The BEST chain tool ??

I've used 2 or 3 different chain tools with varying degrees aggravation or sucess but recently borrowed another from my buddy and member here "joefoefrombuffalo," owner of the finest, cleanest '97 VFR you've ever seen, and finally discovered what i believe is the best made, easiest to use, and most precise chain tool in captivity, one i recommend :



RK EXCEL !!!!

 

Thanks for the tip

 

Haven't tried one of those.. I use the motion pro kit for my 530 chain as well as a digital caliper to measure side plate to side plate width of the master link to make sure I don't depress it too much or too little. My trusty metabo angle grinder makes quick work of the old chain too I might add

 

What particular reason(s) do you like it over the others you've tried, squirellman?

 

Nice looking tool. For $130 bucks I'll just use my 2" air grinder and punch and have lots of gas money left over.

 

The rk was on top of my list when I was searching. It came highly recommended. The issue for me was the cost vs the number of times I will change a chain. Since I did want a chain tool, I ended up with a DID knock off. You can get them off ebay for $47 ish + shipping.
For the diy guys that just cant justify $130 it was a good tool. If you have the cash for The rk go for it. I found It as low as $119.00 back when I was shopping for it. But if you cant swing it try this one. Link>> MOTORCYCLE CHAIN REPAIR BREAK TOOL RIVETER RIVET - eBay (item 130465393512 end time Jan-11-11 19:21:49 PST)
You will need to wrenches to opperate directions come with.

I know some guys use the Motion pro / trackside type kits but too many prople have had handle break issues with these so I never considered.

The RK tool has a handle but it is beefy.

 

Where are the RK Excels manufactured?

 

Ua-oh!! So you're sayin it's not from Japan ?? :eggonface:

Anyway, it's rugged and industrial, much heavier duty than Motion-Pro in particular, and the handle is super strong.

It holds the chain in very tight alignment while you're working, better than others i've used, and the riviting head is also better.

 

I contacted an RK dealer after reading your post. From what I understand this tool is made in Taiwan.

 

You are correct. ~mike

 

Keep in mind that Motion Pro has several different chain tools they sell or used to sell. At one time they sold 4 different chain tools, going from cheap to expensive. I got the expensive one about 10 years ago, maybe more, still works like a charm.

 

Are there other quality options (made in the USA, UK, Europe or Japan) available?

 

The $50 is one i reference above is a beefy tool it does not have a handle. You use two wrenches. It seats theside plate and rivets/peens the pins at the same time. When referencing motion pro kits i was refering to the cheeper ones. No experience with the expensive one i think it is called the jumbo or something like that.

 

I just use a regular 530 chain with masterlink.
I only use a chainbreaker to make the chain the right length.
Then channel locks to press on the side plate and then install the clip.

I have been doing it since I was 16 and now I am 61 and never had a problem.

O ring chain -forget about it. Not needed. Just another way for the companies to get your money. With modern chain lubes that do not fly off, it is no longer a problem.

I have used this same tool for over 40 years. I bought it when I was 16 years old.

Mine did not come with red plastic covering.

 

LOL don't let those boys tear ya down, I use that one too But I got mine via a special deal. IMO a great chain tool that and with a companion cut off grinder, It's hard to beat. I don't know how many times I've used it on someone elses machine. Mine only once

 

I use a hammer and a chisel...just keep smacking till the chain breaks...


actually I have this little square thing with a thingy you tighten.and it pops the link

 

Would anyone happen to have one of these in the toolbox? This looks to be a quality chain breaking tool made by a third generation company in MA. Would be interested in getting some intel from someone who owns one.

Patton Tools [Made in the USA!!]

 

Maybe a little off topic....

I know it's generally considered better/safer/etc to use a peened on master link, but does anyone know if there is any proof of this? I always have used clip-type master links and have never had one fail (wood being knocked now). Even on my racebikes and motocross bikes I've used clips. Maybe I'm just being lazy, if I get some decent proof maybe I'll go the peening route next time.

 

I have always used the clip as well and never had a problem.
seems more of a chance to over peen the press on type and get a kink in the new chain

 

If you want to just break a chain and dont have a rivet tool theere is a master link that only uses two small nuts to expand the pins. It is like $14. I peen mine with a tool. As far as clips, if they had a habbit of popping off, the would have been pulld long ago and mfgs wouldnt make / offer them. If installed propely they hold. My guess is any trouble one may have with clip style master link, they may not have followed direections etc.
I only used clip style mater links on my dirt bikes but have only used riveted peened pins in street.

Link>> http://www.motorcycle-superstore.co...rew-Type-Connecting-Link.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch