View Poll Results: Do you use chain master links?
Yes
32
96.97%
No, because that is not the tradition
0
0%
No, because the master links are weaker than standard links
0
0%
No, because of some other reason
1
3.03%
Voters: 33. You may not vote on this poll
Poll - Chain Master Links - Do you use them?
01-22-21, 08:06 PM
#1
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Poll - Chain Master Links - Do you use them?
I have been having a conversation with one of my colleagues on the appropriateness of bike shops using chain master links when you replace the chain. Those of you in shops - What say you?
Last edited by La Brea Bike; 01-23-21 at 11:05 AM.
01-22-21, 09:14 PM
#2
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I mainly don't use them because Shimano didn't have them for the longest time and honestly I don't mind pushing a pin in. Though I my track chains do have what could be considered master links and I am not opposed to using them at all actually. I just generally don't swap over but my Chilkoot is probably due for a new chain or at least a good chain cleaning at this point so maybe I will use the links I bought when they came out with the intention of swapping them.
01-22-21, 09:17 PM
#3
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My answer is yes and no.. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
01-22-21, 09:18 PM
#4
Really Old Senior Member
A shop would be more likely to use the pin since the user is probably not capable of doing chain repairs anyway. A Quik Link may change that.
Make them bring it back for work.
Make them bring it back for work.
01-22-21, 10:22 PM
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OK, I don't get this poll. There are chains made with different construction for different uses. Older chains used pins that extended past the outer plate and were intended to be removed and replaced. Chains made for 9-speed and up do not have protruding pins but instead the pin is peened over the side plate, Once it is pushed out that hole is enlarged and will never retain a pin at full strength. With enough tension on the chain, the pin will slip out and cause failure.
Is this poll to see who knows this and who doesn't?
I have a 9-speed, a 7-speed and several 1/8" chain fix gears. I master link the 9-speed always, the 7-speed usually and the fix gears sometimes. I didn't see that as a option so I skipped the poll.
Is this poll to see who knows this and who doesn't?
I have a 9-speed, a 7-speed and several 1/8" chain fix gears. I master link the 9-speed always, the 7-speed usually and the fix gears sometimes. I didn't see that as a option so I skipped the poll.
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01-22-21, 10:56 PM
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01-23-21, 12:42 AM
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OK, I don't get this poll. There are chains made with different construction for different uses. Older chains used pins that extended past the outer plate and were intended to be removed and replaced. Chains made for 9-speed and up do not have protruding pins but instead the pin is peened over the side plate, Once it is pushed out that hole is enlarged and will never retain a pin at full strength. With enough tension on the chain, the pin will slip out and cause failure.
Is this poll to see who knows this and who doesn't?
I have a 9-speed, a 7-speed and several 1/8" chain fix gears. I master link the 9-speed always, the 7-speed usually and the fix gears sometimes. I didn't see that as a option so I skipped the poll.
Is this poll to see who knows this and who doesn't?
I have a 9-speed, a 7-speed and several 1/8" chain fix gears. I master link the 9-speed always, the 7-speed usually and the fix gears sometimes. I didn't see that as a option so I skipped the poll.
01-23-21, 10:04 AM
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I don't understand this thread either. If the chain comes w/ a pin, I use the pin. If the chain comes w/ a link I use the link. Most shops don't 'repair' chains, they replace them. Sounds to me like you guys have too much time on your hands.
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01-23-21, 10:34 AM
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This IS in regard to installing a new chain. Did you even read the "No" Answers? Those are the explanations I have been given why they get thrown in the trash. I have also seen one master fail. With that being said, I use the link 100% of the time.
01-23-21, 11:29 AM
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Are you saying you actually know a bike shop mechanic who told you he throws the links in the trash? Hard to believe but I guess anything is possible.
01-23-21, 11:36 AM
#11
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01-23-21, 12:59 PM
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I do both. On chains that come with master links (SRAM, KMC, Wipperman) of course I use the link. On Shimano chains I usually use their supplied joining pin but sometimes I'll use a KMC link which I buy in 6-packs. I carry a couple of used links on my bike for emergency roadside repairs. Fortunately I've never needed one for my own bike but have used one on another rider's bike after a mishap. I have never had a KMC or Wipperman link fail.
BTW, which bike shops throw the links away? I'll stop buy and salvage all I can get.
BTW, which bike shops throw the links away? I'll stop buy and salvage all I can get.
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