Actually it is a very specialized job, and there isn't really any good way to do it without a chain tool. Getting the side plate pressed on just right, and the ends of the rivets flared out properly, is critical to your safety and the longevity of your chain. You can get the side plate on with some creative use of sockets and a big c-clamp, but flaring the pins would be a serious challenge without the right tool. The also need to be flared enough to hold the side plate in contact with the o-rings, but not so tight that they get squashed.
Maybe there is someone local you could borrow/rent one from? Also some people have installed a clip type link just to drive it to the shop, and have them install the rivet link.
* Last updated by: BigDave on 8/2/2009 @ 5:44 PM *
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