Installing chain link

MagnaPHX · October 01, 2013, 10:13:58 PM

I bought a 530X120 chain to install on a Honda Magna. This is my first time doing this repair.

I read up on how some chains need a rivet or a clip on master link but when I got the chain it look like the links were installed>?

I took picks of one link that has a clip with 2 rivets that do not look like the are smashed . The other like has a open pin that a rivet would feed through.

Here are the pics. Am I missing parts or do some of them come off?

TLRam1 · October 01, 2013, 10:57:55 PM

Normally if you buy a DID X or O Ring chain a rivet link is included, sometimes or with some brands you can choose a Clip Link instead, I use the clip-link on my vintage street bikes and dirt bikes.

In the first photo you have a Clip Link, the second photo you have a chain where a master link would go, either a Clip style or Rivet style link, your choice. On higher mileage bikes, race bikes or touring bikes many prefer the rivet style.

In the photo you will see a rivet link, the pins are partially hollow at one end so you can spread them out with a rivet tool. Before you spread the ends O Rings and a side plate will go on first.

hootmon · October 02, 2013, 05:49:10 AM

I was taught that if you use a clip style, you always point the clip with the open end facing the rear on the top run of the chain.
The idea here is that if something were to hit the side of the chain where the clip is. it would force the clip toward the install direction and not toward knocking the clip off..
I hope this description makes some since..

TLRam1 · October 02, 2013, 05:22:08 PM

Quote from: hootmon on October 02, 2013, 05:49:10 AM
I was taught that if you use a clip style, you always point the clip with the open end facing the rear on the top run of the chain.
The idea here is that if something were to hit the side of the chain where the clip is. it would force the clip toward the install direction and not toward knocking the clip off..
I hope this description makes some since..

Yes it does and I thought of that but failed to include the bit of info. We do that on dirt bikes since we are in grass and wooded areas, rocks, creeks and the like, Johnson grass or a downed tree limb will rip the clip off if it is turned the wrong way.

TLRam1 · October 03, 2013, 01:06:02 PM

I just ran across a bag of Rivet Links DID 50VA ZJ, these are 530 O-Ring links (not the X-Ring) but they may be interchangeable with X-Ring. You would have to call DID or check specs, ie: pin size, length.

If you want one I will send one to you providing you are in the USA, send me your mailing address.

In order to use a rivet link you will need a special tool to spread the ends or take it to a bike shop for the chain installation.

Smoked U · October 03, 2013, 09:03:05 PM

Snoopy came over the other day with a chain to install and we put a dab of anti-seize on the open rivet end of the link to hold a "BB" in place and crushed it with a C clamp. Mushroomed the head of the rivet just as nice as you please.

lragan · October 04, 2013, 07:00:33 AM

I have a rivet tool that makes the installed rivet indistinguishable from the rest of the rivets.

TLRam1 · October 04, 2013, 11:55:12 AM

Quote from: Smoked U on October 03, 2013, 09:03:05 PM
Snoopy came over the other day with a chain to install and we put a dab of anti-seize on the open rivet end of the link to hold a "BB" in place and crushed it with a C clamp. Mushroomed the head of the rivet just as nice as you please.

Exactly a special tool, you probably have the ingenuity to put nine people on a scooter.

Smoked U · October 04, 2013, 12:30:24 PM

Quote from: TLRam1 on October 04, 2013, 11:55:12 AM
Quote from: Smoked U on October 03, 2013, 09:03:05 PM
Snoopy came over the other day with a chain to install and we put a dab of anti-seize on the open rivet end of the link to hold a "BB" in place and crushed it with a C clamp. Mushroomed the head of the rivet just as nice as you please.

Exactly a special tool, you probably have the ingenuity to put nine people on a scooter.

I had told him to purchase an "EZ Link" which has the hex nut style of master link that just requires tightening with a small socket. When he showed up, all that was available was the standard link that came with the chain. My adapt and overcome mechanism kicked in at that point and from a physical standpoint I didn't see why the C clamp/BB approach would not do the job. I mean they got the Apollo 13 crew back with duct tape and some hose that took care of the air recycling and this didn't even measure to that level, so, what the heck.

Tarzan sezs some days all you need is some good vines to get across the jungle in a pinch.

TLRam1 · October 04, 2013, 09:36:07 PM

Hey I recently saw what I think was the original Tarzan movie.

FYI everyone,

If he had the DID chain and was looking to buy the link you mentioned from EK chains, I have two of those links also because they do not fit a DID chain.

If you have an EK chain and want those links, hit me up as they are no good to me and I would rather not throw them away. Pretty sure I still have them somewhere.

ripster31 · October 19, 2013, 01:30:54 AM

I went on ebay and purchased a chain breaker riveting tool kit cutter and worked like a charm. When I was done I actually looked like a pro lol.