short chained

[chapy]

I got her together today. I loosened the chain going to the middle axle and got just the slack I needed. I tightened everything back up and was done in about a half an hour. I did also find a few things loose while I was in there doing chains so I got it all back to the way it should be, I hope! I went for a test ride and it went great. The only reason I bought chains from argo was the conveinence. It was my first try at chains so I didn't know what to expect so I took the easy route this time. Thanks again! Seth

[Roger S]

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.

[Rock Doctor]

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.

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

[mightymaxIV]

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

One of my worst options is to drill the frame and move the transmission. AHHHHH! No way!!!!!

[Roger S]

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

[mightymaxIV]

Sprokets

Did you change sprockets and arrive at this problem?

It must be killin' ya to have your machine down.

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.

[Roger S]

Did you change sprockets and arrive at this problem?

It must be killin' ya to have your machine down.

[mightymaxIV]

short chained

Hey Roger,
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.

~m

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!!!!! THX

[hydromike]

I have the modded vice grips and prefer the zip ties, but I suppose the tools can pull harder.

Hey Roger,
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.

~m

[xrover]

Also make sure the chains are seated completely on the sprockets as you could easily lose 1/16" there.

[Roger S]

I have the modded vice grips and prefer the zip ties, but I suppose the tools can pull harder.

[lewis]

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.

lewis

[George]

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.

[Roger S]

You can also try a couple of zip ties, they work for me. Tight chains are a good thing!

[Mike]

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)