Chain master link question

[andrewclaycomb]

I'm finishing up my 530 chain conversion and will be putting the new chain on today. I got both a rivet master link as well as a clip type just in case I couldn't get a chain riveter from a friend. I can't, so I think I am just going to go with the clip type. (My 630 chain had a clip)

It warned not to use vice grips, and just looking at it, using vice grips doesn't make sense to me anyway. How do you guys install a clip type master link?

[Scotts]

I used two small sockets and a c clamp. The concern with using vise grips is that you can easily pinch the part together and obliterate the o rings on the master link. Put all the parts together and use the two socket and clamp method to control the amount you push the outer part on. Press a little and check to see that once you can get the clip in the groove that is all you need to do. That is how I currently am running mine. Just make sure you put the clip on it the correct direction.

Scott

[andrewclaycomb]

Why couldn't I just use a drift and tap it into place?

[80GS750]

you cant just squeeze it on with a pair of pliers???

i didnt think it was that hard to do this....

[salty_monk]

I read somewhere that it's recommended to smear with silicon after you fitted it to stop it falling off.. no personal experience of that though.

Dan

[Scotts]

I guess you could. Can you hold the backside to keep it from popping out while you hit with a drift?

[Kaiser Sosei]

I picked up something similar to this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motio...spagenameZWDVW

I find it easier than big pair of pliers. I also picked up the special pair of pliers for installing the clip. Much easier.