So I screwed up and bought a clip style master link chain...(Question)

[Dr.McNinja]

Thought I was getting a deal. By the description it's a bikemaster 520-110 chain. I'm not going to install the chain until I have a rivet-style master link for it.

From what I understand I don't need to send the chain back. I can just find and use a rivet-style master link for it. So my question is this:

Where can I get a master link for a chain like this? Do I have to get a bikemaster branded master link or can I just find one that works? I assume the master link has to be of the same pitch. Is there anything else I need to know?

Thank you!

[adidasguy]

What's wrong with the clip master link?
Unless you're racing, I can't see how it makes any difference (if properly installed).
We use either on our bikes around here. Never had a problem with clip links. Once in a while you can over press the rivet link and the link is a little stiff. You can't do that with a clip link.

[Suzuki Stevo]

I have to second what Pat said..in fact I prefer them

[Dr.McNinja]

I was just suspicious because the haynes manual says in big, bold letters "DO NOT USE A CLIP STYLE MASTER LINK".

After hearing horror stories of people destroying their entire bike I started to get a little nervous.


Looking at this topic:


http://www.triumphrat.net/twins-technical-talk/179439-clip-link-isnt-simpler-better.html


It seems like one guy has a zip tie on his link. Wouldn't this make it less safe?

[007brendan]

I was just suspicious because the haynes manual says in big, bold letters "DO NOT USE A CLIP STYLE MASTER LINK".

After hearing horror stories of people destroying their entire bike I started to get a little nervous.


Looking at this topic:


http://www.triumphrat.net/twins-technical-talk/179439-clip-link-isnt-simpler-better.html

It seems like one guy has a zip tie on his link. Wouldn't this make it less safe?

I've never heard of a clip-style master link failing that was installed properly.  You have to realize that millions of bikes have used clip-style master links.  I'm using one right now.  I would think it's much easier to mess up a rivet than to mess up installing the clip.

[gsJack]

I only use clip style master links except for the oem continuous chains that came on the GSs.  No safety wires needed, put them on right and they don't come off.

http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/500/GSbrakechainlog.jpg

That's 9 replacement chains on the GSs alone not counting the 4 Hondas I had before that.

[Dr.McNinja]

I have to second what Pat said..in fact I prefer them

Why do you prefer them over rivet style? (Given I have the rivet tool available to me I'm curious).


Since I clean my chain with a grim buster that wraps around the whole chain, will that affect it at all?

[Suzuki Stevo]

Why do you prefer them over rivet style? (Given I have the rivet tool available to me I'm curious).

I just never felt the need to have to rivet (<to lazy to buy the tool) but if you have access to a rivet tool and you want to go that route, by all means your not wasting your time, many prefer the security of a rivet 

[Dr.McNinja]

Why do you prefer them over rivet style? (Given I have the rivet tool available to me I'm curious).

I just never felt the need to have to rivet (<to lazy to buy the tool) but if you have access to a rivet tool and you want to go that route, by all means your not wasting your time, many prefer the security of a rivet 

Which leads me to the second half of my question -

Can I just get any old 520 rivet master link or does it need to be something special? Also, if I went the clip style link option how exactly should I safety wire it for security? I'm just afraid the safety wire will get in the way/damage the sprocket teeth.

[gsJack]

I bought a RK-XSO chain from Chaparral once that came with a rivet type master and found a clip type master at Dennis Kirk for it.  Best you get master for your brand chain if you get one, Dennis Kirk had a lot of them, don't know if they have the Bikemaster brand but worth a look.

[adidasguy]

You sound like a scared little old lady that has been paying too much attention to the scare tactics of the NSA and thinks you are safe if you only carry a clear baggie of stuff to an NFL game. Afraid of your own shadow.

Put on the clip link as per instructions. You will be just fine.

There are enough of us here to attest to their reliability.

Would I ever do anything that might damage one of my babies? I use clip links and rivet links: it all depends on what came with the chain. I don't care which I use.

