Originally posted by Rowan
There is a thought that chain breaks really can only occur where (1) the chain has been joined and the rivet is not right (either the wrong type for the chain or not inserted properly through the sideplate which then gives way) and (2) the chain has suffered a catastrophic occurrence such as chain suck that has twisted it.
Chain suck was most likely the cause of my last chain break. I was going through sand at the time too.
http://journals.neebu.net/khuon/archives/2001_05.html