Can I Get Rid of My Master Link?

LOL Looks like Northern Tool carries them. #41. Going today at lunchtime. Hope to be on the road this weekend!!!
 
Picked it up for $12.99. 10 footer too!! That's enough for two MB! lol Looks alot heavier! Nope, no master link this time!! Learned my lesson the HARD way (no pun intended).
 
I dont use a master link, had one break on me

I didn't need one to break to know not to use one. I looked at the master link and then the engine and thought there is no way that is going to last. If you have a chain breaker tool there really isn't a good reason to use one. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link....
 
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Forum is just PACKED FULL of MB knowledge. Glad the boss is not around. LOL
 
I've gone both ways with bikes, currently using a master link. A quality master link should be fine but the junk that comes with the kit is questionable at best. You really should buy a quality chain to start with and it will sound better, freewheel better and even deal with the cheap sprockets better. If your kit chain was like mine, it streached like crazy the first few miles. That should prove to you that it isn't worth trusting. My KMC replacement hasn't streached yet in over 50 miles.

I rode (and raced) dirt bikes for decades and heard this argument long ago, I've never broken a master on anything myself.
 
I've gone both ways with bikes, currently using a master link. A quality master link should be fine but the junk that comes with the kit is questionable at best. You really should buy a quality chain to start with and it will sound better, freewheel better and even deal with the cheap sprockets better. If your kit chain was like mine, it streached like crazy the first few miles. That should prove to you that it isn't worth trusting. My KMC replacement hasn't streached yet in over 50 miles.

I rode (and raced) dirt bikes for decades and heard this argument long ago, I've never broken a master on anything myself.

that sounds about right... I was just judging the ones that came with my kits.

What size chain did you buy and where? mine stretched like cray and i want to replace it.
 
vtec,

I used this place.

http://www.bikesomewhere.com/bikesomewhere.cfm/product/520/4983/30866
Took them about a week and a half to get it to me, not terrible but I've had better shipping service. Also, the 98L (length) was 1 and 1/2 links short and I had to use a small piece of my left-over kit chain. I figured they counted links by outter plate count but no, they count every single link. I did use the included KMC master this time but had no master (tossed the junk kit one) with the original chain.

This link was posted by another member, might be useful for size info.
http://www.azusaeng.com/chain/mcyclchn.html
 
Better Chain 415 (S)

The cheap chinese chains and links always cause problems as they are poor grade metal and they twist and jump the sprockets and tensioner easily. Best fix is to get a new and better quality chain..Some use a 415 but if you order the 415 (S)..(S) indicates "Motorbike quality".. it never breaks / has no sideways twist..and the pitch still suits the sprockets..Never had any problems since replacing the cheapo...Chain links ? well thats debatable..maintenance ?..to stop any clips flipping off make sure you install the clip with the round aspect facing back so it doesnt catch the sprocket and also as you install it, clean the area with gas / let dry and then add some 5 minute Araldite or resin glue to the clip itself..you can always remove it and it gives it that extra connection to the chain..The one we bought from the local "chain supplier" is called a FENNER ROLLER CHAIN 415 (S) and comes in a 10 foot length which gives you two full length chains with some to spare..(but only one link)..order more links..Chain cost us $18AU..links 33 cents each,,much cheaper than the bike shop deals..Bad chains eat spokes or rip calves..Good luck ENO in Oz
 
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Best fix is to get a new and better quality chain..Some use a 415 but if you order the 415 (S)..(S) indicates "Motorbike quality".. it never breaks / has no sideways twist..and the pitch still suits the sprockets..Never had any problems since replacing the cheapo...

Agreeing with ENO, get better chain. 41 chain suits me just fine. I conveniently work for an industrial supply chain and have the 10' sections on the shelf. Less than $10 US and enough for two sections with some left over.

I do use the master link, purely for easy on/easy off access as I have had to replace a chain on the side of the road with minimal tools in 100+ deg weather. I hate breaking a chain, but more than that, I hate breaking a sweat.
 
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