I feel pretty stupid asking this, but I'm having a problem. I've installed a new RK 520xso gold chain and tried using a small c-clamp to press the clip type master link together enough to slip the clip on...no luck. Are they that tight a fit? It's pressed enough that the outer plate isn't loose any more, but only a bit of the pins are sticking out. Easy super tricky solution or time to wheel it around the corner to the shop? Thanks as always.

Try using a suitable nut to go over the pins. Work back and forth between each of the 2 pins to press each side of the plate evenly with the clamp. Don't press too much or the link will be too stiff. Press just enough to slide the clip on.

Quote from: S2daRk on September 20, 2008, 04:46:52 PM
Don't press too much or the link will be too stiff. Press just enough to slide the clip on.

In my experience "just enough" is "a tight fit". I use two small vicegrips and always have to squeeze _hard_ to get everything to go on...

big (I really ought to buy myself a proper chain tool...)

the "nut" trick did it, checked to see that the link wasn't binding and backed the outerplate against the clip. Test ride went great and thanks again guys

IMHO, it's well worth it to invest in a real chain rivet tool.  I have had master link clips hold and I have had them fail. Thank God, the failure happened as I let the clutch out at a stop light rather than going down the road.  It just piled up like a big turd behind the bike and I couldn't figure out why the bike wouldn't go.

Get a "cheap" case saver too.

LA

Quote from: LA on September 22, 2008, 12:14:34 PM
Get a "cheap" case saver too.

LA

is that speaking from FHE?

I haven't broken a chain but i can definitely say a +1 on the case saver. I forget if it was $10 or $20 from DesmoTimes or CA-cycleworks. If you do have some kind of chain failure, be it too much slack (like me) or a clip/ master link failure it's comforting to have that bit of steel between the chain and your aluminum crank case cover.

I think I'll be fine with it. The last time it was replaced, a Ducati dealer put a clip type master link on it.  I've been riding for 36 years and I've never had a clip type master link fail...that case saver is a nice bit of insurance tho

It is always good to get a chain tool to help you! We (Ca-Cycleworks.com) have a great RK chain tool for $95...it is what I use on my chain! Also the case saver is $22 from us!

Hope all is well!

-Candice

Quote from: CannedIce on September 23, 2008, 12:24:08 PM
It is always good to get a chain tool to help you! We (Ca-Cycleworks.com) have a great RK chain tool for $95...it is what I use on my chain! Also the case saver is $22 from us!

Hope all is well!

-Candice

+1 on the RK chain tool from cacycleworks     ordered a new front and rear (stealth) sprocket and DID chain for my last monster, and a friend had one of these tools he got from Chris, and it works great...well-made stuff.  and if you're an idiot and don't put the cutting pin on the center of the pin on the chain, and break the cutting pin, Chris also sells replacement EK parts!  good stuff, and good people there.

Quote from: CannedIce on September 23, 2008, 12:24:08 PM
It is always good to get a chain tool to help you! We (Ca-Cycleworks.com) have a great RK chain tool for $95...it is what I use on my chain! Also the case saver is $22 from us!

Hope all is well!

-Candice

Thanks for the headsup...you guys shipped a sprocket for me today in fact!

If you guys don't want to spend $100 on a chain tool, you can drill a hole in the head of a vice grip and get the same effect.  Just put the pin from the master link in the hole and pinch each side until you compress it enough to slide the clip on.

Oh, and make sure the open end of the clip is facing opposite of the chain rotation!