Hard links and soft links?

[Bracechenko]

Had a nightmare today helping a mate fit a new Renthal chain to his CBR600F. Everything was going really well, grinded the old chain off, sprocket nuts came loose nicely....it was all too easy 

Well, my smugness was short lived as when we were  trying to mushroom the rivet link with my chain tool it was just not happening. I noticed that the pins were not hollow so there was no way of guiding the chain tool in.

Also, the force we were using was ridiculous and there was no change in shape. A quick Google later and I discover that there are also hard links rather than the soft link i expected.

How the hell are you meant to fit these then!?! We're going to see if we can order a soft link instead, it's  Renthal R4 SRS 525 chain so fingers crossed. I've had to lend him my FZS600 to get him back home as he lives 45 miles away.

Have any of you experienced this?

[Bracechenko]

Bollocks! Renthal don't do soft links. Anyone got any advice?

[griff86]

Alrite Brace,
Which chain tool do you have?
 
I've used 2 different ones on hard links to peen the edge over, this one fits my motion pro one.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOTION-PRO-QUAD-STAKE-RIVET-KIT-JUMBO-CHAIN-TOOL-/370547659756?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item56465c93ec
 
This one you smack with a hammer and it peens the edge over on the link
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Whale-Chain-Breaking-and-Riveting-tool-520-525-530-/200591892831?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2eb435615f
 

[Bracechenko]

Cheers Griff....looks like a friend may have the tool we need and is bringing it in tomoz.

Don't really want to spend £100 on a tool that we'd only use once (will only be ordering DID chains with soft links going forward). If all else fails, there's a garage within a mile that we'll push it to for them to sort it.

Ta
Brace