Comments on: How To Use a Quick Release Chain Link

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:58:44 +0000

Jon, it sounds like your chain link is the same as type 1 shown in the above video?

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:46:43 +0000

I need to remove my chain and I have yet a different type of master link, it has a side plates with one long open slot for the two pins to get hooked on. How do you remove this type of plate and re-install. Thanks Jon

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:51:40 +0000

I bought the Park Tool Master Link Pliers tool to help with the loosening of the link. I haven’t used it yet, but it seems like it will be a great aid.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:14:35 +0000

Road bikes may have the second type, it depends what chain is installed. Usually you can check what type of chain you have by inspecting all of the links. Look for any brand, numbers, etc. as well as the quick release link. If you're still unsure, you can always make a post in the forums where you can upload a photo of your chain (closer the better).

By: MacTipper

MacTipper — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:27:03 +0000

Do you use Type 2 links on road bikes? How do you find out what kind of chain you have?

Thanks for these great tutorials!

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 23:51:41 +0000

The first type of link needs to be installed with the closed end facing the direction of travel, ie the open end trailing. If not it is likely to come undone in use.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:36:00 +0000

Thanks David, great to hear!

Yes, the masterlink is included in the link count.

By: David

David — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:36:30 +0000

Hi Alex,

This is a great site you have. It really inspires me to do my own maintenance as you make everything so straightforward.

I wanted to know when sizing the length of a chain that you will be joining with a masterlink, is the masterlink included in the one short and one long link measurement you recommend in your tutorial, or is it additional?

Thanks,
David
Melbourne Australia

By: Anthony Dacko

Anthony Dacko — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:06:43 +0000

Hi,

I will follow on a little with this master link in bike chains, In most cases the chain will be on the bike so the simplest way to remove a master link is to use long nose pliers.

Now put the long nose pliers in the top of the master link so the pliers touch both the rollers of the master link then just push the handles together and this will all so loosen the master link so you can remove the chain for cleaning.

Regards Anthony

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:49:38 +0000

Hi Matt,

I haven’t seen any indications that master links cause any problems with strength, security or performance. That said, someone else may have some reasons why they could be problematic. I think they’re just popular because they make it a lot easier to disconnect the chain.