[robtattoo]

Can anyone point me to anywhere selling chain by the link, rather than by set lengths?

When i worked at bikes shops back in the UK (many, many years ago) we used to have them all on rolls & cut them to required lengths.

I just need 5 links (plus a split) of 428 O or Xring & i hate to have to buy a full $60+ chain just for that.

 

[Ski Pro 3]

Not all 428 chains are the same and mixing brands will likely fail.

 

[JimmyD]

Mixing links on old school roller chain is mostly safe but mixing brands and types of sealed chain isn't something I would do. Even different types of chain by the same manufacturer can cause problems.

When DID started rolling out their consumer X-ring chains they specifically mentioned that the x-ring and o-ring master links were not compatible and shouldn't be substituted for any reason. We measured them with calipers and one had slightly longer posts than the other. It would likely snap together with a tool but would be the failure point.

Rob, what chain do you have? I have a segment of 428 VX DID chain I cut off mine when I installed it. I could send it to you but shipping from Canada will likely be a significant chunk of the cost of a new one and a month away

 

[robtattoo]

Thanks Jimmy, I honestly don't know what's on there currently. I'm 90% sure it's a DID, but not enough to say for certain. It could be a JT sprockets number.
It sounds like my best bet would be to buy a chain for each rear wheel setup.

 

[Fred]

While adding links or simply getting a second longer chain accomplishes the goal the master link clips will end up getting cycled. Good idea might to be to get several spare masterlinks so clips do not see too many cycles before replacment.
I have found not only different length pins but also different pin diameters from various 428 chain manufactures.

 

[Ken]

You can always order a compatable chain with the extra number of links on it. Cut the new chain down to size needed and use it. Take the extra links you cut off and there's your links to extend other chain. As Fred mentioned, order extra master links.

 

[Ski Pro 3]

I have found not only different length pins but also different pin diameters from various 428 chain manufactures.

This is exactly what I was referring to when I said mixing brands may fail. Only I was too lazy to formulate the verbage Fred has taken time to do here.

 

[elime]

Going from a 42t to a 50t rear sprocket I had to lengthen the chain. Being cheap I used a short section of non-o-ring chain and have had zero problems with it. Fit and works perfectly.

 

[Ken]

Going from a 42t to a 50t rear sprocket I had to lengthen the chain. Being cheap I used a short section of non-o-ring chain and have had zero problems with it. Fit and works perfectly.

View attachment 233479

I like your professional rigging.