The factory manual shows the master link held in place using 2 C-clips. No mention of crimping, or the tool.
Haynes manual shows the crimp tool.
Not sure what's up with that.

Money, Money, Chains at one time came with one long u-clip, than some companies used
two small c-clips, than after a number of years a costly tool was required.
The chain Master link when installing must be pressed into the chain outer link ,with a little
penning (mush room over the link shaft arms some),How in the world could this EVER
come loose!!
I worked for a Mercedes Dealer for ten years, No one used that crimp tool.

I have a question regarding the crimp tool and crimping the master link.
I am working on replacing the timing chain on my OM616.
I installed an IWIS chain and a genuine MB tensioner.
I had trouble fitting the link through the 2 little plates, finally got it together though.

I cannot tell if the crimp tool is working. I am using the Baum Tools version of the tool.
The ends of the link do not look like the other links in the chain even after multiple tries to crimp them. However the crimp attachment of the tool does not look like it would make that impression on the ends of the link.
I have attached some photos to help show what I am talking about.

Here are 2 of the the link in question. You can clearly see that does not look like the other links in the chain.



Here is the crimp attachment of the tool. It does not look like it would make a crimp that looks like the other links in the chain.


I am aware of what could happen if these crimps fail, which is why I am concerned. Some insight from someone more experienced would be much appreciated. Thanks.

EDIT: Pretty sure I have figured out that I'm an idiot.
The portion of the tool I have shown above if for pushing the plate onto the link.
The portion of the tool with the V indentation in it is for actually forming the crimp that will resemble the others in the chain.
I'll wait for clarification on this before proceeding.
Thanks again.

That is correct.

__________________
Jim

Thank you for the clarification.