How do you make chain lengths from a roll of chain?

[Shaggy98]

There is always more than one way to skin a cat.  Sometimes I pick the easiest.  

[Jim Meade / Iowa City]

Use an angle grinder to grind the head off the rivet and drive it out with a hammer and punch.

[HMVE]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1uTpSWkBiYA

This is a harbor freight chain breaker.

And here is a vid that will make laugh or cringe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1uTpSWkBiYA

[idalivered]

Mine looks similar to the the one hmve shows. I've had it for years and don't remember where I got it. I doubt mine works for 80 chain, tho. I'd hate to go back to that grind and punch method, but it works. Another piece of advice for farmerguy, buy american made chain even if the chinese stuff is cheaper.

[Nebrfarmr]

If you use the chain breaker tool, instead of grinding off the end of the pin, you can re-assemble the 'broken' link, to use for joining short pieces of chain together and save a master link. Properly peened, the link will not come apart.

With some master links running $5 apiece or more, it can add up.

[farmerguy89]

Whats the difference between American and Chinese chain?

Just did some chain pricing too online: going to save kajillions by assembling my own chains; at least half the cost.

[Shaggy98]

Probably just the cost.  I bet if truth were known, American chain is MFG. in foreign countries.  I would but American if it were me.  Ya, you can save money by making your own.

[buckfarmer]

I worked in a factory for several years doing machine maintenance. The best chain is American. That is the brand name, I have no idea where it's made. There is another brand that is comparable. But they both last many many hours, maybe years in farm settings, longer than the cheaper stuff you get at TSC. This is not an opinion I have observed it a couple times when we needed chain on a weekend and TSC was the only place open.

[idalivered]

local machine shop told me that the chinese chain was not made to as exacting standards as the us made. his experience was that it would not last as long and consequently the worn chains would wear out the sprockets sooner. Try the chinese made and let us know what you think. I'm curious what you are using all this new roller chain for that will save you kajillions?

[farmerguy89]

Mostly planter chains, the JD dealers are ridiculously overpriced for a 41 planter chain or any chain (or I am cheap).. like 20 bucks, its about 2.5 times cheaper to make them. It is easily a profitable venture and well worth my time. Plus i'm not helpless on a weekend if one breaks!

Going to have to replace old sprockets and stuff on corn head, etc. Some 80 chain that will be very expensive to buy premade.