Chain splitters - do they work on all chains?

[Ugo51]

Hi guys,

I noticed that some chain splitters are marketed as suitable for >7 speed chains, other for chains fitting cassettes with smaller number of cogs.
Beside the width of the chain itself, is there any other difference between these chains?
The pins should all be the same diameter, therefore splitters should be kind of "universal", right?

I was thinking to get this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07 ... JSI3&psc=1

 

[jimo746]

Re:

The only time I ever needed a different chain splitter was for a 1/8” chain ie fixed gear chain. Every other chain I’ve ever had has been fine with a regular chain splitter.

Edit: the one you linked to looks a bit erm.... cheap. Possibly likely to break in use.
I use the Park CT-5 mini chain tool (costs £10), never had a problem in using it on all kinds of 3/32 chains. Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more.

 

[Ugo51]

Perfect.


Cheers

 

[Jonny69]

I’m glad someone has asked this question. I just fitted a Shimano 10-speed chain for the first time. Internally it’s the same width but it has flush fitting pins and, as I understand it, the side plates are narrower. I noticed when I pushed the pin out it basically broke the peened end off, which meant you only got one shot at your chain length because the pins aren’t re-useable. Is that the case with all 10-speed chains or is there a different chain breaker I need to use?

 

[velofrog]

Re:

Edit: the one you linked to looks a bit erm.... cheap. Possibly likely to break in use.
I use the Park CT-5 mini chain tool (costs £10), never had a problem in using it on all kinds of 3/32 chains. Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more.

+1 for the CT-5

has been perfect on 8, 9, 10 and 11 speed chains

 

[Woz]

I’m glad someone has asked this question. I just fitted a Shimano 10-speed chain for the first time. Internally it’s the same width but it has flush fitting pins and, as I understand it, the side plates are narrower. I noticed when I pushed the pin out it basically broke the peened end off, which meant you only got one shot at your chain length because the pins aren’t re-useable. Is that the case with all 10-speed chains or is there a different chain breaker I need to use?

In homesty, I hate 10 speed because of this. You just have to be very carefull and slow. You are supposed to use the specified pins, but I'm riding with a rivited chain in two places - works but not really happy with it.

 

[Nob]

I have these




Also have a park one also.

 

[pigman]

I’m glad someone has asked this question. I just fitted a Shimano 10-speed chain for the first time. Internally it’s the same width but it has flush fitting pins and, as I understand it, the side plates are narrower. I noticed when I pushed the pin out it basically broke the peened end off, which meant you only got one shot at your chain length because the pins aren’t re-useable. Is that the case with all 10-speed chains or is there a different chain breaker I need to use?

new shimano chains have a special once-only fit when installing a new chain. Best option is to shorten the chain so you're not using that link and use a reuseable joining link, which you can use over and over again.

if you ever attempt to split a modern shimano chain, that link is gone, where ever it is on the chain (the original fitting link or any other) you can't reuse it (reliably)

My opinion - modern shimano chains are crap anyway, they seem to groan and squeak unless you lube every ride, I tend to use KMC

 

[mattr]

I’m glad someone has asked this question. I just fitted a Shimano 10-speed chain for the first time. Internally it’s the same width but it has flush fitting pins and, as I understand it, the side plates are narrower. I noticed when I pushed the pin out it basically broke the peened end off, which meant you only got one shot at your chain length because the pins aren’t re-useable. Is that the case with all 10-speed chains or is there a different chain breaker I need to use?

most decent chains you should get two pins with (you certainly used to).
You can buy them separately as well. You can fit as many as you want. As long as you only break the chain at a virgin pin, not one of the over size ones.

And Shimano have been using peened pins since the mid 90s, so it's certainly not a new 10 speed issue.