chain repairs

[old2stroke]

When you punch apart a chain, either to repair it or to change its length, do you reuse the same link that you punched out to put the chain back together?  I always use a new link but I have been told that if you can stamp the old link back together and reform the rivets heads, it's just as good.   Is this really safe?

[HolmenTree]

I reuse them all the time and never had one come apart.
As long as the pressed out rivets aren't  too bent so the side strap goes back on .
It takes a pair of reading glasses to make sure the breaker punch  is dead center on the rivet head so the rivets are pressed out straight.
I use the smallest socket in my tool box and a small ball peen hammer to get the side strap back on if its stubborn.
Then flatten the protruding rivets on a anvil with the hammer to form new rivet heads. The head will be smaller then it originally was but will be all you need to keep it together.

[Texas-Jim]

I always use a new link but thats store policy. I have used old ones many times and never had one fail. If your worried they are cheap to keep few around.

[sawguy21]

Willard has likely repaired more chains than I have ever seen, I respect his input. However, although I have re used presets in a pinch I would much rather not. I have had a chain break and try to mate with my leg.

[chevytaHOE5674]

I reuse presets all the time on the chains for the processor. Haven't had any fail at the reused links under normal circumstances.