Fitting new chain - torque on chain rivetter...?

[cliveyandrews]

i.e. - how tight do you wind the chain rivetter up to - I did it till the threads were squeaking, just using a normal 1/2" drive ratchet - but the thought occurs, that it would go tighter if I used my torque wrench - but what sort of torque should I wind it up to...?

[Zakalwe]

What type of soft rivets are you using? If they are the hollow type, then all you need to do is just flare them slightly. Too much pressure and you will end up with a stiff link, which will wear the O-Ring in no time.


Measure across the sideplates...if it is less than the other links in the chain, then it's too tight. Grind the bugger off and start again!

[cliveyandrews]

Thanks my friend....

It is a hoIlow type and I have flared it quite a bit - wound it up as tight as I could with a ratchet - it would've taken more with a longer torque wrench - but as you say - it does move, and it looks to be the same spacing as the other links....

I will watch it though, and if it seems over tight, then a few quid for another soft link is a lot cheaper than the other options!

[Zakalwe]

Thanks my friend....

It is a hoIlow type and I have flared it quite a bit - wound it up as tight as I could with a ratchet - it would've taken more with a longer torque wrench - but as you say - it does move, and it looks to be the same spacing as the other links....

I will watch it though, and if it seems over tight, then a few quid for another soft link is a lot cheaper than the other options!

That sounds like way too much force.

Keep an eye on it. Personally I would stick another soft link in (B&C Express will get you one next day for a couple of quid)....a snapped chain can do a shedload of damage.

[cliveyandrews]

I will do, thanks...

I don't have a lot of strength in my right arm any more - so my idea of tight is a little relative (I have a large collection of long ratchets and breaker bars!)

The link does move - but I may just lay another soft link in stock...

(gobsmacking that the chain was originally supplied with a split link! - which I'm gonna put in the toolbag as an emergency measure)