[Dr.McNinja]

You sound like a scared little old lady that has been paying too much attention to the scare tactics of the NSA and thinks you are safe if you only carry a clear baggie of stuff to an NFL game. Afraid of your own shadow.

Put on the clip link as per instructions. You will be just fine.

There are enough of us here to attest to their reliability.

Would I ever do anything that might damage one of my babies? I use clip links and rivet links: it all depends on what came with the chain. I don't care which I use.

How oddly specific. I guess you're right. If I can't find a master link tomorrow from one of the vendors out here I won't worry about it.

However, I WOULD like to safety wire it somehow if I do put it on. Just for my own piece of mind. I'm not stupid, I'll install it correctly. Is there anything I should worry about regarding the teeth of the sprocket or the rollers/orings being compromised by the safety wire moving around?

[adidasguy]

Someone who does safety wire it (probably a racer) can answer that.
I don't think anyone worries about it.
I bet it is easier to screw up a rivet - not enough pressure or too much.

i think lightening is more of a concern than a clip link.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Pre-dawn-thunderstorms-mark-opening-salvo-in-stormy-day-222516901.html

[Janx101]

EK also do those screw type master links... think its EK anyway... just to throw another crab into the pot! 

[Dr.McNinja]

Someone who does safety wire it (probably a racer) can answer that.
I don't think anyone worries about it.
I bet it is easier to screw up a rivet - not enough pressure or too much.

i think lightening is more of a concern than a clip link.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Pre-dawn-thunderstorms-mark-opening-salvo-in-stormy-day-222516901.html

Yeah, in that picture I linked to it seems like he just put it in between the rollers and forgot about it.

I was also thinking, I keep hearing the GS500 doesn't have enough ponies anyway to worry about the clip style links being damaged. Why does a higher horsepower bike have the propensity to damage a clip link?

[sledge]

Master clips CAN and DO break.

Those who say they are ok have obviously never had one fail and had to suffer the associated inconveniences.......like me, 250 miles from home on a Sunday night!!

Google "Broken master clip" and get a second opinion 

When this forum had a gallery there was some good pics from an owner whose master clip failed........now sadly gone.

I wouldn't touch them with a shitty stick on the basis if you haven't got one it cant fall out or fail but as ever.........its your bike and your call 

[adidasguy]

It took  you a while to show up.. Been on vacation?
Everything can break. Google anything "broken ??" and you will get results....

    .....even a broken SLEDGE!

...and time for a cat.


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[codajastal]

I have had the clip fail on one of my bikes and had the chain wrap itself around the front sprocket so bad it had to be torched off BUT I would still, and do still buy that type for all my bikes as they are quite safe and easy to put on at home with little effort.
And no offence to anyone but listen to the many on here and not the few

[sledge]

It took  you a while to show up.. Been on vacation?
Everything can break. Google anything "broken ??" and you will get results....

    .....even a broken SLEDGE!

...and time for a cat.

Everything can break?

Sure it can but only if you have got something to break in the first place!

If you don't have clip fitted it CANT break and it CANT drop out......does that make sense, can you see the logic?.....probably not

Another case of `Its never happened to me so it wont happen to you`.......sadly, some people will actually believe it 

[sledge]

I have had the clip fail on one of my bikes and had the chain wrap itself around the front sprocket so bad it had to be torched off BUT I would still, and do still buy that type for all my bikes as they are quite safe and easy to put on at home with little effort.
And no offence to anyone but listen to the many on here and not the few

That's an interesting viewpoint but if circumstances had been slightly different and the now flailing chain had shattered the cases, jammed the back wheel up and sent you flying over bars putting you in hospital for a couple of weeks.........would you still be as keen to use one again?.........Be honest now 

And I agree totally that you should listen to the many not the few, and on that basis I suggest the OP tries asking the  clip v master question in a few other bike forums and sees what the general consensus is elsewhere   

No one ever suggests you skimp on safety critical items like brakes or tyres or take shortcuts fitting them, they would be flamed out of the forum....... so why for the sake of a few £s or $s do people continually advocate and support the opposite when it comes to chains.....it beats me (and makes me laugh too)