When removing or replacing drive chains – there comes a point when their removal/replacement is required without compromising. In such cases, chain breakers can prove to be invaluable. A chain breaker may seem like a very simple device, but the selection and effective use of the device can save quite a bit of time and effort.
What Exactly is a Chain Breaker?
What the chain breaker is, in essence, a tool that pushes out the pins that keep the chain links together. It is akin to a precision press that exerts force on one spot. Persons who do not work in either engineering or maintenance might not even notice these tools, but those who have ever attempted to take apart a chain without these tools would definitely place great value on them.
The principle remains largely unchanged. You place the chain inside the tool, line up the pin with the pressing mechanism, and turn the handle to force the pin out. The improvements are in the levels of quality, the types and sizes of chains they handle, and how well they last in actual use.
Various Types for Various Roles
Not all chain breakers are made the same, and selecting the one that’s right for you is more important than you realise. Benchtop models give you the benefit of leverage for larger chains. They are mounted to the work surface and designed to break larger size chains with very little effort. If you’re working with larger roller chains, such as those used for manufacturing or agriculture, this is likely the chain breaker you’ll want to choose.
However, the portable versions have to let go of some of this raw power. These versions have more portability and can be easily moved around within a business. These kinds of crimps work well when it comes to smaller chain sizes.
The following are specialty chain breakers for specialised chain sizes or industries. There exist motorcycle chain breakers, bike chain breakers, and industry chain breakers for conveyor systems. This is because improper use may result in the destruction of your chain or even an injury to yourself.
Making The Right Choice
In most industrial uses, you would need something that is capable of handling your heaviest chains but not something that is cumbersome to work with. Think about how and where this machine will be utilised. A facility that maintains chains on a daily basis is a good reason to invest in a high-quality bench mount model. If the chains need to be maintained occasionally, a good portable model would work best.
Don’t scrimp on this purchase if you have chain-driven gear. It will end up costing you a lot more in lost productivity and replacements than what you’ll be saving. At the same time, it’s not necessarily true that you should choose the most expensive one.
Speak to people using these tools on a daily basis. Maintenance engineers and workshop technicians have broad knowledge and opinions on these matters. These opinions can prove far more useful than any datasheet.
Chain breaks may not be the most interesting tool in your workbench arsenal, but a chain breaker is definitely one of those tools that earn their keep every time you use it. Just be sure to select the right one and take good care of it, and it will work for you for many years.