I've got one, vice-grip brand, I've had since back in the 60's.
Not great. OK for field repairs, but not a substitute for a spinner / breaker set.How well does it work?
They have been around for a lot of years. I bought a used one and ordered some replacement parts from Baileys. The manufacturer might also sell them, or direct you to someone up in Canada that carries them. Have a new one now that I found on clearance.I got one the spinner is worn out and needs parts .
If you follow that A.S. thread, there is a discussion of how to use it, which goes more in depth than the printed instructions. Start with the jaw pressure set light: squeeze each rivet; tighten the knob a little; squeeze a little more; etc., and progressively squeeze out each rivet, rather than trying to punch it out all at once.Could never get mine to break chain but works good as a spinner.
I tried pressing out the rivets starting with little pressure increasing gradually but still no luck.They have been around for a lot of years. I bought a used one and ordered some replacement parts from Baileys. The manufacturer might also sell them, or direct you to someone up in Canada that carries them. Have a new one now that I found on clearance.
If you follow that A.S. thread, there is a discussion of how to use it, which goes more in depth than the printed instructions. Start with the jaw pressure set light: squeeze each rivet; tighten the knob a little; squeeze a little more; etc., and progressively squeeze out each rivet, rather than trying to punch it out all at once.
I was never able to 're-form' the used rivets as the instructions imply. Prefer to use new pre-sets anyway.
Philbert
Again, it is not a 'rock star' tool in my opinion, but I have gotten it to work practicing on scrap chain.I tried pressing out the rivets starting with little pressure increasing gradually but still no luck.
I do mine with a regular ol punch up on the bench vise. Agreed on the ball end of ball peen hammer. Just tap at them till they are tight enoughhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/3pcs-Set-B...w-Bar-Chain-Link-Revit-Punch-Kit/292297812924
$12.79
Works great.
I didn't use the "tool" provided to peen the head of the rivet, I just used a ball-peen hammer.
I was not impressed with the one I bought. Maybe if you file the rivet head down first, and maybe with a smaller diameter punch.