Chain Wear Indicator Tool

Can I get recs for a decent chain wear indicator tool? Looked at a couple on amazon but reviews are not promising. 

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ithinkitsbroke
Posts
102
Joined
1/29/2024
Location
The Semi Frozen Tundra, MN, USA
6/30/2026 8:25am

Really just need a caliper and allowable limits from the chain manufacturer. Some of them will give you a pin to pin measurement across a span. Some of them will give a deflection measurement with the chain off the bike. 

You can also grab the chain on the rear of the sprocket (assuming tension is correct) and see if there is any slop. That's a pretty surefire way to tell if it's ready for replacement. 

4
6/30/2026 11:10am
Really just need a caliper and allowable limits from the chain manufacturer. Some of them will give you a pin to pin measurement across a span...

Really just need a caliper and allowable limits from the chain manufacturer. Some of them will give you a pin to pin measurement across a span. Some of them will give a deflection measurement with the chain off the bike. 

You can also grab the chain on the rear of the sprocket (assuming tension is correct) and see if there is any slop. That's a pretty surefire way to tell if it's ready for replacement. 

Does this chain still look good? 

 

1
YZed250
Posts
1339
Joined
11/9/2014
Location
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
6/30/2026 4:22pm

You're good!

1
7/1/2026 6:30am
YZed250 wrote:

You're good!

Fun fact, installed that new chain in 2020, have 150 hrs on bike and never use chain lube

3

The Shop

Sparkalounger
Posts
1628
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Minneapolis, MN, USA
7/3/2026 1:18pm Edited Date/Time 7/3/2026 2:22pm

I used to judge chains by taking them off, holding the ends in each hand and letting it loop out in front of me.

Knowing how much a new chain sags was my refrence point.

skypig
Posts
950
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
Caloundra, AU
7/3/2026 2:20pm

Interesting that chain wear “checkers” are common for push bikes, but unheard of for moto.
As the wear is often spread over 12 rear sprockets - checking and replacing the chain is the norm - at 0.5% worn!

FGR01
Posts
6107
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
USA
Fantasy
7/3/2026 2:57pm

KTM does sell this tool.

2
skyrebel88
Posts
187
Joined
1/29/2015
Location
New Fairfield, CT, USA
8 hours ago

Just use the front sprocket as your indicator. Once you lose a tooth there, it's time to change everything out. 

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