Chainsaw Repair

A lot of 'old guys' say that these are all that they used to join or repair chains in the field.  I mentioned these in another thread, and wanted to try one: found an Archer brand model on eBay for about $18, shipped.

The tools comes with an anvil (bottom in photo) that is similar to the one that came with my bench top breaker punch (top in photo); a punch to drive out the rivet; and a concave punch - presumably to shape the rivet head?  There were no instructions.

Maybe I was doing it wrong?  But I was pretty disappointed.  Ended up having to use a fairly large (24oz) ball pein hammer to drive out the rivets on some 3/8 low profile chain.  Ended up deforming the links too.  I suppose that I could file or grind off the rivet heads first, but then I probably don't need this set - could probably pry the tie strap off with a small screwdriver.

I was able to get better results with my Granberg Break-N-Mend, and much better results with my bench top chain breaker.

Would like to hear any tips or advice from guys who used these. Maybe the $40 Oregon one is better and worth the extra $? 

Thanks.

Philbert

Helps if you grind the rivet head off before punching it through.

Looks like you bent the heck out of the drive link in pic.

You can't reuse a punched out preset link if you grind off the rivet head.
Trick is out in the bush you need a flat solid rock to lay the anvil on or a soild chunk of iron on a skidder blade.

Granberg break n mend works the best with the adjustable anvil.
3/8 lo pro chain should be used in the .325 anvil slot.(or .250 can't remember)