Fitting riveted chains
 

I have just aquired a new drive chain without a master link clip for the first time in 25 years of riding bikes! This one from Sum of All Parts needs to be riveted. I do not have a riveting tool in my workshop, although I have most other things.

Has anyone used another method to fit them, or is buying the proper tool a must? It must be done securely of course, so I am not going to do anything bodgy.

A tool here costs about $90, and I will rarely use it, so I am trying to save a few bucks if one of you guys has a trick to pass on.

Cheers,
Shayne

I always use a Pro-Motion chain tool. I wouldn't take the chance with my chain.

Hi Shayne, I just fitted one to my bike a month ago with a center punch, hammer and a lump hammer. I got my mate to hold the lump hammer on the back of the chain while I peened the front of the rivets. It took about five minutes and I'm totally confident with it,and have about 2000 km on it with no issues. I say do it yourself and save the money for tires.

My favorite tool, does a great job - yep - it costs a few bux but it will last forever.

http://www.motionpro.com/images/groups/71.jpg
http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/...riveting_tool/

Three choices:

1) Get a chain tool (or borrow one)
2) Use the ball peen hammer method (as described above)
3) Take to a dealership (preferrably an independent)

I do #1. I borrow one, along with his carb sync tool, from a local rider and in exchange break tire beads for him.

Do you have a bike shop near you? Like within 10 miles? I have pressed the plate onto the link and dabbed some RTV or epoxy on there just to get me to the dealer. $5 later or a box of donuts (Saturday mornings they really appreciate these) and my chain is peened properly.

Thanks guys.

How do the tools work?

Are they essentially a tapered shaft on a thread that you wind in to spread the link pins?

Dremel tool or similar works great for cutting the ends of the peened rivets off your old chain.

Yep. When installing the rivet, the ends are squished flat (technical term) against the face of the chain.

Thanks, reckon I will make something to do the job.

It better be tough! Those pins are hard and I've seen the cheap Motion Pro tools bend like butter when you put some torque on them. The more expensive $100 tool is better. Remember, the pin that peens the "rivet" over needs to be hardened tool steel.

I'm not sure which Motion Pro tool you guys have, but mine was $100 and Motion Pro.

Motion Pro makes two. One's heavy duty, the other not. HD is $100, the other like $40, IIRC.

Ahhh, I see. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

You don't need to cut the chain off... No frame on the VTR... It will just lift off.


As for the tool... I rented the tool fron the local Honda mechanic for $15. It took me an hour including travel time.

My workshop is pretty good. I have a good selection of punches and stuff.