I remember the frustration of trying to replace a worn-out motorcycle chain with inadequate tools. A tough chain job can turn into an all-day ordeal if you don’t have the leverage or the right specialized pins. That’s why investing in the right equipment is crucial. This guide focuses on helping you find the absolute best chain breaker and riveting tool that makes maintenance quick and safe, whether you’re working on a heavy-duty 530 chain or a light cam chain. We’ve personally assessed seven top options to help you choose the one that fits your garage needs and keeps your drive chain running smoothly.
Contents
- Motion Pro PBR Chain Tool – 08-0470 – 520 525 530 Chain Breaker Rivet Press Tool
- Chain Breaker Tool Kit, 13pc Motorcycle Chain Breaker and Riveting Repair Tool Kit
- Pit Posse PP309 Chain Breaker and Riveting Tool – 16-Piece Motorcycle Chain Cutter Tool Kit – User-Friendly & Practical – Premium Quality Sturdy Design – Includes Carrying Case
- DAYUAN 13 pcs Motorcycle Chain Breaker Set, Chain Removal Tool Chain Cutter and Riveter Kit for Cam and 25 to 630 Chains
- Prokomon 13 Pieces Chain Breaker Tool Kit; ATV Bike Motorcycle Chain Rivet Tool; Chain Link Removal Tool for Cam 25 to 630 Chains
- RK Racing Chain UCT2100(50) Universal Chain Breaker, Cutter, Press-Fit and Rivet Tool
- DASBET 13PCS Chain Breaker Tool Kit | Motorcycle Chain Breaker Set Chain Breaker Rivet Cutter Chain Link Removal Tool for Motorcycle, Bike, ATV Chains
- Comparison Insights for Choosing the Right Tool
- Final Verdict
- Best Chain Breaker And Riveting Tool FAQ
- Q: Why is grinding the rivet head necessary before breaking a chain?
- Q: What is the difference between chain breaking and riveting?
- Q: Can these tools be used on cam chains?
- Q: What size chain is a “530 chain,” and do all tools handle it?
- Q: How do I ensure I don’t “over rivet” the chain pin?
- Q: Do I need a press tool or just a simple rivet pin?
Motion Pro PBR Chain Tool – 08-0470 – 520 525 530 Chain Breaker Rivet Press Tool
The Motion Pro PBR (Press, Break, Rivet) tool is often considered the gold standard for serious riders and mechanics. Unlike bulky kits, this unit is designed to be highly portable and extremely effective for the most common motorcycle chain sizes (520, 525, 530). Its innovative design allows you to handle all three crucial steps—pressing the side plate, breaking the old chain, and flaring the rivet—with a single, compact tool. If you need robust quality and don’t want to mess with multiple attachments, this is a highly reliable option that consistently delivers professional results.
Key features that stand out:
– Innovative design will Press, Break and Rivet 520, 525, & 530 chains with one convenient tool.
– All components conveniently store on tool when not in use.
– Includes protective plastic case for convenient storage of the PBR tool and all its components.
- Pros:
- Extremely durable and robust construction.
- Highly compact and excellent for trackside or roadside use.
- Simplified process using fewer components than kit-style tools.
- Cons:
- Higher price point than most all-in-one kits.
Best for: Professional mechanics and dedicated riders needing a highly portable, heavy-duty tool specifically for standard motorcycle drive chains.
Expert Opinion: This tool excels because it streamlines the process. The quality of the machined components means less worry about bent pins, especially when riveting tough 530 O-ring chains.
Chain Breaker Tool Kit, 13pc Motorcycle Chain Breaker and Riveting Repair Tool Kit
This comprehensive 13-piece kit is built for versatility, covering almost every chain size you might encounter from 420 up to 630. It’s a fantastic starter kit for the home mechanic who works on multiple types of vehicles, including dirt bikes, ATVs, and older motorcycles. The kit includes multiple pin sizes (2mm, 3mm, 4mm) to handle both small cam chains and larger rear drive chains. While it’s recommended to grind the rivet head on larger chains (#520 and up) to prevent pin breakage, this tool provides excellent value and function for light to medium duty use.
Key features that stand out:
– Each chain tool kit includes 3 pin sizes to fit a variety of chains.
– This tool will break and rivet 420-630 rear drive chains.
