Chain Tools?

[HandLogger]

Hi to the "Just Chains" thread!

I have a 100' reel of 0.050" 3/8" Oregon 72EXL chain, but not tools to actually fabricate the 20" (72 DL) chains that I need for our 20" Stihl MS361 and our 20" Dolkita EA6100 saws. Would someone please recommend some decent chain forming tools that work well, but aren't necessarily the Rolls Royce of chain tools? In other words, what are the basic fairly-decent tools that I would need? Would I need anything else? Master links perhaps?

Thank you kindly for your time.

 

[Philbert]

While there are many ‘field expedient’ methods for breaking and joining chain, it really helps to have a good quality spinner and breaker set, for making loops, as wrll as repairs.

I have tried a number of methods, including: a pocket anvil, the Granberg Vise-Grips style, and a few different versions of these small presses.

It is also important to choose a product where spare / replacement parts are available. Punches can break, and small parts can get lost.

This one is compatible with the Tecomec and Oregon products. It also retains a lot of if its value, if you sell it down the line.

A good eBay seller to buy from.

Philbert

 

[Philbert]

As far as ‘presets’ (master links), your hundred foot roll of chain should have come with some of these.



Oregon OEM presets are available from many on-line dealers, and aftermarket parts are also sold on eBay, Amazon, etc., if you are comfortable with those.

Make sure to match the: pitch, gauge, and type (e.g.narrow kerf chain) because there can be small, but important differences in the links.



STIHL links I buy from my STIHL dealer in bags of 8 or 10.

Consider buying some extras, and practicing on some scrap chain, before doing your good chains. There are also some good YouTube videos on properly using a spinner and breaker.

Philbert

 

[hacskaroly]

In other words, what are the basic fairly-decent tools that I would need? Would I need anything else? Master links perhaps?

Like @Philbert mentioned, a chain break and spinner work great, especially if you can mount them to a surface (work bench). I have an Oregon set for both .325 and 3/8. They work great, just takes practice. 3/8 is a good chain to practice on and work with, .325 and 3/8 lp (pico) can be a bit trickier, just takes a little more practice and patience.

You said you bought a roll of 3/8 Oregon chain, did you not get master links in the box? Stihl sends several packages of master links in their boxes, I would think that Oregon would too. If you have to buy some, make sure you get Oregon links and tie straps, not all brand master links will work on others. Some of the chain rivets are different sizes - for example, Stihl, Husqvarna and Oregon tie straps and links don't work with Tri-Link chain - I found that out the hard way at work after popping apart a customer's Tri-Link chain! Other than that, I find that having some 3-in-1 oil to lube the spinner and the chain/link that is being installed, helps the process go smoother and less digging into the metal.

 

[hacskaroly]

Consider buying some extras, and practicing on some scrap chain, before doing your good chains.

I recommend this, if you can get a hold of a junk chain or two (sometimes you can get some from your dealer), take and pop out all of the rivets on the chain break, this will dramatically help you get into the rhythm of popping out rivets. Slow and steady, if you punch too hard or have the punch tip off set, you will end up hitting harder metal and bending or breaking your punch tip. Depending on the block you are punching onto, you will want to make sure the link is squarely in place or else you risk rolling the link and forcing it into the block.

Practice chain is well worth the practice. You might even be able to have someone at your local shop step you through their process, I had no problems teaching people how to make chain at work. I had coworkers that feared the process, but I really enjoyed it!

 

[Junk Meister]

Depending on the block you are punching onto, you will want to make sure the link is squarely in place or else you risk rolling the link and forcing it into the block.

Tacomec makes an anvil that has an appendage to help hold the tie strap better. 111939 (I like it).

 

[HandLogger]

Thanks again, Hacskaroly! These are very helpful posts - especially the words about practicing and going slowly.

By the way, the Oregon box is unopened, so perhaps there are master links in there...

 

[HandLogger]

Tacomec makes an anvil that has an appendage to help hold the tie strap better. 111939 (I like it).

Would you mind linking me to that anvil, JM? I'm getting nothing back when I search for it...

 

[Squareground3691]

Stihl NG7 , Breaker/ Spinner ,

 

[hacskaroly]

Would you mind linking me to that anvil, JM? I'm getting nothing back when I search for it...

Tecomec Anvil Pro Chainsaw Saw Chain breaking Repair Tool Replaces Oregon 111939

I have used this type too, works really good.

 

[HandLogger]

That Stihl NG7 spinner-breaker is nice, Squareground 369, but WOW does it cost some $$$. I won't be breaking much chain, so that's a bit out of my neighborhood!

 

[Squareground3691]

That Stihl NG7 spinner-breaker is nice, Squareground 369, but WOW does it cost some $$$. I won't be breaking much chain, so that's a bit out of my neighborhood!

I got it on a good deal , or I wouldn’t of purchased it, It’s been a real good tool ,

 

[hacskaroly]

That Stihl NG7 spinner-breaker is nice, Squareground 369, but WOW does it cost some $$$. I won't be breaking much chain, so that's a bit out of my neighborhood!

I hear that, but it is a nice rig! Harbor Freight has/had a similar set up for about $60 if I remember correctly.

 

[HandLogger]

I hear that, but it is a nice rig! Harbor Freight has/had a similar set up for about $60 if I remember correctly.

Is the Harbor Freight tool a good tool, Hacskaroly?

 

[hacskaroly]

Is the Harbor Freight tool a good tool, Hacskaroly?

I have not used it. The Oregon set I got was from work, they were going to toss them because they replaced it with the Stihl tool. Had I not gotten the set I have, I would have gotten the Harbor Freight tool. I am by no means a pro, this is a hobby for me so I have to be $$ conscious when it comes to getting tools.

 

[HandLogger]

So which is better - the Tecomec or the Archer?

 

[hacskaroly]

So which is better - the Tecomec or the Archer?

That I don't know, I have not used either. Looking at them both on Archer's site, it looks like the only difference is one is red and the other is blue. They are possibly made by the same company, just marketed different for Tecomec and Archer.

 

[mrxlh]

You might check out your local Harbor Freight, the spinner breaker combo works just fine, and they are discontinuing them with heavy discounts. The Oregon Anvils fit them just fine.

 

[Philbert]

I hear that, but it is a nice rig! Harbor Freight has/had a similar set up for about $60 if I remember correctly.

Avoid HF. Poor quality, and no parts available, as I understand it.

So which is better - the Tecomec or the Archer?

(Tecomec, Oregon, Archer, and a couple of others through the years, come out of the same factory.

Shhhh! It’s a secret!!

Used to be Italy, but now it’s China)

Philbert

 

[Philbert]

P.S. This (combo unit below) is NOT an Archer product!

Spoke to the Archer rep about it.

Use of the name is forgery. It’s just the same, cheap unit sold under other names.



Philbert