Splitting the chain

[neoshaakti]

I got a fairly inexpensive chain breaker from MFG Supply http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/32--1733.html
its only 11.95! that is almost 3 times cheaper that grainger, and 10 bucks cheaper than mcmaster

I got master links from MSC (the company that provides the master links in the kit)
If you need an exact product number, PM me and Ill be able to dig for it
they ship really fast too!

[Jimmy Nichols]

Originally Posted by Greg Needel

The reason that you can't hammer it out is a factor of the way the chains are made, the pins are pressed in which causes an expansion of the area on the outside of the pin. In most cases this is a good thing because nobody wants their chains to just fall apart during use.


While I typically support using the correct tool for the job chain breaks are particualrly good if you intend to re-use the pin for a half link or just taking one part of the chain away. Either way you will have a tough time getting the pin all the way out of both the outer and inner links with a break. For that reason I advocate using a dremel tool with a grinding bit.

Take the chain and put it in a vice and just grind the surface of the pin off until you can see marks on the outer link at that point you should be able to remove the pin by tapping it with a punch. If you want the pin completely out repeat this step on the other side and the pin will almost literally fall out. The other good thing about this method is it doesn't matter what pitch (size) the chain is.


Chain notes: The chain in the kit is #35 or 3/8 pitch. If you need to buy sprockets or more chain asking for either one of these will get you what you want as they are interchangeable terms.

We've never had a problem using a break. The problem with your method is at the competition you aren't allowed to grind metal or use any tools that create sparks.

[MrForbes]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Nichols

We've never had a problem using a break. The problem with your method is at the competition you aren't allowed to grind metal or use any tools that create sparks.

The upside is that you probably will have a much easier time finding a chain breaker at an FRC competition, than you will finding one at a store!

[lancerbotics]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Nichols

Grainger will also have them. I did a search and the closest store is at
31 Cabot Rd
Woburn, MA
(781) 933-9254

I would highly recommend purchasing a chainbreak. Here is a link to Graingers chainbreak http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1A911

Originally Posted by NOV8R

We got our chain breaker from Lowe's last year. They also have #35 chain and master links.

We just purchased the chain detacher from Grainger and it is the same one that they bought at Lowes

[Dick Linn]

I just grind down the pins and a little bit of the link plate on one side on a bench grinder. It's very easy to tap out with a punch when you are done. If you need to replace chains at the competition, I'd suggest something is amiss with your build, unless you are redesigning on the fly.