Chain Rivet Tool...workaround?

Is there a way to get around buying a tool to rivet a masterlink?

fergit i asked! I just discovered that the chain I got has a clipped link, not a rivet as advertised - w-00t!

Good!...but since you asked, I just use 2 hammers;
a heavy one for "bucking" each rivet, and a small
ball-peen to peen the other rivet end... That's what
ball-peen hammers are made for. I've done many
rivet chains that way.

Also, rivet-type chains usually come with temporary
spacers to prevent squashing the O rings by
over-riveting........

If you buy one of those cheap Harbor Freight chain breakers you can have a friend with a lathe make you a riveting pin to fit in it. I turned one for a friend out of drill rod.

or the old ball bearings and mole grips method. Which is pretty crude but it does the job.

Small ball bearings or bb's will do in a pinch. A big C clamp can work ok to apply metered pressure.

If you own a chain drive bike and do your own work, buy a chain tool. If money is really tight, http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-chain-breaker-66488.html can work and is only $16. Not every job can be done properly with hammers. For a good clone af a DID tool, see http://www.mikesxs.net/products-1.html?category_id=1.1

sure you don't own a KLR, inire?

More than one set of cases ruined by a broken chain. I wouldn't half-ass it

I used this with success on my DL1000 for over 30,000 miles. Easy to install with normal wrenches, no special tools.

Can I quote you on that? Oh, wait.......