Need new chain.   I checked Kerry's list for sources.  I need some advice on getting a tool for pressing on the link.  I have a tool to break the chain so that is not a problem.  I am not going to change the sprockets since they seem to be in good shape.

See if the who knew installing chains can be so much fun.... thread helps any.

Thanks
I'm going to probably get this.
Chaparall has it for $42.99
If I get the chain I get free shipping
I have to check if the chain comes with the link
I'll get the 520 X-ring
Motion Pro
Chain Press Tool Kit
This tool fits 520-530 standard and O-ring chains.
Chain Press Tool Kit

When I ordered my D.I.D. 520V (O-ring) chain I also ordered two clip-style master links.  My plan was to use one to put the chain on, and carry the other as a spare.

When the chain arrived, there was a clip-style master link already in the box.  So I have two spares, neither of which I have needed to use yet.

If you want a rivet-style master link, I believe you DO have to order that separately.

Quote from: mp183
I'm going to probably get this.
Chaparall has it for $42.99

As I mentioned in Kerry's link, 2 c-clamps will get the job done quite well.  Probably $4 at the Home Depot, or free if you've got them in the garage already.

i cut the end off a 'c' clamp....the part that looks like a school desk foot....and there is just a nub that you can twist down and cram the links together

johncam4,

_I_ know what you're talking about because I dabble in woodworking.  But how about you post a (before and after?) picture and maybe suggest a clamp size and a ballpark price figure?

I think you might gain a lot of converts.  

OK, I think there is some confusion here:

I think most aftermarket chains come with a master link (my DID O-Rink chain came with 2; my shop told me they don't even stock endless chains, and would have to special order if I wanted one).  The master link on these chains supposedly doesn't require any tools for installation.

And I think that the "chain tools" you can buy (such as the Motion Pro tools) are all rivet pressing tools meant for endless chains.  They are not meant for use with master-link chains.

Here's where the confusion comes from: even the master link chains, which (supposedly) don't need any tools to install, still do.  Some people have managed to install them with only a pliers, but many people have had to resort to other methods (clamps, vice grips, cussing, etc.).  But, to my knowledge, you can't "buy" a masterlink tool.

So if you ordered a chain with masterlink(s), then you will probably have no use for the chain tool.

Maybe I'm mistaken; has anyone seen a chain tool for master link chains?

Good point, Rema.

I had always assumed that the chain press function and the pin riveting/peening functions were kinda separate, and that the press tools would come in handy for either type of "master" link.  ('Cause I sure had a hard time "pressing" my clip-style master link's sideplate on far enough to even THINK about sliding the clip across the pins.)

The blurb at the top of the Motion Pro Chain Tools page doesn't really help much:

Quote from: Motion ProPress-fit Chain Link Tools

Since about 1990, most new chains use press-fit type side plates on the connecting links. On this type of link, the side plate can not be installed properly without the aid of a special tool. The chain manufacturers have decided the press fit adds strength to the connection link and should always be used. The Motion Pro chain press tools below are designed to install the press-fit connection links on 520-530 standard and O-ring chains.

So does "press fit" refer to the side plate design, or to the riveted pins, or both, or what?  :dunno:

QuoteSo does "press fit" refer to the side plate design, or to the riveted pins, or both, or what?  :dunno:

I read their instruction PDF, and the tool has 3 functions: traditional pin-push for enless chains; a pin flare adapter to divot and "squish" the ends of a special masterlink pin, so that they hold the side plates on securely; and a master-link adapter plate, which appears to push the side-plate onto master links (I think this is now the "standard" for aftermarket chains).

So it appears that the Motion Pro tool does have an attachment to help with the typical press-fit masterlink.  It appears to work similarly to my table vise jig (http://gs500.specialgreen.com/img/chaintool.jpg), if I were to glue the two small sockets together to make an "adapter".  However, I notice that it only uses an "adapter" on the open side of the master link; the closed side of the master link presses against the flat side of the tool.  Now that I think of it, I only needed to use 2 sockets in my jig, and not 4.