Chain Tools

Keep your Chain in Top Condition with 24MX Chain Tools

A motorcycle's drive chain has a crucial role. Without it, even the most powerful, technologically advanced engine is useless if the bike cannot transfer power to the back wheel. Dirt biking calls for instant throttle reaction. Follow the chain of command through to the drive sprocket and if the chain can't cope with the demand due to neglect, mayhem may follow. A loose chain may jump the sprocket. When it does this, it jams between the sprocket and swingarm, locking the rear wheel. An excessively dry chain may also snap under a heavy load with enough force to punch a hole in an engine casing. Moreover, the drive chain's lifespan significantly reduces without regular maintenance, cleaning and lubing. In a worst-case scenario, it may even fail.

Why do we need chain tools?

In the 1980s, manufacturers, including Kawasaki and Suzuki, fitted endless chains as OEM kits on their sports bikes. In theory, an endless chain has a stronger tensile strength, as there is no weak link. However, the downside for some models came when it was time to replace the chain. Doing so meant removing the swingarm, which was costly and time-consuming. 24MX has a range of chain tools and dirt bike chain breakers to make fitting an endless chain easy. Chain breakers are super strong tools that fit around the drive chain. Once you put it in position, one side will support the back of the link plate. Then directly place the shaft of the tool over the link rivet and tighten. This action will force the rivet out. From there, complete the task on the other rivet and remove the chain link. You can finish the job using a master link with a clip or rivet link. If you perform the task using a master link with a clip, it fits by hand. However, if you opt for a master link with rivet, you'll need a specialist tool.

24MX has a range of dirt bike chain breakers to make light work of the task. If however you want to replace the master link with a rivet-type link, you will need a chain tool kit. Apart from being capable of splitting links, a chain tool kit has the additional components required to secure the rivet in place on the new master link. It does this by compressing the head of the new rivet into a mushroom shape against the link plate. Even if the chain on your dirt bike has a master link with a clip, you will, at some point, still require a chain tool kit. All drive chains stretch. So, if the chain tensioner maxes out, you can use a chain breaker to remove one or two links to shorten the chain. This action allows the chain tensioner to return to its starting position.

Chain tools: Features to look out for

Drive chains are available in various sizes (i.e., 420, 428, and 530). The higher the number, the larger and heavier duty the links. For this reason, always read the product details. A chain breaker or chain tool kit must be the correct size for your motorcycle’s chain. 24MX's chain tool section has a wide range of spares to ensure your chain breaker or kit lasts a lifetime. What's more, you'll find two handy chain tool accessories. First is the adjustable chain holder. This tool holds both parts of the chain together while you insert the link. Second is the chain-measuring tool. This handy gauge tells you the size of the chain on your bike. Whatever type of dirt bike you ride, 24MX chain tools will ensure every time you twist the throttle, the power goes straight to the back wheel.