Chain Riveter, Is it needed?

DynaMight · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Karma :

Always got the garage to fit new chains/sprockets in the past, But being so poor I dont wanna pay someone £15-30 to do such a simply job.

Do you HAVE to use a Riveting tool?
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Tarmacsurfer · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2004 Karma :

Suffice to say it's a bloody good idea. Having a chain come off is not something you want to experience.
There are a number of bodge methods, but none are as effective as a link break/joiner. Personally I'd not even consider using anything but a decent quality tool to do the chain on a modern sports bike Wink

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themadatter · Nova Slayer Joined: 20 Jan 2005 Karma :

However,

spending the £50 odd quid on a chain tool WILL ensure that the first chain you put on will last indefinitely and will never need replaced.
This will cause you much anxiety becasue every time you open your tool box you will see the chain tool and resent the fact that you bought it.

Big Pete · Spanner Monkey Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Karma :

I still use a split link on all my chains, but if you really need to use a rivet link the simplest and cheapest way to rivet the links is get a mate to hold a sledgehammer head behind the rivet in question while you peen the head over with a hammer and punch. There is bugger all axial load on the pins, so the side plate rarely comes off if the chain is in even half decent condition. A friend of mine ran his ZZR1100 for two weeks with no spring clip on the chain split link, and the side plate never moved (not that I would recommend this as a good idea).
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mchaggis · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 May 2004 Karma :

Question - can you get split links and rivet links for any size chain? Are the chains identical other than the missing link?
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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I often press the chain on, ride carefully to a local garage and get them to do it. Only takes a minute, so at the worst they want a fiver.

There are two types of rivvets for chains, one type has a hole on which is pushed out, while the other has an outwards rounded end that needs to be splayed out.

They need different types of rivveter.

You can get split links for some chains... depends entirely on the manufacturer.