I’ve had this chain laying around for a few weeks now because I don’t have the special tool for putting the rivet on. I’ve heard you can use a hammer/center punch to ping down the rivet. Is this safe? I just don’t want the new chain to come flying off because I didn’t use the right tool. However, the chain tool is expensive and you pretty much have to order it online to get the best price. thanks for any help.
the new chain comes with spacers for the master link to make sure it goes back together right. i guess you slide them between the plates on the link, then back out when it’s riveted.
I know how to remove the old chain. My big q is how to get the NEW rivet back on. I got some punches that are almost big enough, but how do I know when the rivet is secure? I’ve heard you can just tap it down with a ball peen and a sledge on the backside to hold it.
Nevermind. I finally found a cheap tool from Motion Pro. Only 20 bucks shipped! Can’t believe nobody rec’d this before. Their other tools sell for a lot more, but this one says it’ll do 530 chain which is exactly what I have. Plus, I don’t care about breaking the old chain. I can do that with a dremel tool and punch. Only safety issue is putting the new chain back on. If anyone has used the “mini” i’d appreciate any feedback! thanks!
Yes, you can use a hammer and center punch to remove the rivet to disassemble the chain, but you need a flat ended punch to re-crimp the rivet when you put the link back in. You will need something hard and solid like an anvil or sturdy vise to work on when you do this. You can do this with the chain for bikes, chain saws, etc. Hardest part is usually getting the chain to lay still while you work. A second person just to hold it so it doesn’t slide off the anvil helps.
just use a big pair of vicegrip pliers,squash the rivet down as hard as you can (within reason)that’ll hold it
Remember, IF YOUR CHAIN COMES OFF it will take our your engine cases, and maybe your leg.
That $75 dollar tool will save you thousands in
skin grafts to your leg.
Sounds like a steal.
Go to a farm supply center and get a master link with a clip. they hold well for many applications and I used them on my other bike. I even got a machine shop here to make my sprockets.
Dude, spend the money on chain tool. The cheap sets do the job like the expensive ones do. Don’t go ghetto with the hammer and punch, and besides you might damage the chain or link.
If you are riding a 100cc dirtbike, go ahead and use the punch and hammer method. You will need something to back up the chain so you get a good crimp around the post. You will also need to make sure the cover plate is seated correctly before you crimp the post. The tool does all of this for you.
If you are riding anything with any kind of power, buy the tool and learn how to use it. If your crimp fails, and you are lucky, you will simply end up with the chain laying on the highway. Conversely, the chain could wrap around either gear, lock up the rear wheel or lock up your engine causing you to crash or just detroying your engine cases.