Chain riveting advice

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Bradenawilson
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Chain riveting advice

Post by Bradenawilson »

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
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Skub
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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by Skub »

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.

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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by iansoady »

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.
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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by Rockburner »

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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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by Taff »

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?
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.
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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by ogri »

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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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by Mr Moofo »

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.
Are split links safe ?
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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by Bradenawilson »

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?
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.
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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by Bradenawilson »

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.
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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by ogri »

Mr Moofo wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 7:53 pm
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.
Are split links safe ?
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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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by Skub »

ogri wrote: Fri Jul 04, 2025 5:51 am
Mr Moofo wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 7:53 pm
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.
Are split links safe ?
Never had a problem with one if done properly. Same as any link, will get dodgy if chain becomes too worn/loose/rusty.
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.
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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by Druid »

Mr Moofo wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 7:53 pm
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.
Are split links safe ?
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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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by Le_Fromage_Grande »

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
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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by David »

I hardly find this rivetting..all my bikes have shaft drives........
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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by Skub »

David wrote: Fri Jul 04, 2025 6:13 pm I hardly find this rivetting..all my bikes have shaft drives........
Yeahbutt,they can't wheelie. :(
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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by ace llani »

Not worth risking, as a thrown chain can be very expensive and dangerous.
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Re: Chain riveting advice

Post by MyLittleStudPony »

I thought the hard man's approach was to do the soft link with two hammers, while sucking on an auld roll-up.
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