chain clip help

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pelican

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I've been trying to get the clip on my chain by pressing/sliding it to the side, but it keep breaking in half. Is there an easier way or some kind of trick I don't know about? The first one broke that came with my chain so I ordered 2 more. The second one just broke, and I'm getting mad because you have to order the whole link to get a clip. Ends up like $10 a piece.
 
You might try getting the clip on over the forward pin (link on the top run), sliding it on all the way, then spinning the clip to the other pin and lifting one end over the pin until it snaps in and engages its groove.
 
You're talking about the drive chain? I always had luck putting the split link on the front pin, pushing it back until it the front seated, then one side of the rear split link at a time. Never had a problem?

Dave
69S
 
I've always done it on a bike chain by pushing it to the side with pliers and it snaps in. 1st time on the norton though, and they snap like nothing straight down the middle. I'll try it the one at a time method.
 
pelican said:
I've been trying to get the clip on my chain by pressing/sliding it to the side, but it keep breaking in half. Is there an easier way or some kind of trick I don't know about? The first one broke that came with my chain so I ordered 2 more. The second one just broke, and I'm getting mad because you have to order the whole link to get a clip. Ends up like $10 a piece.
Click to expand...

I push it up against the pins and then use a pair of needle-nose pliers across the end of the clip to the pin. A bit tricky to keep everything engaged but works pretty well once you get the hang of it.
 
a small flat screwdriver twisted to hold open the "open" end while pushing it backwards onto the spindles works for me. That's not to say it's easy, but eventually, it goes. I find it helps to swear a lot.....

Then a bit of clear silicone to hold it in place. Mine's been 5K miles or so, silicone is dirty but still there.
 
I don't, sorry.

Have you thought about using a rivet link? You do need the tool, but might make sense?
 
You should stick with the same chain manufacturer for the chain, master links and clips. Each manufacturer is slightly different even though the chain is the same size (like 530). The width and pitch will stay the same, but the thickness of the sideplates and details of the clip and the master link groove it fits in can vary all over the place.
 
My local hardware store sells the clips, side plates or whole links and master assemblies by themselves for all common chain size. I guess quality could be unkown but if you check a good local store first you may save some $. Maybe take a pair of calipers with you to check the width etc because as batrider says they are all differant. I accedently mixed up old and new master links when I put my new chain on & was real suprized how differant the thicknesses were from one make to another of the "same" size. Seems strange that they are breaking though.
 
Does anyone run an o or x-ring chain? Also, FYI, EK makes a master link for some of its x-ring chains that goes on with 2 8mm nuts after which the nuts are removed and threaded link tangs broken off flush with a pliers. Same strength as a rivet link with no special tools required.

www.moto-chains.com
 
pelican said:
I've been trying to get the clip on my chain by pressing/sliding it to the side, but it keep breaking in half. Is there an easier way or some kind of trick I don't know about? The first one broke that came with my chain so I ordered 2 more. The second one just broke, and I'm getting mad because you have to order the whole link to get a clip. Ends up like $10 a piece.
Click to expand...

We are talking about a standard chain clip which is like a U shape tapering towards the open end then opening up slightly at the very end. Normally I fit the clip over the first pin (with many clips you will find it will go over the pin about halfway along the central U) then push the clip along until the open end that opens upslightly butts up against the next pin. Finally using apair of pliers with the one side pressed against the second pin the other side pressed against the closed end of the clip and squeeze. There should be no bending or twisting invloved or it will snap.
 
chain clip help


The ends weren't straight on the one that came with the chain or the 2 replacements. one end in and one end towards you. Only thing I can figure is it is slipping on the pin instead of the groove. Maybe upside down?

Will have to get a magnifying glass out and take a closer look when the other 2 get here.
 
pelican said:
chain clip help


The ends weren't straight on the one that came with the chain or the 2 replacements. one end in and one end towards you. Only thing I can figure is it is slipping on the pin instead of the groove. Maybe upside down?

Will have to get a magnifying glass out and take a closer look when the other 2 get here.
Click to expand...


HI Pelican when you get the new ones (which brand is is it ) can you try just getting the right hand end on(the closed end) by rotating the clip 90 degrees to the chain link then using a pair of pliars squeeze it on using the pin and the closed end and see if it goes on....?
 
I have never had a problem with a clip breaking on installation (set over 1st pin, push onto 2nd). What brand of clip is this ? It could be one to avoid.

Greg
 
pelican said:
chain clip help


The ends weren't straight on the one that came with the chain or the 2 replacements. one end in and one end towards you. Only thing I can figure is it is slipping on the pin instead of the groove. Maybe upside down?

Will have to get a magnifying glass out and take a closer look when the other 2 get here.
Click to expand...

Sometimes it is difficult to get the pin of the master link fully seated all the way through the chain. It;s almost impossible to get the clip to engage if the pin is not fully through. Could this be what is giving you trouble?

Regarding the interchangeability of master links and chains, I agree with the comment that your shouldn't mix them up. You could end up with a chain with a sticky link that binds. You might be able to interchange just the clips though if you could find them somewhere. Have you tried your local bike shop?
 
plj850 said:
We are talking about a standard chain clip which is like a U shape tapering towards the open end then opening up slightly at the very end. Normally I fit the clip over the first pin (with many clips you will find it will go over the pin about halfway along the central U) then push the clip along until the open end that opens upslightly butts up against the next pin. Finally using a pair of pliers with the one side pressed against the second pin the other side pressed against the closed end of the clip and squeeze. There should be no bending or twisting invloved or it will snap.
Click to expand...

Yes, this is how I do it. Much better description than I came up with!! I agree with this post that the clip should be sliding along the link of the chain so there should be no sideways force on the clip at all. Just pushing on one end and the clip slides sideways over the end of the pin.
 
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