The missing link: Best motorcycle chain tools

Looking like something you might have made in your first metalwork class at secondary school, this basic chain splitter and repair tool has a hardened-steel pin to push out the pin from the existing chain and then, it is reversed to crush the head of the replacement pin once the new link has been fitted to the new chain and reassembled. The handle is relatively short, suggesting you may struggle to get far with larger or chunkier chains.

We've tried various tools from British manufacturer Oxford before and have been impressed, so we're confident this will perform too. It's another handheld chain tool, that is designed to split the chain by pushing the link pins out and then, swapping configuration to press-fit the retaining plate on the opposite side of the link to the links on the new one. There is then a flare pin to flare the heads of the retaining pins to make sure they keep the new link held together.

While it's always possible to release a spring-clip link that tends to be common on off-road and dirt-bike chains with a pair of pliers, mole-grips or even a screwdriver, it's often best to use the right tool, and this is the right tool.

This tool from Laser will be invaluable when it comes to compressing the ends of a new chain together to slot the new link in. It sits inside two links and tightens by hand to bring the links close enough together so that the new link can be inserted into the open ends of each.

This kit from tool expert Draper is a more professional-style version, which while taking on all the functions of the other kits, does so with more flexibility. It comes with four different-sized pins for various chains and once the pin is pushed out, has a plate for compressing the side plate of the master link onto the two pins.

A variation on a theme, this chain breaker will remove the 'soft' pin from a chain link by pushing it out with the threaded bar. However, there is no method to replace either the master link side plate or compress the rivet heads to finish off forming the new master link and hence, secure the chain itself.

New chains should always come with a new master link but some people tend to like to carry a spare with them, particularly if it is a spring-clip master link. This one is for a 525 X-ring chain, with the rubber O-rings sealing lubricant inside the link pins where they run through the sides of the links. The spring clip is easily removed with the relevant pliers (above) or at a push, with normal pliers or a screwdriver.

Not strictly a chain-replacement tool but once you have replaced your chain and sprockets, then you will need to check and adjust the chain tension and this handy device makes it easy.

When adjusting chain tension, it is crucial to move the bike's rear-wheel adjusters, one on each side, by the same amount to ensure the wheel is true and straight. While there are usually markings on the swingarm to gauge this, they can be inaccurate and a better way to ensure the wheel is straight is using a chain gauge.