DIY Chain Rivet

If you’re a cycling enthusiast, you should inspect your chain regularly. The rivets (pins holding the chain together) can rust, causing isolated links to seize. Rivets can also wear, resulting in a stretched chain. These conditions cause unnecessary wear to the toothed wheel or sprocket holding the chain. If a rivet breaks and the chain comes apart while traveling at speed you could have a nasty spill. You can prevent this from happening by using a “go/no-go” gauge between chain links to check for stretch, and when necessary, a chain riveting tool to free up a frozen link or to replace a worn chain.

Things You'll Need

  • Oil-based lubricant
  • Chain riveting tool
  • New chain
  • Connecting link
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lubricate a frozen link with lubricant and work it back and forth between your fingers. If it does not free up, clamp a chain riveting tool over the frozen link. Tighten the rivet pin against the head of the rivet by turning the handle clockwise until you feel resistance. Tighten the handle another quarter turn clockwise to break the bond between the rivet and the roller.

    • 2

      Reverse the tool and repeat by driving the rivet back through the roller one quarter turn. If this fails to free up the link, you will have to replace the chain.

    • 3

      Remove the old chain by rotating the handle of the chain riveting tool clockwise to push the link rivet through to the other side. Move the outer link plate aside and slide the link sideways to separate the chain. Unwind the chain from the series of different size sprockets on the rear wheel, called the derailleur gear.

    • 4

      Thread the new chain around the fore and aft sprockets. Bring the two ends together and connect the chain with the separate connecting link. Slide the two rivets fixed to the side plate through the rollers on each half of the chain. Attach the outer side plate by fitting it over the protruding rivet heads.

    • 5

      Fit the peening attachment to the riveting tool over the rivet removal slot. The new rivet will fit over a small metal cone and spread or “peen” when pressure is applied to the head of the rivet. This will prevent the rivet from working loose while you’re on the road. Unwind the riveting pin by turning the handle counterclockwise until the tool fits over the head of the front rivet on the connecting link. Center the peening attachment on the rivet and turn the handle clockwise until you feel resistance.

    • 6

      Turn the handle forcibly clockwise to peen the rivet head, but don’t overtighten. Check that the link moves freely. Repeat with the second rivet.