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I bought new chains for the front axels on my bigfoot. I got the first one off and the new one back on in record time. Then I tried the second one (passenger side). Got the old chain off in no time. I tried to put the new chain on (ordered from argo dealer) and it is about a 1/16 of an inch too short. Is there a way to bring them together to get the master link in? I got it into the first section of chain, but all it does is spread the pins on the master link so the center links won't fit.
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If you don't have any adjustment to bring the sprockets closer together or to loosen the chain then put the new chain on and try to put the link on while the two ends of the chain are on the sprocket. That way the sprocket will actually pull the chain together for you. You just have to push down on both ends. (if you aren't doing that already) -
You can also try a couple of zip ties, they work for me. Tight chains are a good thing!To Invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. (Thomas Edison)Comment
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Make sure you have the tires off the ground on the affected axles. This will allow you to tighten one side of the chain loop giving you more slack on the other.
I also use the method Roger suggested. It's like having an extra hand.BannedComment
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chain puller
You can purchase a chain puller or groove out a pair of vise grips to the configuration of the link centers and this will pull it together plenty plus you can now use both of your hands to install link. You guys probably already know this. The chain pullers are pretty inexpensive and you can get them at NAPA or other like stores.
lewisLife should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways , cigar in one hand, whiskey in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!!"Comment
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I have the modded vice grips and prefer the zip ties, but I suppose the tools can pull harder.To Invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. (Thomas Edison)Comment
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Also make sure the chains are seated completely on the sprockets as you could easily lose 1/16" there.Comment
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Hey Roger,Originally posted by Roger S View Post
I modded a pair of vise grips, too. The only potential downfall of using them is that sometimes I'm tempted to pull too hard in order to seat the master links. For some ridiculous reason, the back two chains on the Attex ST style frames (6-chain setup) always, always, ALWAYS (for me, anyway) never ever fit right with a new chain, or new(ish) sprockets. I always have to add in a half link, then wait for the chain to stretch juuuuuuuust a little bit (exactly 2.5 minutes the way I drive) to pull the half link and throw the master link back on. It's been like this for 4 different machines of mine.
It's odd how much of a difference a half link can make, but it's the difference between WAY too loose and WAY too tight, sometimes.
~msigpicComment
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short chained
Funny this should come up because I am having the same problem putting my 530 o ring chain on my t-20, it's exactly 1/8" to short. If I add the regular links it's to long and the adjustment sproket gets into the drive sproket!!! already tried the grooved vice grips-NO! Tie bands-NO! The solution here is a 530 o ring half link. The problem is no one makes them. My only chance is to find some one on this site with two 530 O ring half links.I can install them and then take them off as soon as the chains stretch!!! If I can't find someone with two 530 O ring half links I am going to be forced to go with a # 50 industrial chain because you can get half links anywhere for these. I am trying to stay away from the # 50 because I am afraid it won't be as strong as the 530. Help please!!!!! THXOriginally posted by hydromike View PostComment
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Did you change sprockets and arrive at this problem?
It must be killin' ya to have your machine down.To Invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. (Thomas Edison)Comment
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Sprokets
Roger, I went from a 16 tooth to a 12 tooth sprocket. I had to remove a link, and if you know anything about chains when you take off one link you are really taking off two. So here I am! Stock chain long enough to cause a binding, two links off, 1/8" to short. A 530 half link would solve the problem, if not I have to go to a #50 industrail chain with a half link. Problems, problems. This is why I didn't make it to the CAW.Originally posted by Roger S View PostComment
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Aww, just pull the t20 and mill a 1/16" off the bottom.
Sorry you had to be the guinea pig on that one. Sell that motorcycle drag chain to Mudbug since it was his idea, tell him it's all pre cut 
To Invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. (Thomas Edison)Comment
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One of my worst options is to drill the frame and move the transmission. AHHHHH! No way!!!!!Originally posted by Roger S View PostAww, just pull the t20 and mill a 1/16" off the bottom. Sorry you had to be the guinea pig on that one. Sell that motorcycle drag chain to Mudbug since it was his idea, tell him it's all pre cut Comment
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Originally posted by chapy View Post
I have always used the "modified" needle nose Vice Grips. Never tried the "zip tie" thing, I will have to remember to try it.
Just curious, why buy a pre-cut chain from Argo, when it's soooo much cheaper to just get a bulk roll
? You know you will use the leftovers later
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RD, I was dismayed to only find double 50 for our machines in 10 ft rolls. But 10 ft does #1 and 2 axles and one primary on each side. 4 rolls does the whole machine without one wasted link, or splicing pieces. Argo did something right.
To Invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. (Thomas Edison)Comment
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