daddy and is well worth the investment to my mind.

Price seems to be just over £90 if you shop around (I think it was maybe £20 less when I got mine a few years ago).

The one you pictured does soft links fine and I'll sometimes use it to press the plate on, but always use the whale for splitting and hard links.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Looks pretty flimsy to me.
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mrtEE · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Karma :

after a bit more research I found this:

https://www.ukbikeparts.net/acatalog/Chain_Tools.html

The second one down is a whale chain riveter for £60. It wont break them but will rivet 520, 525, 530 and 532 chains.

So if I just get this tool and a hacksaw then I can break and rivet chains? for £60?

Good purchase?

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

I have this one after my Motrax one broke on the 3rd use

Link.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

It will only do solid links by the way.
You can always purchase the breaking bit separately later if you want - I find it useful for swapping chains, adding bits from one chain to another etc.

Oh and an angle grinder is much quicker than a hacksaw Smile

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Anyway, if you want to rivet solid links, good purchase, I reckon.
Incidentally, some people do bodge it by using a mallet on it's own with a similar bit of metal the other side of the link. Personally I don't like the idea of that at all.

Wozza · Brolly Dolly Joined: 17 May 2008 Karma :

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

Ah, missed the bit about hard pins. They seem more hassle than they're worth but each to their own.

mrtEE · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Think they're solid rinks, but not 100%.
I haven't found any tools that will do both, but haven't looked that hard as I have both tools, now Smile

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Angle grinders can be got for under £15 including discs and are a ~~very useful~~ essential tool to have around.