530 Chain Question

[Troll]

Ok, then... that makes a difference, but the problem remains the same. You will need to break the chains and you cannot reuse the riveted link, so you must get a new one for each chain.

[Boaski]

My chain has less than 1,000 miles on it. I am shortening it due to a gearing change. As stated in my earlier post my son wrapped his chain around the wrong side of a section of the frame when he was installing it yesterday. It is a new chain. Neither of these chains take a clip type connecting link. Both chains must be riveted back together. We have a chain breaker / riveting tool.

[Troll]

The first question is why are you going to remove links?  If you have changed gearing. i.e. a smaller rear sprocket, then it might be necessary, but if it's to compensate for wear, then it's a definite no no. Chains wear the pins and bushings, causing them to increase in length, they do not "stretch". If a chain has worn to the point that you can remove 2 pitches from it, it is well past it's service limits.  The best thing is to replace the chain. The factory chains on most bikes are riveted link, and require special tools to break and rivet. Replacement chains are normally supplied with a master link that consists of a plate with pins, a plain plate, and a retainer clip. Some people will tell you that the master link is a weak point, but the only real difference between a master link and a riveted link is the clip. If the clip is installed correctly and the chain is correctly maintained, then there is no difference in the strength or life expectancy of either chain. So, to answer your question...no, don't even think of doing it...Replace the chain and the sprockets at the same time and start the process all over again. Keep this in mind... "O" ring chains keep the factory lube inside to help keep the pins and bushings from wearing quickly, but there is no lube on the chain rollers or sprockets, unless YOU add it. I've been running chain drive bikes for over 50 years, and I never waste my money on "O" ring chains, since I'm going to clean and lube the chain every 3-500 miles, anyway.

[Boaski]

I need to take a link out of the chain on my Drifter.  At the same time my son is working on his 750 ACE.  Since it's warm out he's in a big hurry to get his bike back together. He ended up wrapping his chain around the wrong side of a frame gusset. My question is: do you have to rivet the original connecting link or can you use the riveting tool on a regular rivet? I'm facing the same thing on my Drifter when I take a couple links out.