Bike chain whip, link pliers and whip

What is a chain breaker for?

The chain breaker pushes the pin that connects two links using a screw with a punch. It is used to open a chain for cleaning or replacing, to remove links when a new chain is too long, and to repair a twisted chain or a bent link. The chain is then closed with a quick link or a connector pin, depending on its brand. Workshop models, with a solid body and long lever, work more accurately than pocket chain breakers, which are for emergency use.

A tool suited to the number of speeds

The more gears a transmission has, the narrower the chain and the finer its pins. Therefore, the punch and the holder of the chain breaker must match: a tool designed for up to 11 speeds may not always be suitable for a 12-speed chain. Compatibility is indicated in the name or description of each tool. Also, plan for spare punches: these are the parts that wear out or break first.

Quick link or pin: closing the chain

The quick link snaps together by hand and locks under the tension of the chain; a quick link plier opens and closes it effortlessly without risk of deformation. Some links are for single use: the manufacturer’s instructions specify this. Shimano chains can also be closed with a new connector pin specific to their number of speeds, which the chain breaker pushes in before breaking off the guide part. Never reinsert a previously removed original pin: it won’t hold.

Wear gauge, chain whip and chain support

A chain elongates as it wears and in turn wears out the cassette and chainrings. The wear gauge, placed between two links, indicates when it's time to replace it: changing the chain in time preserves the rest of the transmission. The chain whip, a handle extended with a piece of chain, holds the cassette when you take it apart; choose one compatible with the number of speeds of your cogs. Finally, the chain support replaces the rear wheel to keep the chain taut during cleaning or transporting the bike with the wheel removed.

Other transmission tools

To remove the cassette once the chain is taken off, the cassette remover can be found in the cassette tools; for chainrings and cranks, in the pedal and crank tools. There is also a backup chain breaker in many multifunction tools, and all the tools are gathered in the bike tools.

Which brands of chain breakers to choose?

Var offers workshop chain breakers, including the CH-06600, replacement punches in packs of five, a Pro whip for cassettes and freewheels, a whip for single cogs and BMX, and a chain support.

Shimano provides the chain breakers TL-CN28, compatible with its IG, HG, and UG chains up to 11 speeds, and TL-CN29, as well as connector pins for its chains, from 6 to 8 speeds up to 11 speeds.

Topeak offers a range of chain tools from pocket to workshop: Universal and All Speeds, Super Chain announced for 13-speed transmissions, compact Ninja C and Master Team tools, and a chain holder.

Birzman, a Taiwanese brand based in Dacun focused on simple, functional, and durable tools, offers a pro chain breaker for 8 to 11-speed chains, the LIGHT-ER, and a whip for 8 to 12 speeds.

Unior pairs its professional chain breakers, like the 1647/2ABI, with two chain wear gauges, the 1644/2 and 1644/6.

Promotional chain tools

A workshop chain breaker lasts for years: keep an eye on the clearance to acquire one, and the new products for tools suited to the latest transmissions.

Frequently asked questions

Which chain breaker for a 12-speed chain?

A model advertised as compatible with 12 speeds, where the punch and holder fit a chain that narrow. 12-speed chains are most often closed with a specific quick link: the quick link plier then becomes the most useful tool.

How do you close a chain without a quick link?

With a new connector pin suitable for the chain, pressed in with the chain breaker, then broken off flush to remove its guide part. Then check that the closed link pivots freely: a stuck point can be corrected by gently bending the chain sideways.

Do you need pliers to open a quick link?

Not always, but they greatly simplify the operation, especially on a new or dirty link. Without pliers, you bring the two adjacent links together by hand, which requires strength and can deform the link.

When should you change your bike chain?

When the wear gauge indicates that it has reached the limit set by the manufacturer. Waiting longer wears out the cassette and chainrings, which will need to be changed along with it. A chain that skips under effort after changing only the chain often indicates a cassette that is already worn.

Is the chain breaker from a multi-tool sufficient?

For emergency use, yes. To shorten a new chain or to regularly maintain the transmission, a workshop chain breaker, which is more stable and precise, reduces the risk of damaging a link.