chain replacement

Tuned forks · October 02, 2018, 10:16:02 PM

How many of you have successfully replaced your FJ chains? I have a new one coming tomorrow. This is the chain I bought.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/312223713670

I have never riveted a chain together. My current chain seems to have a sticking link and it gives me concern to ride the bike to Oakdale that way. I bought this tool locally and watched a couple of youtube videos.

https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/stockton-chain-breaker-and-rivet-tool-kit

Advice, links, dire warnings, dirty jokes?

ryanschoebel · October 02, 2018, 10:53:57 PM

Hey TF, i have successfully replaced my chain,and it was surprisingly easy. Do you have the sprockets to replace as well? You should always replace chain and sprockets together, as it helps them to wear evenly,and extends the life of the chain.
I did not use that tool to replace the chain on my FJ, i actually borrowed one from Pat, but i did use that exact tool to replace my brothers chain just a few days ago. Be careful using the press plate to press the new master link together, as you can easily go to far and strip out the o rings in between. Make VERY sure that when you press the rivets, that they are centered, and dont crack. Bar that, it really is easy,and only took me about 30 minutes having never done one before, and replacing both sprockets. The chain looks like a good fit

Let everyone know if you have any questions!

FJmonkey · October 02, 2018, 10:54:37 PM

I use the same chain tool, but I cannot compare it to others. Do you have a means to measure the rivet head when you set the master in?

Tuned forks · October 02, 2018, 11:10:34 PM

Ryan and Mark.

No, I did not buy new sprockets and there isn't time now before the Fall Rally. I do comprehend your point Ryan.

Yes, I have vernier calipers. I did read that the rivet is supposed to be spread .3mm?

I'm wondering if it's difficult to avoid pushing too hard on the master link plate and thereby making the whole link stiff? Does anyone press it in stages, while trying the flexibility of the link each time you press the plate a little more?

Joe

ryanschoebel · October 02, 2018, 11:34:33 PM

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 02, 2018, 11:10:34 PM
I'm wondering if it's difficult to avoid pushing too hard on the master link plate and thereby making the whole link stiff? Does anyone press it in stages, while trying the flexibility of the link each time you press the plate a little more?

Joe

That's exactly what I would suggest doing Joe. That's what I did for my brother's, and it worked perfect. As for not having the sprockets, not ideal, but whatcha gonna do? I would just replace them ASAP then, but some with more experience may veto that.

Pat Conlon · October 03, 2018, 12:38:02 AM

Joe, you sure it can't wait and then do this at the RPM shop on Sunday shop day?
That way you can get some new sprockets at the same time. I can bring up my DID tool.
Ryan is correct.

Kudos on buying a top of the line chain.

Tuned forks · October 03, 2018, 05:46:06 AM

Pat, I've got a link that is binding so badly that the chain goes from slack to tight as the link wraps around the drive sprocket. I've been riding on this chain for a year though, just discovered it's condition last night while I was cleaning up the rear of the bike. Randy is willing to change it on Friday. He indicated that is the best day. I thought sprocket replacement was only when the sprockets showed signs of wear.

Oh, and it was the chain that RPM recommended. I can't take credit for that.

Joe

Charlie-brm · October 03, 2018, 02:00:17 PM

If you can get an angle grinder, I'm partial to using those to take off the old rivet heads before having a go at it with the tool.
I'm also heavily prejudiced to having a tool that makes the job less onerous especially when it doesn't cost anymore. $42 Cdn from a retail store shelf. I found those little Motion Pro things horrible, especially for the FJ's 530 chain. Even though I've only used this 3 or 4 times, I wouldn't trade it for nuffin'. I'd go out looking for chains to rivet with this thing. That main thread is 18 mm diameter which makes transferring torque no bother.

Tuned forks · October 03, 2018, 04:48:49 PM

Who makes your tool Charlie?

racerrad8 · October 03, 2018, 04:57:02 PM

May I ask a silly question...?

Why not just cut the link plates with a dremel or pneumatic cut off wheel...?

I have never "pressed" a master link pin out. Sorry I don't have a photos right now, but after I cut off Joe's on friday I will.

I have only ever used my DID Chain tool to press the side plate on and swedge the pins. The nice thing about the DID tool is you cannot over install the side plate and damage the o-rings.

Randy - RPM

Tuned forks · October 03, 2018, 05:04:57 PM

I'm not sure Randy. The video I watched showed the user cutting off the rivets with a Dremel. Sure seemed easy that way.

You are referring to the chain tool you sell on the RPM site?

racerrad8 · October 03, 2018, 05:09:50 PM

Quote from: Tuned forks on October 03, 2018, 05:04:57 PM
I'm not sure Randy. The video I watched showed the user cutting off the rivets with a Dremel. Sure seemed easy that way.

You are referring to the chain tool you sell on the RPM site?

If you thought cutting off the rivets was easy, waiting until you see how easy we make it...

Yes, the DID Chain tool linked here: DID Chain tool

Tuned forks · October 03, 2018, 06:01:18 PM

Abrasive cutting wheel on a pneumatic grinder and cut right thru the links?

That's such a wee looking tool. I'll be interested in seeing it in action.

Joe

ryanschoebel · October 03, 2018, 07:10:21 PM

If I knew you sold the tool, I would have bought that instead of the other one for my brother bike. Nothing wrong with the other set, but having used Pat's, and the other set, I prefer the one you sell!

racerrad8 · October 03, 2018, 07:22:37 PM

Quote from: ryanschoebel on October 03, 2018, 07:10:21 PM
If I knew you sold the tool, I would have bought that instead of the other one for my brother bike. Nothing wrong with the other set, but having used Pat's, and the other set, I prefer the one you sell!

Buddy, we have everything you need for your fj chain...except the chain itself.

Tools, pliers, sprockets in all sizes, cleaners, brushes, alignment tools and awesome chain lube.

The only reason I don't sell the chain, is the online vendors sell it cheaper than I can buy it from my suppliers. I would rather you guys buy chain for the best price you can, instead of sitting on my shelf because it costs more.

I keep a couple on the shelf for people who ride in for repairs, but I have all of them buy online and replace mine.

That could change someday, but for now I will continue to offer everything but the chain.

Randy - RPM

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