I have mixed feelings about any suggestions that a backyard mechanic should assemble a drive chain by hand-peening the master link.
If you don’t want to invest in the proper tool, then why not temporarily install a clip-style master link and then ride down to a local shop to have them press-on the rivet master link. That way, you won't have to worry about pinching the chain too tight or splitting the rivet head.
There’s a lot of cheap tools on the market that won’t last. The only tool I can recommend using is the $139 Motion Pro Jumbo Chain Tool.
http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/ca...ati/chain.html The instructions for its use can be downloaded at:
http://www.motionpro.com/Docs/chaintools.html