Custom links
 

What’s the cheapest and most reasonable way to make custom links?. Not trying to go crazy just wanna get the feel of how to do it the cheap way. Any info is much appreciated


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Re: Custom links
 

8-32 all thread with some 1/4" brake line over the threads is the common way people have been building cheap links forever. I'm not really a fan of this method but it works.

I don't have any special tools but have used the following methods:

1/4" stainless tubing drilled and tapped for M4 set screws (this process sucks and is very hard on drill bits and taps).

https://i.imgur.com/N89mVFMl.jpg

1/4" aluminum tubing drilled and tapped for M4 set screws (much easier with aluminum than stainless, links aren't as strong though)

https://i.imgur.com/vSFXHu1l.jpg

3/16" steel rod threaded with 8-32 die (relatively easy and makes durable links, just don't use stainless steel or you will hate yourself for trying to thread it)

https://i.imgur.com/D7tNkUfl.jpg

Re: Custom links
 

Lots of great options! Thanks SVT!

Re: Custom links
 

As far as bending what’s the best or easiest method to bend links without snapping them?


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Re: Custom links
 

Brake line tubing bender is my method of choice. Cheap ones like this are available at most auto parts stores: https://www.harborfreight.com/tubing...SABEgJKaPD_BwE

Re: Custom links
 

Would heat bend it easier by hand or just stick with the brake line bender?


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Re: Custom links
 

I use 1/4" tubing. I use a lathe to cut the ends down but a grinder with the right precision would suffice. Then just thread the ends. I bend mine in a press so i can do multiples at a time for symmetrical bends but it could be done by hand or brake line bender as well depending on what tubing you use.

Re: Custom links
 

I use either 3 or 4mm stainless steel allthread, and stainless tube, with the inside the same size as the threaded rod. I just mark the end of the tube with a small pipe cutter, then saw it and file ends square. Make the allthread about 10mm longer each end.

I only do this for lower links and the stainless slides over rocks and stuff better than aluminium or plastic. Upper links can be made the same way but I use aluminium tube, or bar with the ends tapped for grubscrews.