revtothelimit - motorbike forum

It’s only my second time riveting a chain but this time the chain came with a clip master link. Unfortunately there were no grooves to make sure it’d actually work so I riveted it instead. It didn’t respond like last time so I wanted to ask if I should take it to a professional to redo before I ride based on these pictures I took. Any help is appreciated y’all. Thanks

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7lhyhus2 ... rv7vy&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2x54j8a3 ... m3ei9&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ujzexjpz ... rm643&dl=0

It's difficult to tell from the pics,but the sideplate seems to be sitting proud from the rest of the chain. If so,I wouldn't be happy with that.

Welcome in btw,are you staying a while?

I'm very surprised by what you say about no grooves for the spring link. That couldn't possibly work and if fitted by someone without much knowledge could be very nasty.

The ends of the pins of a rivet type link should be left soft to allow for peening.

I haven't done a chain for years, but don't they usually come with 2 links? one for the split pin, and one for riveting?

Rockburner wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 9:57 am I haven't done a chain for years, but don't they usually come with 2 links? one for the split pin, and one for riveting?

I've done 3 or 4 chains over the last 10 years or so and all off then have only come with a rivet link.

Some kits come with both, not many though.
Usually make sure i have a suitable split link for whatever bike i own at the time.

ogri wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 1:41 pm Some kits come with both, not many though.
Usually make sure i have a suitable split link for whatever bike i own at the time.

Are split links safe ?

Skub wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 9:29 am It's difficult to tell from the pics,but the sideplate seems to be sitting proud from the rest of the chain. If so,I wouldn't be happy with that.

Welcome in btw,are you staying a while?

I mostly lurk and learn, but you can bet I'll be around. Thanks for the help! I'll probably end up getting a new master link and taking it to a pro.

Thanks everyone for all the help and advice! I definitely found this to be a weird situation given the master link I was given, but that weird mismatch between the two halves. I'm going to take it to a professional here in town once I get a new master link and have them do the job to ensure I'm safe to ride. I'd hate to have any anxiety while enjoying a joyride too.

Mr Moofo wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 7:53 pm

ogri wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 1:41 pm Some kits come with both, not many though.
Usually make sure i have a suitable split link for whatever bike i own at the time.

Are split links safe ?

Never had a problem with one if done properly. Same as any link, will get dodgy if chain becomes too worn/loose/rusty.

ogri wrote: Fri Jul 04, 2025 5:51 am

Mr Moofo wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 7:53 pm

ogri wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 1:41 pm Some kits come with both, not many though.
Usually make sure i have a suitable split link for whatever bike i own at the time.

Are split links safe ?

Never had a problem with one if done properly. Same as any link, will get dodgy if chain becomes too worn/loose/rusty.

I have them on the triples. For my own piece of mind I clean the outside link plate and put a smear of adhesive under the split link. It comes off easy enough when you need it to,but it gives a little extra security in use.

Mr Moofo wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 7:53 pm

ogri wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 1:41 pm Some kits come with both, not many though.
Usually make sure i have a suitable split link for whatever bike i own at the time.

Are split links safe ?

Probably safer than some of the bodged on rivet links I've seen.

I've used split links on a variety of bikes over many years with no issues. There's nothing much forcing the sideplates apart, but I might be wary about using one on a litre sportsbike

Split links are perfectly safe if fitted properly and the is no side loading on the chain. Rivet links can be rivetted too tight, and usually are by home mechanics

I hardly find this rivetting..all my bikes have shaft drives........

David wrote: Fri Jul 04, 2025 6:13 pm I hardly find this rivetting..all my bikes have shaft drives........

Yeahbutt,they can't wheelie.

Not worth risking, as a thrown chain can be very expensive and dangerous.

I thought the hard man's approach was to do the soft link with two hammers, while sucking on an auld roll-up.