Rivet-type master links

[ScottRNelson]

I have an RK chain tool that allows me to remove many (but not all) chains without cutting them - by pressing out a pin.  It then has other attachments for pressing the side plate back on and for expanding the rivet to get a secure fit.  I've installed at least half a dozen chains during the few years that I've owned the tool and it has always been a real bother to get the side plates the exact distance apart.  Too loose and the O-rings/X-rings won't seal properly - too tight and the joint will be stiff and the O-rings/X-rings will wear out too soon.

So when I've installed a rivet-type master link I've always measured carefully and been a bit apprehensive about getting the exact fit.  I was wondering if there was a way to make some little metal spacers to help out with this.

Well, last week I had to buy a new chain in a hurry, so I got an EK Quadra-X SRX X-ring chain from Cycle Gear and didn't realize until too late that it only came with a clip-type master link.  I put that on, but didn't ride the bike much (since I don't trust clip master links on the highway), then ordered a matching rivet-type master link from Cycle Gear.

When I went to install the new master link this morning I had the pleasant surprise that it came with a set of spacers to get the exact distance when installing the new master link.  It was so much nicer installing this link, because I just slid the two spacers into place then pressed the plate on until it was tight, and finally expanded out the two rivets until I got a bit of resistance.  The spacers didn't exactly just fall out afterwards, but they weren't that hard to get back out of there.  And now I know that this master link is installed exactly the right way.

One of the spacers with the master link:


The two spacers installed:

[CairnsDuc]

Or you could a lazy prick like me and get a EK Chain with Screw link, do up the nuts until they won't move, snap off the lugs, put on O rings, Job done and the Crowd goes wild 

[corndog67]

That's a pretty good idea.  I put  a DID press/rivet link on the S4 a couple of weeks ago and was wondering about squeezing the links in too tight, so I measured the width of the standard link across the plates outboard of the pins and made the rivet link the same.   

[Bigbore4]

All of the links I have installed had machined shoulders to control spacing.  Press the side play down to contact, rivet and done.  No bother.

I generally use RK chains and links.

[scott_araujo]

That's a pretty good idea.  I put  a DID press/rivet link on the S4 a couple of weeks ago and was wondering about squeezing the links in too tight, so I measured the width of the standard link across the plates outboard of the pins and made the rivet link the same.   

Yup, that's the way to do it.  The only annoying part is you have to press a little, remove press, measure, not far enough, press a little more, lather, rinse, repeat.  Anyone have a better way to do this without going too far?

Scott

[ScottRNelson]

Yup, that's the way to do it.  The only annoying part is you have to press a little, remove press, measure, not far enough, press a little more, lather, rinse, repeat.  Anyone have a better way to do this without going too far?

Yes, put the little spacers in like I was originally talking about.  It's so much easier than the squeeze and measure approach and you know when you're done that it's the perfect distance.

Did you notice what I said in the first post?

[scott_araujo]

Scott, totally, but when I got my DID chain with master link it didn't come with spacers.  Do you know somewhere I can get them separately?  I'm guessing they should be manufacturer specific and since they get squished they'd only be good for a few uses before they get trashed.

Scott

[ScottRNelson]

Do you know somewhere I can get them separately?

Cycle Gear can order you a master link for an EK 520 SRX chain and you can get a set that way.  And I can't imagine them getting worn enough to make a difference even after using them for hundreds of chains.  You would think that other O-ring and X-ring chains would need different spacers, but they're just right for the RK chain on my 888 and also just right for whatever chain came on my XR650L.

I would like to find alternate sources for such a useful little tool.

[He Man]

you can also get the DID chain tool that will auto stop, thus making life 10x easier.

[LA]

I never even thought about it.  I always use DID and a DID chain tool. I do it the way the destructions say.

I grew up on shaft drives, but have been riding Ducatis since 1979. I'm still not sure I'm doing the chain stuff correctly.  I change em out at about 15,000 miles as a rule.  For the first time I put a new chain on old sprockets that look just like they did when new so far as I could tell - it's a black art to me.

LA

[scott_araujo]

I have the less expensive DID look-alike chain tool with no set stop.  Oh well, not like I do it all that often.

Thanks,
Scott

[He Man]

I have the less expensive DID look-alike chain tool with no set stop.  Oh well, not like I do it all that often.

Thanks,
Scott

the $20 one? thats the one im talking about, xpt it does have a set stop. maybe they updated it?

[scott_araujo]

Maybe it does and I was somehow using it wrong.  Or maybe I've got an older model without the stop.  I went to far and then had to take it apart again and re-press it.  I'll try to remember next time and see if there is a stop.

Scott

[He Man]

if its the same, the stop is automatic (cant turn it on or off). Maybe you used the wrong side, though i dont think the tool allows that. im not sure.

[corndog67]

Yup, that's the way to do it.  The only annoying part is you have to press a little, remove press, measure, not far enough, press a little more, lather, rinse, repeat.  Anyone have a better way to do this without going too far?

Scott

To be perfectly honest, I use 2 big pairs of vice grips and work the side plate on.   It isn't the fastest way to do it, but it is effective.