Can anyone tell me if it's possible to rivet a chain without the special tool? My neighbor has one he uses for dirtbikes but I don't know if they would work (and I'm not home right now to ask him).

Or a chain saw riveting tool, I could get to one of those pretty easily.

Any other cheap suggestions?

 

Your buddy's chain tool should work. As long as the link will fit in the tool. I would definitely use the right tool for something like that though. Last thing you want is for your chain to break while your riding.

 

my room mate uses a c-clamp and a BB. Puts the BB(or small steel bearing) on th eside that needs to be expanded, and presses it with the c-clamp. He's done it on a bunch of bikes and never had a problem. I'll be dong the same if I ever get a rivet type chain

 

A cheap method, Get the C-Clip, it can be put on with basic hand tools and costs about 5 bucks. And you can always take your chain off for a cleaning. Not everyone recomends it but ivnever had a problem with it.