I installed a chain on the SD today using a tool similar to Motion Pro's chain breaker/press/riveter that I bought with the chain. Breaking went fine (actually, very slick as I've just used punches in the past), pressing was equally good (although trying to line up the pins was a bit fun). Riveting went well... I think. The rivet bit is actually a ball (apparently common). I must have riveted about 4 times as each time I took the tool off I wasn't sure if I'd actually caused the pin to deform (I've read that you don't want to over do it). When I finally was sure it had deformed, I noticed that it didn't do so evenly; looking at the pins from above, they're angled a bit. I think it's fine, but does anyone have a different opinion?

Picture would go a long way here - not clear what you're describing as "angled". Do you perhaps mean that the flaring of the maser link's rivet pins aren't uniform about their respective axes? Its probably fine ... again, a picture is always helpful for stuff like this.

After installing the o-rings packed with the grease provided, and pressing on the master link plate onto the rivets, all you really want to accomplish is effectively a flaring of rivets on the master link. And this only to keep the outer plate from coming away (off) the master link's rivets.

BTW: The MotionPro kit uses a specific pin (not a ball) for this purpose.

More for others who may be doing their first-ever chain replacement: For "breaking" chains to be replaced, I never use a chain tool; I usually just grab my 4-1/2" disc grinder with a cutoff wheel or a Dremel Tool with cutoff wheel - whichever is more convenient. <10 seconds to cut the old chain with the larger tool. A helluva lot less tedious than driving out even a single rivet.

Sorry about the glare, but I think it shows what you're asking;

did they supply small clips to go in and support the o/x rings while you were punching the rivets? You then remove them. Without them you risk crushing the rings.