Topic: Drive chain master link retainer clip..........HELP!!

[dylboss]

Hello All.  Can some one please give me some tips on getting the master link chain clip on?  I just replaced my 530 chain, and I've already broken 2 retainer clips trying to get it on.  Is there some trick to this?  Ready to scream after hours of wrestling with this.

Thanks a lot.

[WarwickE36]

They go on really hard, which is good because you dont want that bastahd coming off!

I fashioned a mini press that pushes the O=O shaped piece on, then the clip goes on easy, you just tap it in with a flathead.  Either have someone step on the brakes or do it with the rear wheel on the ground with the bike on the side stand.

[DJ_AX]

make sure your not trying to slide it on all the way from one end. 

it should go on pretty easy actually ... I recall just seeing a video recently ..

couldn't find that short one I saw earlier but here's another ..

master clip at 6:50 in this vid.
Howto: Replace Your Motorcycle Chain in 10 Mins

[DJ_AX]

oh yeah but that one in that video goes on just a little too easy.   

Newer clips are more stiff.

[Greggo]

I had to use a Motion Pro Master Link Press to fit my plate past the grooves for the clip.  This was not mentioned in the Tsubaki instructions

[dave500]

too easy

[Gordon]

I guess it depends on the brand of chain you're using, but I've never had much of a problem getting them on.  I put the bike on the center stand and put it in gear so the chain and wheel won't move.  Set the clip in place like shown in the video, and then tap it into place with a screwdriver and hammer. 

[Danno]

i just did my chain on my bike and i agree that new master links are tough but i think the most important part of puting them on is to have the cover plate shoved back as tight as possible before you snap the clip on i use needle noses just like in the video you need good new ones with sharp jaws to make it easy but i think the trick is definately the cover plate being tight first if you need to clean the master of dirt and grease with brake clean or carb clean that sometimes helps get it tight enough

[wingman1946]

Hold the clip on the pins tightly with the needle nose and slide the clip onto the pin using a pair of channel locks.

[dylboss]

Thanks for all the advice!  I didn't have the master link on the sprocket when I was trying. Maybe that was causing my grief.  I'll pick up a new one today and give it another shot. 

[Johnie]

Any reason you are not opting for the safer master rivet link. I was putting a master clip on one of my O ring 530 chains and it also broke in half. That was it for me. Instead got the rivet master link.