Chain riveting advice
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Bradenawilson
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Chain riveting advice
It’s only my second time riveting a chain but this time the chain came with a clip master link. Unfortunately there were no grooves to make sure it’d actually work so I riveted it instead. It didn’t respond like last time so I wanted to ask if I should take it to a professional to redo before I ride based on these pictures I took. Any help is appreciated y’all. Thanks
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7lhyhus2 ... rv7vy&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2x54j8a3 ... m3ei9&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ujzexjpz ... rm643&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7lhyhus2 ... rv7vy&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2x54j8a3 ... m3ei9&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ujzexjpz ... rm643&dl=0
- Skub
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Re: Chain riveting advice
It's difficult to tell from the pics,but the sideplate seems to be sitting proud from the rest of the chain. If so,I wouldn't be happy with that.
Welcome in btw,are you staying a while?
Welcome in btw,are you staying a while?
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Re: Chain riveting advice
I'm very surprised by what you say about no grooves for the spring link. That couldn't possibly work and if fitted by someone without much knowledge could be very nasty.
The ends of the pins of a rivet type link should be left soft to allow for peening.
The ends of the pins of a rivet type link should be left soft to allow for peening.
- Rockburner
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Re: Chain riveting advice
I haven't done a chain for years, but don't they usually come with 2 links? one for the split pin, and one for riveting?
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Taff
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Re: Chain riveting advice
I've done 3 or 4 chains over the last 10 years or so and all off then have only come with a rivet link.Rockburner wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 9:57 am I haven't done a chain for years, but don't they usually come with 2 links? one for the split pin, and one for riveting?
- ogri
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Re: Chain riveting advice
Some kits come with both, not many though.
Usually make sure i have a suitable split link for whatever bike i own at the time.
Usually make sure i have a suitable split link for whatever bike i own at the time.
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- Mr Moofo
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Re: Chain riveting advice
Are split links safe ?ogri wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 1:41 pm Some kits come with both, not many though.
Usually make sure i have a suitable split link for whatever bike i own at the time.
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Bradenawilson
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Re: Chain riveting advice
I mostly lurk and learn, but you can bet I'll be around. Thanks for the help! I'll probably end up getting a new master link and taking it to a pro.Skub wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 9:29 am It's difficult to tell from the pics,but the sideplate seems to be sitting proud from the rest of the chain. If so,I wouldn't be happy with that.
Welcome in btw,are you staying a while?
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Bradenawilson
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Re: Chain riveting advice
Thanks everyone for all the help and advice! I definitely found this to be a weird situation given the master link I was given, but that weird mismatch between the two halves. I'm going to take it to a professional here in town once I get a new master link and have them do the job to ensure I'm safe to ride. I'd hate to have any anxiety while enjoying a joyride too.
- ogri
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Re: Chain riveting advice
Never had a problem with one if done properly. Same as any link, will get dodgy if chain becomes too worn/loose/rusty.
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- Skub
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Re: Chain riveting advice
I have them on the triples. For my own piece of mind I clean the outside link plate and put a smear of adhesive under the split link. It comes off easy enough when you need it to,but it gives a little extra security in use.ogri wrote: Fri Jul 04, 2025 5:51 amNever had a problem with one if done properly. Same as any link, will get dodgy if chain becomes too worn/loose/rusty.
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- Druid
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Re: Chain riveting advice
Probably safer than some of the bodged on rivet links I've seen.
I've used split links on a variety of bikes over many years with no issues. There's nothing much forcing the sideplates apart, but I might be wary about using one on a litre sportsbike
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Le_Fromage_Grande
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Re: Chain riveting advice
Split links are perfectly safe if fitted properly and the is no side loading on the chain. Rivet links can be rivetted too tight, and usually are by home mechanics
- Skub
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Re: Chain riveting advice
Yeahbutt,they can't wheelie.David wrote: Fri Jul 04, 2025 6:13 pm I hardly find this rivetting..all my bikes have shaft drives........
"Be kind to past versions of yourself that didn't know what you know now."
Walt Whitman
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- MyLittleStudPony
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Re: Chain riveting advice
I thought the hard man's approach was to do the soft link with two hammers, while sucking on an auld roll-up.
