Hi Folks,

I've asked this on various forums to no avail, but I reckon there's more collective general bike knowledge here than the rest of the net put together. I'm going to change the cam chain on my Kwak 550 with a soft link. The link has a solid end, not hollow. What sort of tool do I need to get a good crimp on it, ie more like the nice looking one below (not my pics, just copied them off the net for reference). I've now bought two tools, both are ok for doing everything apart from crimping the new link. Surely there must be a tool that can do it nicely ??

Cheers,

Bonzo

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Well it used to be called a small ball-pein hammer...
I've done plenty of car cam chains in this way (Mercs were favourite for chains) and AFAIK they all survived the warranty period...
But that was back in the day. I'd be interested to see these fancy tools you mention....

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'98 M2 Razorback, it's a keeper.

Hmm, maybe I just need one of them then




Closest I've found so far is this one. The square block pictured apparently does it, but I suspect it's sized for drive chains, and I don't really want to spend that amount of dosh if it ain't going to do it.
:-
https://www.mxstore.com.au/p/Motion-Pro-PBR-Chain-Tool/08-080470?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4MzNnIaq4gIVggsrCh30ag2_EAQYAiABEgKeyfD_BwE

Oh, and you can get a Mercedes crimper, but again I don't know the size, and it's even more expensive
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/TOLM0050SIR.htm?pn=TOL-M-0050-SIR

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I see that last link is actually a BMW one, also seen Merc and SAAB ones but I suspect the chains are bigger than bike chains?

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Hi Bonzo,
may seem silly suggesting this but is there not a crimping end in the chain tool box, you know with the other hardend ends? it's just got a slot in it & you can use the tool to press with as usual.

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Ride Safe & Stay between the hedgerows.

There is one of them, but it's drive chain sized. Looking for a diddy version. I spose I could make one, but am assuming they must exist already.

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'Soft links' seem to be a thing of the past nowadays. For hard links, I've got a Whale brand tool, which was horribly expensive and still requires beating with a hammer. To soak up the energy from hammer blows, only 3-4 needed, I've got a big heavy block of lead that I get someone to hold on the other side of the chain. I've used it on cam, primary and final drive chains (all simplex)

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

Nope, car cam chain links are similar in size to pedal bike chains

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'98 M2 Razorback, it's a keeper.

This^^^ but I've always used the back side of a dolly
If you think that's perverse, it's your filthy mind that is

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'98 M2 Razorback, it's a keeper.

How much?

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'98 M2 Razorback, it's a keeper.

Best advisor on that would be
Mr P Sutcliffe
HMP Frankland
Durham

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I hate being strapped for cash....but it pays the bills

You've hit the nail on the head there........

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2017 KTM 690 Duke
2001 M2
2019 Street Triple RS
2004 Monster S4R
Wilier La Triestina

Thanks, I'll just use a hammer then

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Wear the fox hat

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Buell Ulysses XB12X 06/08

That's a bit more like it!

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'98 M2 Razorback, it's a keeper.