Chain master link help

dolphaxel · February 28, 2013, 04:06:48 PM

So I recently got a did ev3r chain from Motowheels and went to install it. I cut it down and had a dealer install the rivet link because I don't have tools or that. When I got home I noticed that its not the best of jobs they did. I am wondering if I can buy a did master link that is the retaining clip type and use that instead. I would like to be able to remove the chain from time to time for cleaning. Any thoughts?

ducpainter · February 28, 2013, 04:14:46 PM

Some people use clip type links and claim it's fine.

Others have thrown clips/links/chains and won't use anything but a rivet type link.

Your call.

Speeddog · February 28, 2013, 04:16:58 PM

You *may* be able to get a clip-style.

Do not use a master link from other brand, or same brand different spec.
Pin sizes are not necessarily the same.

You can remove the chain without 'breaking' on an M800.

dolphaxel · February 28, 2013, 04:24:26 PM

I know about the chain coming off to the side, but I have to pull the left set and left pipe. I think ill probably end up buyin another rivet link and the damn did tool myself and just redo it. Should have done it myself in the first place. After work I'm going to measure the smashed section and see if its to d.i.d spec but it looks super small on one pin and makes me feel a little uneasy. Damnit again.

Speeddog · February 28, 2013, 05:30:35 PM

Honestly, considering how hard it is to press the sideplate on, flaring the end of the pin is borderline window dressing.

Is it a hollow-end pin or a quad-stake on that master link?

dolphaxel · February 28, 2013, 06:04:45 PM

honestly I don't know the lingo, but this is it. You can see that one pin is about to fall apart and the other pin is not really flared at all. I measured the small one and the head is the same size as the pin. I also noticed that the link was tweaked a little bit and is inside out. I got a tool coming and a new rivet link. I can't put that on and feel ok about it. Especially since I drive this thing 200 miles away from home where I have no access to tools at times. Looks like the tool is small and I could put it on the bike someplace just incase.

Untitled by dolphaxel, on Flickr

Howie · February 28, 2013, 07:59:56 PM

Clip masters can be made more reliable if they are safety wired, but why do that when you can use a rivet type? As far as cleaning goes, to remove the clip type link so you can remove the chain easily for cleaning, IMO, is not a good idea. Every time you remove the clip for cleaning you are weakening it, increasing the likelihood of failure. Back before O ring chains this was done, but today? From our friends at Ca Cycleworks http://www.ducatitech.com/info/chain.html

Blackout · February 28, 2013, 08:28:36 PM

I have put a shit-ton of hard miles on my Ducati, most of 'em with a clip type master. Never had a problem.

jaxduc · March 01, 2013, 04:57:27 AM

I didnt have a rivet tool at the time so I used a BB (small bearing) and pliers to flare the pin. I dont recommend this but it has held for the last 10k miles (shit ton?). Of course ive inspected every time ive cleaned it and it shows no sign of structural integrity. So I agree with the window dreasing comment. Also is a shit ton more than a regular ton or just stinkyer?

ducpainter · March 01, 2013, 06:05:05 AM

I use hammer and a block of steel to back up the link to peen the master.

The side plate is a press fit so it doesn't take much.

dolphaxel · March 01, 2013, 08:30:23 AM

I ordered one of the motion pro chain tools. It's the cut/riveting version. I'm not sure what happened when they installed that link, but the flare on the smaller pin isn't really even there and it looks like the end of the pin broke off. You can see the entire hole where it comes through the plate. Not to mention the plate isn't flat and backwards. Maybe this doesn't matter but it doesn't make me feel good about it.

Triple J · March 01, 2013, 08:43:28 AM

Quote from: jaxduc on March 01, 2013, 04:57:27 AM
Of course ive inspected every time ive cleaned it and it shows no sign of structural integrity.

That's not good. Assuming you mean no sign of structural degradation? Structural integrity is a good thing.

jaxduc · March 01, 2013, 01:36:43 PM

HAHAHAHAHA!!!
I was typing that on my phone and obviously messd it up!
How about this.
IT AINT BROKE YET!!!

Blackout · March 01, 2013, 02:27:07 PM

Quote from: jaxduc on March 01, 2013, 04:57:27 AM
I didnt have a rivet tool at the time so I used a BB (small bearing) and pliers to flare the pin. I dont recommend this but it has held for the last 10k miles (shit ton?). Of course ive inspected every time ive cleaned it and it shows no sign of structural integrity. So I agree with the window dreasing comment. Also is a shit ton more than a regular ton or just stinkyer?

Shit ton is roughly equivalent to 64k miles

jaxduc · March 01, 2013, 04:05:38 PM

Oh I get it.
Kind of like a LightYear

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Chain master link help

Triple J