Chain split links vs. rivets

[misterdimwiddy]

What's the general opinion on using split links on drive chains rather than rivet links?

Need to shorten my 520 chain to run with a 40t rear Renthal but have not got a chain rivet tool.

Bike is used for trackdays only so the last thing I want is the chain coming apart.

All thoughts welcomed especially if it saves me £50 on a tool.

[Killerwhale]

What's the general opinion on using split links on drive chains rather than rivet links?

Need to shorten my 520 chain to run with a 40t rear Renthal but have not got a chain rivet tool.

Bike is used for trackdays only so the last thing I want is the chain coming apart.

All thoughts welcomed especially if it saves me £50 on a tool.

My supermech don´t have a rivet tool either, he has a big weight behind and a hammer

[bubbaad]

Split link is fine as long as it's put on the RIGHT way......

[alextrx850]

Either type do the job well, had the split link type on my tt600s in my early years, mostly hill climbs and rough play,..never had one go bad..gotta fit the split link rear to the direction of chain travel.
Split link has my vote as it can be un-hitched where the riveted one can't and is a once use only.

[Wombat]

Have used both. TRX currently has a rivet link, which seems ok, but I much prefer a split link. Same as said before, never had a split link go, ever.

Bob

[Gordo]

Must have is the "new " style curved clip for the master link.

I've been advised that the flat clips are not so trustworthy on road bikes over 500cc.
Want the spec tool to fit curved clips in 3.8 seconds which is easily available/affordable (or up to six times trying with multigrips a screwdriver & cursing).

Gordo-

[Silver]

Phil, Got to be rivet.(soft link) Portable vice. centre punch and ball pein hammer works for me. Split links are only suitable for dinky toys. i had one break on an SZR.
Dave

[misterdimwiddy]

Thanks everyone for a range of thoughts and opinions. Helped me make my own mind up...............

May just trailer it up to my local bike shop and get them to take a couple of links out and pop a soft link in for a tenner. If I buy a pucker riveting tool it will just sit in my tool box for ever. Even using a vice and a punch/hammer would leave me with some worry about whether I had done a good enough job.

Don't mind tackling most things mechanical but some things leave me with a nagging feeling of self doubt. Fitting carpet is another one; better to pay a professional?

Think I will be happier with minimal chance of it seperating especially as I don't do any road miles.