We have been over this a lot of times in the archives... but I will put it here again.

1. Peening the pins is by far the best attachement method unless you are doing a complete engine overhaul .... in that case use the continous chain with no master link.... this is what the FSM says.

2. There is no need for the special crimping tool. The pin holes are tight , the metals are hardened, there is no side pressure, this is a DOUBLE roller chain, and ANY Mushrooming of the end of the pin will be fine.

3. Ask someone to help you hold or hit a rounded center punch being held at the center of the pin end while you hold a two pound hammer head against the back of the pin and the punch in front. One sharp tap, look, reposition, another sharp rap. This is not a speed hammering job. But it is likely to take less than one minute total.

4. Some have reported that vise grips or pipe pliers help in placing the side plate on the pins in the first place... no matter what do not enlarge the holes to make this easier... the holes are tight for a reason.