– Includes 2mm, 3mm, 4mm break tips for different size Cam Chains.
– C frame press, 3 anvils, 5 break tips, and lever easily assemble to get your job done, with the threaded handle providing maximum torque and nonslip performance.
- Pros:
- Extremely versatile size range (#35 to #630).
- Excellent value for the sheer number of components included.
- Ergonomic handle provides good leverage.
- Cons:
- Pins are prone to bending if the chain head isn’t ground down first.
Best for: Home mechanics and hobbyists who require a versatile tool for a wide range of light-to-medium duty chain sizes.
Expert Opinion: This type of best chain breaker and riveting tool kit is invaluable for those tackling various small engine chains alongside standard motorcycle chains. Just remember the crucial step of grinding the rivet heads before breaking the larger chains.
Pit Posse PP309 Chain Breaker and Riveting Tool – 16-Piece Motorcycle Chain Cutter Tool Kit – User-Friendly & Practical – Premium Quality Sturdy Design – Includes Carrying Case
Pit Posse provides a high-quality, comprehensive 16-piece set designed for durability and ease of use. This kit covers chains from #25 all the way up to #630, making it one of the most versatile sets available. What truly sets this kit apart is the manufacturer’s emphasis on user-friendliness, providing clear instructions and even instructional video suggestions. Constructed with heavy-duty steel, the tool body itself comes with a lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind that you’re investing in long-term equipment for your garage.
Key features that stand out:
– Complete chain tool set including 16 essential pieces (3 breaking tips, small and large anvil, rivet tip, etc.).
– Made with superior quality, heavy duty steel and guaranteed to withstand the test of time.
– Versatile for use on CAM and drive chains (breaking chains from #25 to #630).
– Includes large and small anvils to make riveting chain links easy.
- Pros:
- Exceptional versatility covering chains from #25 to #630.
- Tool body is backed by a lifetime warranty.
- User-friendly design ideal for beginners and experienced mechanics.
- Cons:
- The large number of pieces can make assembly slightly complex initially.
Best for: Users who need maximum versatility for both small cam chains and large drive chains and prioritize a strong warranty on the main tool body.
Expert Opinion: The inclusion of both large and small anvils demonstrates attention to detail required for proper riveting across different chain types. This heavy-duty steel composition makes it a significant step up from basic import kits.
DAYUAN 13 pcs Motorcycle Chain Breaker Set, Chain Removal Tool Chain Cutter and Riveter Kit for Cam and 25 to 630 Chains
The DAYUAN 13-piece set is an extremely popular, practical choice for removing and reinstalling chains ranging from #35 to #630. This tool is designed to completely push out the chain link pin, ensuring a clean break without excessive effort. Built from hardened steel, it emphasizes longevity and durability, crucial factors when dealing with the immense pressure required for breaking larger chains. The kit is neatly packaged in a robust, blow-molded carrying case, which is excellent for keeping all the necessary anvils, pins, and press plates organized and protected in the garage.
Key features that stand out:
– Practical for chains that are #35 to #630.
– Tool completely pushes out the chain link pin.
– Constructed from hardened steel to ensure strength and longevity.
– Includes a heavy-duty blow-molded plastic carrying case for easy storage and organization.
- Pros:
- Hardened steel construction offers good longevity.
- Excellent range of sizes for motorcycle, ATV, and bike chains.
- The carrying case is sturdy and compact.
- Cons:
- Instructions, though included, can be slightly unclear for first-time users.
Best for: Mechanics looking for a durable, hardened steel kit for comprehensive chain maintenance across various vehicle types.
Expert Opinion: The use of hardened steel in the body and components is key here. While it shares many features with other 13-piece kits, the construction quality makes it reliable for frequent use on standard motorcycle chains.
Prokomon 13 Pieces Chain Breaker Tool Kit; ATV Bike Motorcycle Chain Rivet Tool; Chain Link Removal Tool for Cam 25 to 630 Chains
The Prokomon 13-piece kit is a versatile workhorse, designed to handle chain sizes from small cam chains (#25) up to large drive chains (#630). This tool set is particularly noted for its clear, practical guidance on which pins to use for specific chain sizes (e.g., 2.2mm for cam chains, 3.8mm for 428 to 630 chains). Whether you’re replacing a worn motorcycle chain or extending a long bike chain, this kit provides all the essential pieces—press, handle, lever, anvils, and pins—needed to get the job done efficiently.
