Too short. At least 1.5 links too short. Oi; I know the old one stretched because the links don't line up but that's pretty nuts.
I did get the old chain back on with a second removable link. The trick is to use a pair of 14 gauge wire as a "fish" on both sides of the chain to keep things relatively possible to thread in snow. Then with everything lined up I used a second piece of wire right on the end links and tied it together with twists. Then removed the long wires leaving the short one holding the chain together.
Then tried the link; it did not reach. Used a long nose pliers to twist the wire at the links which moved them together. Tried the link on the open side and got it in. Then moved the link halfway out, and got a second link through the closed side of the chain which then pushed out the first link.
With that, we were in business. Put on the other link end, clip (having a magnet on a stick is great for when it falls which it does, a lot. Also a rag in there so it doesn't land in the snow and crap). Chain is on!
I then noticed that one of the wires from motor to breaker had broken off at the bolt. No problem, new connector and then THIS HAPPENED!
The bolt on the motor is of course rotted. And bad. And rounded and soft and totally stuck on the motor shaft which requires a 14mm wrench on it to keep it from turning and ripping up the inside of the motor. And I can't get a socket on it because the clearance to the blower body is too tight..... And the sun is going down and it's going to be 5f tomorrow and all of this garbage will be rock solid ice.
So it's dead till spring. I was able to get one car out with the blade, and I'm just abandoning the thrower on the driveway till all of this garbage melts and the temps go above 20f. I'll roll the snowthrower on its end, then remove the motor and rebuild it (why not) then remove the auger and rebuild that, then put it away for another 5 years.
*grumble* Give a mouse a cookie..... On 1/26/26 11:11, Dean Stuckmann via Elec-trak wrote:
You don’t need a breaker. A grinder and a punch will work. Take care, DeanOn Jan 26, 2026, at 9:20 AM, Larry Chace via Elec-trak <elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu> wrote: I think that the Electric Tractor Store sells the chain cut to length, ready to install. Check the sprockets for excessive wear! Larry Chace, I-5 _______________________________________________ Elec-trak mailing list Elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu https://cosmos.phy.tufts.edu/mailman/listinfo/elec-trak_______________________________________________ Elec-trak mailing list Elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu https://cosmos.phy.tufts.edu/mailman/listinfo/elec-trak