How to remove master link?

[cloudbreakmd]

I overtightened the chain rivet on the VFR. I'm doing to order a new rivet link but how do I get the old one off without damaging the new chain?

[Sandy]

Assuming you don't have the proper tool just use a grinder of some sort to remove the peened end of the master link and a small punch or even a nail to push the link out.

[gbw]

Gonna be a PITA without the proper tools, but sounds like you have them since you tightened the current link on there. Just grind the heads off the master link's rivets and press them out. If you're careful you'll only destroy the plate on the master link which you're going to replace anyway with the new master link. I use a Dremel tool for this.

[isleoman]

Assuming you don't have the proper tool just use a grinder of some sort to remove the peened end of the master link and a small punch or even a nail to push the link out.

I have the proper tool (I think). It's a D.I.D. unit that comes with the pins to drive out the link and the other components to set the new link.

I made the mistake of not using a grinder (Dremel) to take the heads off the first time I used it. The pin on the tool broke on the first attempt. The Dremel can do it in a few minutes.

I haven't seen a tool for pushing master links out without grinding the heads first.

[cloudbreakmd]

Thank you guys... I purchased a press/riveter but not a pin extractor. Next on putchase list I suppose.

[isleoman]

Thank you guys... I purchased a press/riveter but not a pin extractor. Next on putchase list I suppose.

Try it first without the pin extractor. They usually just fall off when you have ground the heads far enough.

[chuck hahn]

Simlpe hand punch will drive the pins out. Flat tip screw driver and hammer on the center of the remaining bog bone does the trick too. Few good smacks and done.

[Downs]

If you plan on owning motorcycles for any length of time the proper tool is well worth the cost.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/RK-UCT2100-Chain-Tool/204449581?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=649&adid=22222222227090477195&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=204493104435&wl4=pla-331207831400&wl5=9026910&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=112354411&wl11=online&wl12=204449581&wl13=&veh=sem

[cloudbreakmd]

Agreed. Already bought a similar tool.

[chuck hahn]

30 years+ of ownership and riding here. Fancvy smancy tools werent needed then and they arent needed now. Doesnt take a 40 dollar tool to do what a simple punch an d hammer does in 1 miute or less once you grind off the rivet head. If someone wants to be convinced they need to spend money unnecessarilty then thats ok too.

109 bucks can got toward tires or something thats REALLY actually needed.

[Downs]

You can do whatever you want. I've been working on bikes since I was a kid and I've found the chain rivet/breaker tool makes the job a lot smoother and easier and considering it's basically a lifetime tool and I've essentially amortized that tool over the rest of my life and however many chain driven bikes I've owned or will own into the future so the cost is essentially factions of a fractions of a penny over that time. For those that dont' have the "feel" down on chain installs this tool also basically makes it impossible to over press a master link side plate or over do a rivet.

We don't "need" modern day tools to farm and raise animals...........sure as hell makes the work a lot easier and efficient though.

[Sandy]

30 years+ of ownership and riding here. Fancvy smancy tools werent needed then and they arent needed now. Doesnt take a 40 dollar tool to do what a simple punch an d hammer does in 1 miute or less once you grind off the rivet head. If someone wants to be convinced they need to spend money unnecessarilty then thats ok too.

109 bucks can got toward tires or something thats REALLY actually needed.

I'm with you Chuck on this one. Hearing about not having the right adaptors handy and replacing broken punch pins and the fiddling involved I'll just stick with my angle grinder and small punch. No muss, no fuss and master link is off in about a minute or two.

[chuck hahn]

The master links are held together with the elongated circlip. The problem is removing a link on a continuous riveted chain so it can be removed and the new chain installed. I grab the angle grinder and grind the two pin heads off, pry off the outer bog bone, flip the screwdriver into the inner bone and smack...the link pops out and done in no time flat.

[Sandy]

The master links are held together with the elongated circlip. The problem is removing a link on a continuous riveted chain so it can be removed and the new chain installed. I grab the angle grinder and grind the two pin heads off, pry off the outer bog bone, flip the screwdriver into the inner bone and smack...the link pops out and done in no time flat.

When said master link I always use riveted ones so the same removal method applies to either. But the angle grinder works great, but then, I'm only doing one chain every few years.

[Downs]

If you use a clip type master link then special tools don't really make the job any easier. If you're using a rivet type it removes any question about if the link is installed correctly or not. If you're just doing a chain (I just replace the cheap steel sprockets at chain replacement anyway) you can do it with the tool in about 5 mins.