Key features that stand out:
– Wide application across bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, and more.
– Practical: Use the 2.2 mm break tip to handle almost any cam chains.
– Function: Designed to replace worn chains, knock links out, or extend chains.
– Includes a full set of press plates, anvils, and pins (2.2mm, 2.9mm, 3.8mm).
- Pros:
- Clear delineation of pin sizes for specific applications.
- Covers a massive range from #25 to #630.
- Straightforward use once assembled.
- Cons:
- The included case quality is average compared to premium kits.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers needing a multi-purpose tool that explicitly supports very small cam chains alongside standard motorcycle chains.
Expert Opinion: The ability to handle the tiny #25 chains is a significant advantage if you frequently work on specialized small engines. This best chain breaker and riveting tool represents excellent overall value and wide application.
RK Racing Chain UCT2100(50) Universal Chain Breaker, Cutter, Press-Fit and Rivet Tool
The RK Racing UCT2100(50) is specifically engineered for professional-grade chain installation and removal, prioritizing 40 and 50 type chains. As one of the most specialized tools on this list, it boasts a new design where components lock into the tool body, preventing them from dropping during use—a huge quality-of-life improvement. This unit excels at press-fitting tight tolerance O-ring chain side plates to the precise depth needed for secure clip or rivet link installation. The redesigned sure-grip handle and enhanced rivet flare pin (with a guard to prevent over riveting) ensure that every job is completed with factory-level precision.
Key features that stand out:
– Quickly and easily breaks 40 and 50 type chain.
– New design allows components to lock into tool body for easier use.
– Flares RK’s special pin hole rivet links to the proper dimension.
– The redesigned Rivet Flare Pin now features a flare guard to prevent over riveting.
- Pros:
- Exceptional precision, minimizing the risk of chain damage.
- Components lock securely, improving workflow.
- Ideal for O-ring and X-ring chains requiring precise side-plate pressing.
- Cons:
- Limited chain size versatility compared to the 13-piece kits.
Best for: Mechanics who frequently install high-performance O-ring and X-ring chains and demand the highest level of precision riveting.
Expert Opinion: When using high-dollar performance chains, precision is non-negotiable. This best chain breaker and riveting tool is a top contender because it incorporates features like the flare guard, ensuring you don’t compromise the integrity of the finished rivet.
DASBET 13PCS Chain Breaker Tool Kit | Motorcycle Chain Breaker Set Chain Breaker Rivet Cutter Chain Link Removal Tool for Motorcycle, Bike, ATV Chains
The DASBET 13-piece kit is a strong, budget-friendly entry in the versatile chain tool market. Constructed from hardened steel for longevity, this set is recommended for most standard and mid-size chains but comes with the important caveat that it’s not suitable for oversized, heavy-duty, or hardened racing chains without careful preparation. Crucially, the manufacturer emphasizes best practices: always lubricate the tool and chain pin to reduce resistance and extend tool life, and always ensure careful alignment to prevent pin bending. This kit is designed to rivet chain links to form an endless chain or act as a straightforward chain pin pusher.
Key features that stand out:
– Best Use Range: Suitable for most standard and mid-size chains.
– Kindly Note: Always lubricate the tool and chain pin to reduce resistance and extend tool life.
– Premium Material: Constructed from hardened steel to ensure strength and longevity.
– Function: Designed to rivet chain links or work as a chain breaker by pushing the pin out.
- Pros:
- Hardened steel construction provides reliable durability for standard chains.
- Clearly outlines user maintenance requirements for longevity (lubrication).
- Excellent price point for a full 13-piece set.
- Cons:
- Not recommended for the hardest, oversized racing chains.
Best for: Beginners and intermediate users who want a full, durable kit and are committed to following careful chain maintenance procedures.
Expert Opinion: The honest guidance provided by the manufacturer regarding the limitations on heavy-duty racing chains is helpful. For standard street and trail bikes, this best chain breaker and riveting tool offers dependable functionality at a competitive price.
Comparison Insights for Choosing the Right Tool
When shopping for the best chain breaker and riveting tool, you’ll quickly notice a split between specialized, heavy-duty single units and comprehensive, versatile kits.
