Chain breaker wrecked my link on ‘88 Rebel

[wyd fish]

Mods feel free to move this if needed. Was shaving a link off a fresh chain for my pop's 1988 Honda Rebel 250 and the motorcycle chain breaker tool bent faster than a yard sale wrench. Even after grinding, it mashed the link solid but wouldn't press out the pin. Does this model chain hate these tools or what ?

 

[diam<>nd]

I don't think you should get those cheaper chain breakers because they fold so easily under pressure. The Rebel 250 chain can be a little hard to budge just as you mentioned, especially if it's a stock-type heavy-duty one.

 

[rebel.hx]

Mods feel free to move this if needed. Was shaving a link off a fresh chain for my pop's 1988 Honda Rebel 250 and the motorcycle chain breaker tool bent faster than a yard sale wrench. Even after grinding, it mashed the link solid but wouldn't press out the pin. Does this model chain hate these tools or what ?

You might have run into a hardened pin?
Older chains, especially from that year, often have pins that are incredibly tough.
Even after grinding the rivet head, those pins can be a real pain to push out, and many chain tools just aren't strong enough.
I'd suggest getting a more heavy-duty chain breaker next time!

 

[wyd fish]

I appreciate the insight from you both. It figures that a cheap tool was the problem. Do either of you have a brand of heavy duty chain breaker that you would recommend for these tougher pins?