How do I attach a bike chain without a chain tool?

I have a 21 speed bike with a new chain on and all I need is to attach the connecting piece. I currently do not have a chain tool and cannot purchase one any time soon. However, I have a massive amount of tools that I can use so if you know any other way to attach it let me know please! :D

haha thanks, i think i might know someone who has one. and i'd go to a bike shop (i have no problem paying for it) it's just that the closest one is about 20 miles away and the whole point of fixing my bike is to save on gas :D

Use a master link instead. No tools needed.

If you have a tapered pin that came with the new chain, you may be able to force it into place with a small "C" clamp. The clamp must be the type with flat, not concave surfaces - the kinfd you'd find in a welding shop. I've seen it done but it is not the easiest thing in the world. If you do not have a tapered pin (typically Shimano chain) you might consider placing the end of the chain on a wooden block and forcing it part of the way out with a needle punch. Big risk that you will damage the links though. (hence special tools). Followup with the "C" clamp solution.

Is it possible that you might be able to find another cyclist who has a chain tool, borrow a chain tool from whomever sold you the chain, or throw yourself on the mercy of you local bike shop?

SRAM Powerlink.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Model...

$4 for 8speed connector (also works with chains for 6-7 speed systems)

Bottom line...use a chain tool! Although I liked Ol Goat's idea of using a small c-clamp. The only issue with using a hammer, c-clamp or any other compression method is that this has a tendency of mashing the link parts together to the point of making them inflexible. If you've ever changed a chain and then notice a link not moving and clacking in the rear derailleur you know exactly what I mean. Beyond being the best tool for pushing a link pin back into a chain, a chain tool also has a special spacing separator (sorry, couldn't think of any other way of describing it) that spreads the chain back out again thereby preventing the stiff link. A quick and effective way to resolve this issue if you do not have a chain tool is to flex the chain back and forth a few times in the area of the affected link. This will usually loosen up a stiff link -- but don't do it too hard as you may break the chain. Lastly, you can't use a master link on a chain with multiple gears as the master link will not fit through a rear derailleur.

Edit: Oops! I stand corrected on the issue of master links on multi geared bicycles. I didn't know there was such a thing until saw the ones SRAM makes (thanks for the link Tom). Very cool!