For professional use or working on high-performance 520/530 chains, specialized tools like the Motion Pro PBR and the RK Racing UCT2100 stand out. They feature fewer moving parts, are made from highly durable alloys, and are specifically designed to press side plates accurately, drastically reducing the risk of damaging expensive O-ring chains. Their precision, especially for riveting, is usually unmatched by generic kits.
The 13-piece and 16-piece kits (Pit Posse, DAYUAN, Prokomon, DASBET) offer unbeatable value and incredible range, often covering chains from tiny #25 cam chains up to #630 drive chains. However, for maximum success with the best chain breaker and riveting tool in this category, it is absolutely necessary to grind the rivet head off the old pin before breaking larger chains. This reduces the immense side pressure on the breaking pins, which are the most common component to fail in these kits. The Pit Posse PP309 offers the most components and the best warranty among the multi-piece kits.
If your primary concern is durability and ease of portability, the Motion Pro PBR is the clear winner. If you need a single tool that can handle every chain job in the shop, a high-quality, hardened steel kit like the DAYUAN or Pit Posse is the more economical choice.
Final Verdict
Choosing the best chain breaker and riveting tool depends entirely on your needs: frequency of use, types of chains worked on, and budget.
Our Pick for Best Overall Professional Tool:
The Motion Pro PBR Chain Tool takes the crown for its unmatched portability, durability, and simplified 3-in-1 function. It handles the toughest 530 chains reliably, making it worth the premium price for heavy use.
Our Pick for Best Versatility and Value:
The Pit Posse PP309 Chain Breaker and Riveting Tool offers the widest application range (from #25 to #630) and includes key components like different anvil sizes and a lifetime warranty on the body, making it the most robust choice among the comprehensive kits.
Our Pick for Best Precision (Racing Chains):
The RK Racing Chain UCT2100 is the tool of choice for users installing high-end O-ring and X-ring chains where precise press depth and guaranteed non-over-riveting is essential.
Best Chain Breaker And Riveting Tool FAQ
Q: Why is grinding the rivet head necessary before breaking a chain?
A: Grinding the head of the chain pin before you attempt to push it out significantly reduces the force required by the chain breaker pin. If you don’t grind the head, the specialized pin in the chain tool must handle the entire shearing force of the mushroomed pin head, often leading to bent or broken pins, especially when using standard kits on heavy-duty drive chains.
Q: What is the difference between chain breaking and riveting?
A: Chain breaking involves pushing an existing pin out of a chain link to separate the chain (removal). Riveting is the process of flaring the new connecting link pin heads outward to permanently secure the outer side plate, forming an endless chain (installation). The best chain breaker and riveting tool handles both these critical chain maintenance tasks.
Q: Can these tools be used on cam chains?
A: Yes, many of the versatile 13-piece kits (like Pit Posse or Prokomon) include smaller 2mm or 2.2mm pins specifically designed to work with small cam chains (engine timing chains), which require a much smaller pin diameter than standard motorcycle drive chains.
Q: What size chain is a “530 chain,” and do all tools handle it?
A: A 530 chain refers to a chain with a 5/8-inch pitch and a 3/8-inch width between the inner plates. These are common heavy-duty motorcycle chains. While most tool kits claim to handle up to #630, the robustness and quality needed for reliable breaking and riveting on tough 530 O-ring chains often requires a specialized or professional-grade best chain breaker and riveting tool, like the Motion Pro PBR.
Q: How do I ensure I don’t “over rivet” the chain pin?
A: Over riveting occurs when you flare the pin head too much, placing excessive pressure on the side plate, which can bind the chain link. High-end tools like the RK Racing UCT2100 have built-in flare guards to prevent this. When using standard tools, you should stop riveting once the flared pin head diameter matches the diameter of the adjacent factory-riveted pins (usually measured with calipers).
Q: Do I need a press tool or just a simple rivet pin?
A: For modern O-ring and X-ring chains, you absolutely need a press tool (like the C-frame assembly found in these kits). These chains have very tight side plate tolerances. You must use the press tool to properly seat the side plate onto the connecting link pins before you rivet the pin ends. A simple hammer and punch method cannot achieve the necessary controlled side plate seating or reliable rivet flare.
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