Master links - Screw Vs Rivet?

[Slide Panda]

It's goingot be time to look for a new chain soon.  Looking at the selection on CA-Cycleworks there's EK chains that have either a traditional rivet master or a screw in master.

Besides not having the hassle of riveting in the master, are there any other benefits to a screw in master?  Detriments?  I'd figure you'd want to use some of the permenant thread locker or a dab of JB Weld to prevent any backing out of the screws.

[Howie]

I have no FHE with screw master links, or SHE either, but why mess with a good thing?  If you already have the tool I would suggest sticking with the tried and true.

[Slide Panda]

That's sort of what I figured - but I like to learn so just seeking some info.

[mmakay]

If you have reason to remove the chain frequently, the screw makes a lot of sense.  Of course single-sided swingarms eliminate the most common reason to break a chain often.

[EEL]

On a chain, I dont trust anything but a rivet link. Chains take more of a beating than ANYTHING else on your bike. When they break they cause a lot of damage. Dont risk it. I dont know how well threadlocker is going to hold when your hosing down the chain with lube every 500 miles. As for JB weld, its a ceramic can ceramics are too brittle to hold moving parts together.


--->My personal opinion<----
Spend the effort where it needs to be spent. Timing belts, chains, valves. These are the most important maintenance items. Superficial stuff like fancy oil filters, synthetic racing  oil, and 91 octane is just a waste of effort and money.

[Ducnial]

Sounds like you got your answer. A loose chain at high speed could kill'ya.

[Slide Panda]

I figured as much - I was just curious. 

I've seen what chain letting go a speed can do - tore a big hole out of a case.  Also got to see how well the DesmoTimes case savers work.  A local Duc'ers chain let go in two spots at the same time.  The case saver was all twisted up and mangled, but the case only suffered minor damage

[scott_araujo]

The master link doesn't screw together, two nuts screw down to self-rivet the link in place.  Then they snap off leaving a clean rivet like master link.  You get the benefits of rivets with the convenience of not having to buy a rivet tool.  If you want an informed opinion call Chris at CA Cycle Works.  He sells good stuff and is a good guy.  He'll give you the straight story.

Scott