Things You'll Need:
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Step 1
Check if you have a master link on your bike chain. It appears different from a normal link, with at least one additional plate. There are two-piece and three-piece master link types.
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Step 2
Break a two-piece master link by loosening the chain (move the rear wheel forward by loosening the hub bolt's tension). Bend the master link towards the outside of the bike, and the plate of the master link should come free of its mounting. Lift it upwards, and the chain is free.
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Step 3
Open a three-piece master link by locating the clip that holds it in place and sliding it to one side. Then it simply lifts off, breaking the bike chain. When you reinstall the clip, be certain that you face the open end opposite to the direction of rotation; otherwise, you risk snagging skin, clothes and shoelaces.
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Step 1
Determine your chain width. If you have a single or three-speed bike, you likely have a 1/8-inch wide chain. For bikes with a full complement of gears and a derailleur, you probably have a chain that is 3/32 inches wide. Have the proper-sized chain tool.
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Step 2
Set your bike chain along the inner set of teeth of the chain tool to break it. Make sure the pin, also known as the rivet, lines up with the shaft of the tool. If it doesn't, try a different chain link.
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Step 3
Hold the chain tool in one hand and use the other to spin the handle of the chain tool to drive the pin out of the links. The threaded shaft will press the pin most of the way out of the link.
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Step 4
Stop turning the handle as soon as the pin clears the inner link, leaving it attached to the outer link. You will have broken the chain, but if you remove the pin entirely, you're likely to have a difficult time getting it back into the outer link.
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Step 5
Lift the broken bike chain out of the chain tool. To reinstall it, simply place the links on the outer teeth of the chain tool with the pin facing inwards, and drive it back in place.
