Chain rivet question

Just bought a new chain (different brand from last time) and have just noticed that the rivet link is the solid variety, rather than the hollow ended type.

This is rather annoying as I believe my riveter only does the hollow ended type. Does anyone know whether it is just a different pin to peen these guys over or a new tool completely?

Secondly, the packet holding the link has 'rivet link' stamped on it, yet in the packet are 2 bits of bent wire in the shape of a pair of women's breasts if view from above. I have never seen this before! Is this a rivet link?

Also, Can I use any brand rivet link of a similar chain i.e x-ring (so long as I match pitch etc.) rather than buy a new tool?

I'll stick up some pics when I get in if this makes no sense!

Cheers
Luke

[rictus01]

the spacers you discrib are just that and stop you riveting it to tight, and yes you need a tool like the whale tail , to rivet over rather than spread the pins.



although I've done it with a hardened drift and hammer before now.

Cheers Mark.

Originally Posted by rictus01

the spacers you discrib are just that and stop you riveting it to tight, and yes you need a tool like the whale tail , to rivet over rather than spread the pins.



although I've done it with a hardened drift and hammer before now.

Cheers Mark.

Ah, that's what the breasts are for!

To be honest, I'd rather get a rivet link that fits my riveter, rather than buying a whole new tool! Is it safe to swap brands of rivet links? Or do manufacturers of chains (in my case, Renthal) tend to manufacture both varieties?

[rictus01]

as long as the pin diameter is the same (they aren't always) then yes.

Will a local bike shop not give you a split link and then rivet it for you if you pop up there? Thats what my place does

Originally Posted by BanditPat

Will a local bike shop not give you a split link and then rivet it for you if you pop up there? Thats what my place does

Maybe.

It's a race a bike, so it means loading the whole bike into the van, to drive it to the bike shop, just to rivet a link! This is also coupled with the fact that a spent a lot of $$ buying a very nice riveter last year so I could rivet my own chains!

I just wished manufacturers disclosed what kind of rivet link they used. I can't find anything on Renthal's website.

Originally Posted by lukemillar

Maybe.

It's a race a bike, so it means loading the whole bike into the van, to drive it to the bike shop, just to rivet a link! This is also coupled with the fact that a spent a lot of $$ buying a very nice riveter last year so I could rivet my own chains!

I just wished manufacturers disclosed what kind of rivet link they used. I can't find anything on Renthal's website.

Fair enough, thought it was a road bike could always get it done like that this time and not buy one of them chains again lol

Ok, thought I would add an outcome to this..

No other manufacturer's rivet link matched the pin dia. on the Renthal, so I bit the bullet, lugged the bike to the shop and got them to do it.

I hate having other people work on my bike, but this was by far the cheapest option (even buying a drift was more expensive!)

So, my advice for all you rivet freaks out there whose riveter doesn't swing both ways is to check what kind of rivet link the chain uses before buying it. Lesson learned.