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Rivet chain link vs. clip on chain link.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Fancool
  • Start date Start date
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Fancool

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I'm trying to decide if I should stay with clip type or rivet type for my chains?
Don't want to waste money on rivet tool if not needed. All my chains have clip type now and wondering what is better especially for higher HP 1100 motor.
Never had trouble with clip on but always worry a bit if it will hold.
 
Just mount them correctly. If there were a problem with them, sales of them would've stopped a long time ago.

OTOH; rivet tools can be had very cheaply, so I don't quite get why people fear wasting money...?
 
A good tool will cost more then I want to spend if not needed. If there was an added benefits to the rivet type I would consider the investment, myself I prefer the clip on type. Was just trying to get other onions.
 
I've had clips come off during a ride, side plate went missing once. Made it home that day purely because the rest of the link happened to stay in the two ends of the chain.

I've never had any issues of any kind with riveted master links. Tool is easy to use and cheap compared to the potential damage to bike and rider(s).

No brainer for me, rivet every time.

My 0.02
 
IMO, never, ever use a clip link. I've seen plenty of them fail. I've never seen a rivet link fail.

Now, this is the point in the discussion were a chunk of the old timers puff out their chests, hook their thumbs through the bib overall suspenders and start pontificating, "Well, I never had a problem with no damn clip link, and if you install it right you won't either." To which I reply, that's fine, but it's a small sample size. I've never had a problem either. But I have seen ones fail that were put on by guys I know to be competent mechanics.
So given the small cost of the tool, and the possible catastrophic consequences of failure, depending on exactly when it happens, I view using a rivet link as a no-brainer.

And besides, now you have a perfectly good excuse to go buy another tool. Looking for ways out makes me think we may need to revoke your man-card. :)
 
RichDesmond said:
IMO, never, ever use a clip link. I've seen plenty of them fail. I've never seen a rivet link fail.

Now, this is the point in the discussion were a chunk of the old timers puff out their chests, hook their thumbs through the bib overall suspenders and start pontificating, "Well, I never had a problem with no damn clip link, and if you install it right you won't either." To which I reply, that's fine, but it's a small sample size. I've never had a problem either. But I have seen ones fail that were put on by guys I know to be competent mechanics.
So given the small cost of the tool, and the possible catastrophic consequences of failure, depending on exactly when it happens, I view using a rivet link as a no-brainer.

And besides, now you have a perfectly good excuse to go buy another tool. Looking for ways out makes me think we may need to revoke your man-card. :)
Click to expand...

And actually if you get creative with a hammer and punch you can easily peen the rivet before you put the wheel back on. Assuming you have it off to replace the sprocket at the same time of course. But then again the proper tool is inexpensive.
 
Sandy said:
Jim, was that the sound of your chain when it came off ? LOL.
Click to expand...

I was popping the clutch at about 7 grand so I don't know what it sounded like ;but after Gustovh and I walked up and down the interstate, he found the retaining clip. But when he tried to put it back on HE made that sound "BING" it was lost in the weeds never to be found again

Tom then trailered the bike down (with me in tow) to Redding to find a motorcycle shop to install a continuous chain.
 
I have a master link clip story. I was on a Banzi run from Youngstown to Pittsburgh to see "The Clarks." I was on the Pa turnpike minding my own business. Then a Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg addition tried to pass me. We both hit the throttle. Wide open for about 5 miles! He got off the turnpike, I backed it down... I made it to the show, had a great time. On my way home I kept hearing this clanging sound (chain tapping the chain guard). I nursed the motorcycle home. When I inspected the chain, I found the clip gone, the backing plate gone! The link was bent in a way that kept the chain together! The clip style master link is okay for bicycles and scooters, AND ED'S 750T but not for motorcycles. 👍
 
Last edited:
My general rule-of-thumb is clip-type links are just about ok and acceptable enough on small shopping bikes (250, 400cc), but nothing bigger.
 
The 630 chain I got from MrBill has a clip. Bill made it a point on a thread (one time) to put on the clip in the correct direction. It worked fine for me out in Alamogordo & Las Cruces...But then again, I don't drag race on my acceleration.

Ed
 
I had a rivet go on me once when out riding, in the middle of God for saken Oregon! One of the pines cracked and let go, when I pulled over the other pin was hanging on for dear life. I'm guessing it was the shop that beat the hell out of the pin when they put the chain together.
 
The clip style master link is okay for bicycles and scooters, AND ED'S 750T but not for motorcycles. 👍[/QUOTE]

Edit post...☺
 
An old mechanic I once worked with said the split links are OK as long as you direction the C clip so that the opening is not facing the direction of travel, and that you should smear some silicon / RTV over the clip to keep it in place.

Not sure what they say on the packaging now, but 20 years ago they didn't recommend using the split links for bikes over 750cc.
 
hillsy said:
An old mechanic I once worked with said the split links are OK as long as you direction the C clip so that the opening is not facing the direction of travel, and that you should smear some silicon / RTV over the clip to keep it in place.

Not sure what they say on the packaging now, but 20 years ago they didn't recommend using the split links for bikes over 750cc.
Click to expand...

My split ring was in the correct direction and slathered in red RTV(apparently an old drag racer trick), but I was pushing about 130hp to the brand new 530 chain.
 
posplayr said:
My split ring was in the correct direction and slathered in red RTV(apparently an old drag racer trick), but I was pushing about 130hp to the brand new 530 chain.
Click to expand...

That's probably why they used to say don't use them on anything over 750cc.

Like I said, don't know what warnings they put on the packets nowadays - I assume seeing chains have come a long way so too the links??
 
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