Tip for joining chain on Argo. Especially front chains

[Cyclone67]

cable ties.jpgHi
I was struggling to join the front chains on my argo. I did not have the special argo tool (modified vice grip pliers) and I came up with this solution. Forgive me if it has already been put forward(I searched but could not find anything on this).

Its simple; get hold of 2 cable ties (you might call them ratchet ties) Thread them around the two end rollers of the chain you wish to join with the con link and gradually pull them tight until the holes are the right distance to get the con link in. Then partially thread the con link in, add the two middle links and tap it through.

I find temporarily placing another con link partially into the chain in the opposite direction holds everything in alignment allowing easier fitting.

Have attached pic showing two cable ties hoding chain ends together.

Cyclone

[waylonh]

Good idea.

i bought a pair of Harbor Freight needle nose vise grips. Then grinded a slot on the upper and lower teeth with a bench grinder. Best tool for this job IMO.

[bart oosterbaan]

yup i agree, i just did front , idler and middle < second tire> chains, thought id get through with my ole grinded down channel locks wich are ok for the 60 stuff , but for the double 50 you really need the vice grip mod works great ,
can set it lock it in and have two hands to work away ,

[Planter Bob]

The only think I'm not crazy about with the modified Vice-Grips (which I use by the way), is for the front chain on the right, it gets a little tight in there with the welded battery bracket and tool getting in the way. Since there's not all that much tension on the tool, I'm kicking around the idea of going to the smaller pair of needle-nose Vice-Grips, and using my full-sized pair for the other chains. Mine are all 50-2 except for the 40-2 off the discs.

Planter Bob