Chain Masterlink 2pc vs. 3pc

[user 135]

How do the 2 piece masterlinks stay together? Looks like there is a spot for a spring clip.

 

[Markm]

just pressure..you kinda "flex" the chain when you install it.

 

[user 135]

Thanks, I was going to order some cause I always seem to lose them. a bag of 25 2-piece is 3.95 and 25 3-piece is 8.95. Probably order the three piece as it looks more logical to me.

 

[CCR]

i have less problems with the three piece, but if you dont have the right tools, the 2 piece is super simple to take off.

 

[tnt1]

where do you get them in a bag of twenty five l.m.k. t/y Tony

 

[user 135]

where do you get them in a bag of twenty five l.m.k. t/y Tony

Havent bought from these guys before.
http://www.bikepartsplace.com/discount/ ... k-3-piece/
http://www.bikepartsplace.com/discount/ ... k-2-piece/

bought from bikeman- even takes paypal
http://www.bikeman.com/CH4089.html

 

[tnt1]

thank you

 

[GTCOMA]

i like the two piece ones myself

 

[Highridah]

i go for 2 piece but i like the security of the chaintool method

 

[shecky]

Theoretically, the two piece ones can be removed without tools. In reality, I find that often difficult to do. So I use pliers. And since I actually use pliers, the three piece link is easier to use.

Clear? :wink:

 

[Mr. Farrell]

i still dont get the 2 piece. How does it stay together?

well, i just looked at one of my spare sets. looks like it's forced on there.

 

[xddorox]

Don't you guys use a chain tool ? I haven't used a master link in over 20 years. Any other advantage apart from being able to remove it without special tools? I'm just curious here.

 

[GTCOMA]

I have a nice chain tool that I use a lot, but I like to have the flexibility to take the chain off easily when it is a work in progress, which most of my bikes are...

 

[user 135]

I like master links on coaster brakes. Mostly because most old bikes come with them. Unless you buy new chain, you are stuck with masterlinks. I even use a master link on my 9 speed chain :shock:

I think with newer chain you have to use new pins anyway.

 

[sensor]

i like the two piece ones myself

as i do also(ive had the worst luck with the keepers on the 3 piece bending when trying to install them :x )
and yes i do have a chain tool..its old,ugly, and french but it works great :mrgreen:

 

[shecky]

Chain tools are a lot of extra work when you simply need to remove a chain, and are only really necessary with multi-speed chains, or when shortening chains. Even some multi-speed chains have master links, too. The only time I've ever really had trouble with master links were with multi-speed chains. I can't remember the make, but it was a real bear to remove.

 

[user 135]

The Sram Powerlinks are not too bad once you figure them out. Make sure they are clean.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/power-links.html

 

[OUTLAW]

gee this is very interesting, sombody jump dingo caused he didn't have a rat bike ? and this doesn't seem like one either? wow i guess i keep missing something here. guess it must be my old age. either i am missing something or i am just too stupid. lol

Outlaw 8)

 

[rick74304]

How do the 2 piece masterlinks stay together? Looks like there is a spot for a spring clip.

I recently tried usng the 2 piece for the first time. I didn't know you were supposed to flex the chain slightly when installing, so I used a good pair of plyers to squeeze the cap onto the studs. This evidently caused a stress crack in the head of the stud, because it cracked in half, causing the chain to fail on a ride.
I may eventually try one again, but for now will stick to the tried and true 3 piece. All you need to remove/install them is a flat screwdriver.
BUILDERS NOTE; I also use a small rare earth magnet, and put it on the link next to the master, when i'm removing the retainer, the magnet catches it every time!
Rick

 

[ej599]

They use 3 the piece style on motorcycles. I'm assuming they're stronger.