Best track clip install tool?

[SnowMeTheWay]

For those who have removed and replaced the clips on a rubber track, which tools have you found useful and would recommend? The tools are pricey, and I want to get the one that works best. Thanks in advance.
Doug

[nick80lf]

30 years ago I borrowed a tool and replaced all of the clips on one track. Back then I swore I'd never do it again. Today, I might consider it. Unfortunately, I don't know the exact make of the tool I used (LeMans, Parts Unlimited, Kimpex?). In the 90s most of the aftermarket mfgs made tools that looked similar to this.

Most of the tools I see today look like they are for a 3" lug track and I question how well they would work. I've never used the bolt cutter style. My opinion, re clipping a track is a miserable job. It took hours and in the end I felt like I put a bunch of money and time into a mediocre track. With nice tracks getting harder to find today it probably makes more sense.

[SnowMeTheWay]

Yep, I had the same concerns about whether the tools would work on a vintage track.

I recently found a pretty nice used Deere rubber track that's missing a few clips. Given the scarcity of good tracks nowadays, I'm going to give it a go.

Anyone else who has replaced these and can comment on what works or doesn't work?

[400brian]

I did half the clips on a rubber track a year ago. If you look on the restoration topic under 78 Liquifre, I documented what I did there. I used a tool similar to what is pictured here. I did have to modify the forming die because it was cutting into the track.

[SnowMeTheWay]

I picked up a bunch of clips. I'm going to try it.

I'm a bit concerned with using a cutoff wheel to remove the old clips. The rubber is in good shape, and I really don't want to cut slits in the rubber with the cutoff wheel.

Has anyone Magyvered a removal tool to spread the clips vs cutting them off?

Can anyone recommend a clip install tool? Long handled type or press type?

[400brian]

If the clips are mostly worn through, it doesn't take much to spread them. The ones that I was removing were pretty much like new, thus I had to cut them off.