Someone school me on removing chain links

[3 on the Tree]

Hi all, here's my issue. I have the '80 XL250 enduro in my sig and I am looking to get some better top end out of it for crusing since it doesn't see trail use anymore.

I will be ordering an aftermarket 41 tooth sprocket for the bike in the next week or so. Long story short, I am going to have a lot of slack in the current chain after downsizing to a smaller sprocket.

How do I remove links from my stock chain? I know there is some kind of tool to do so, but where can I get/use one? Is removing links recommended on an older chain?

Don't be afraid to explain it to me like I'm 6 years old. I have never altered or replaced chains before so I'm all ears.

[tri again]

There's actually a tool just for that.

May be called a chain break?(er) 10-15 bucks? Any bike shop.
You may need a new master link unless you can find/save yours.

If your chain has a master link, (most do)
take it apart there but don't lose the little clip.

Since I don't have the correct tool, I set them on a tree stump,
stabilized with a few nails or screws and grind off the end of the pin
I want gone and then just punch the pin into the stump.

Remove as many links as needed and hope to god I counted correctly.

Then use the master link to pin the chain back together.

New sprockets recommend new chains to keep from ruining the new sprockets.
Any bike shop can probably shorten it for you in a few minutes...unless there is some liability
or it's just a bad idea to use an old chain on new sprockets.

[Thorpe]

I have always used a small angle head grinder to remove a link...

[dcreel]

I have one just like in the video and it works great every time. I've had the same one for over 20 years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou_luTNO5WA&feature=related

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOTORCYCLE-CHAIN-BREAKER-FITS-420-525-CHAINS-MX-ATV-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4cf5dac0e0QQitemZ33054 2268640QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[atctim]

I used to do the old grind the peened pin then knock pin out with a center punch. Then I smartened up and bought one of these from my local bike shop for $20. Life has been so much better since that day!
http://www.haibikeshop.com/images/chain_breaker_large.jpg

[Dirtcrasher]

Anything that gringds 2 pins flush, then knock them out; Don't go to short!!

[Brockey]

Measure, measure, measure get ready to cut and measure again. Dont ask why I say this so many times.

[Dirtcrasher]

^ because we've ALL cut it too short at least once :lol: :beer