Can u trust clip links over rivet?

[ItIsWhatItIs]

Chains wear out. Most chain manufacturers also sell clip links. Is there any seasoned riders here with a sport or cruiser (no dirtbikes) who's racked up the k's on a clip link? Tires and Chains are the wear points. Using a clip link eliminates the need for an over priced tool or paying a shop.

[toastman]

Use a rivet link and be safe. Often only the lower spec chains have clip links available.

Chains wear out. Most chain manufacturers also sell clip links. Is there any seasoned riders here with a sport or cruiser (no dirtbikes) who's racked up the k's on a clip link? Tires and Chains are the wear points. Using a clip link eliminates the need for an over priced tool or paying a shop.

[bitzz]

I have been riding since the sixties and racing since the seventies and have never used a rivet link, and never had a problem.
It is easy to trust the link, the problem comes from the installation.

[ItIsWhatItIs]

I have been riding since the sixties and racing since the seventies and have never used a rivet link, and never had a problem.
It is easy to trust the link, the problem comes from the installation.

Do you use silicon, safety wire, or something else?

[omnivore]

If using clip link, why not use safety wire AND a clip link? The extra 5 minutes of trouble is worth the peace of mind isn't it?

[ItIsWhatItIs]

If using clip link, why not use safety wire AND a clip link? The extra 5 minutes of trouble is worth the peace of mind isn't it?

what is safety wire?

I did a search on silicone and found this:

http://www.permatex.com/products/Aut..._Sealant_b.htm




Can be bought anywhere.

[RetroGrouch]

How do you safety wire a master link? I've never heard of this.

[toysareforboys]

Rivet links can fail quickly/nasty if it's not done correctly (over squish the side plate, forgot the o-rings, etc.). I'd say there's more a chance of screwing up a rivet link vs. clip link.

Also would like the info on safety wiring.

My GF's rivet link I did for her





-Jamie M.

[2live&ride]

My bike came with a new RK chain that had a clip link and is safety wired.
I put 10,000+ KM's on it and had no problem, only adjusted it once.

[omnivore]

This pic was posted by a member on here about a yr ago:

[2live&ride]

I tried to take a picture just now, but my blackberry has the worst camera ever...
I'll have to wait 'till day time.
Mine looks like the picture posted above, except I think the silicone wore off from when I clean/lube it.

[kneedragger88]

Clips are fine if installed right. The rivit is better.
Many racers use clips (sometime multiple) in order to allow for gear changes quicker and easier at the track. For instance I would do a 6-8 tooth change between Mosport and Shanny (depending on bike) by adding in a 4-6 link piece and use two masters. To expensive and cumbersome to carry around multiple chains.

[JohnnyP636]

Ive installed some chains for people that stated on the back of the box, clip is for off road use only, street bikes should use rivet.

Me personally I will always buy a rivet link if it is available for the chain Im using...I have seen way too many bikes out there with missing clips on their clip link, the scary part is these people never even know its missing when I notify them....

[DoubleJ]

Probably typical posers, just ride to look good but don't have a clue about proper maintenance and everyday bike inspection. Let them pile up when the chain lets go.

[jay-d]

Let them pile up when the chain lets go.

Ouch.. that's pretty harsh.

[ItIsWhatItIs]

Rivet links can fail quickly/nasty if it's not done correctly (over squish the side plate, forgot the o-rings, etc.). I'd say there's more a chance of screwing up a rivet link vs. clip link.

Also would like the info on safety wiring.

My GF's rivet link I did for her





-Jamie M.

That is a nice rivet job but why silicone the rivet? The idea of silicone and safety wire (whatever that is) is to hold the clip in place.

[2live&ride]

That is a nice rivet job but why silicone the rivet? The idea of silicone and safety wire (whatever that is) is to hold the clip in place.

I don't think that's silicone, I believe that's the lube that comes on the chain when it's brand new. (I could be wrong)

[toysareforboys]

I don't think that's silicone, I believe that's the lube that comes on the chain when it's brand new. (I could be wrong)

Correct, that's the white grease that comes with the master link, liberally applied I've never siliconed or safety wired a rivet link, only heard about peeps doing that with clip links.

-Jamie M.

[Wingboy]

A rivet is the safest way to go if you are not positive you know what you are doing with safety wire and goop.I've used both with never any problems at all.I use .025" wire on the link with Cdn tire "automotive goop" instead of silicone.

[Michael C]

I tried a link when a rivet was not avaiable, as a stop gap measure near then end of a very long road trip. Later that day while passing a pickup at 145 kph the chain came apart at the clip. One end wrapped itself around the rear wheel and sprocket and locked it up solid so it no longer turned. The other end of the chain punched a twonie sized hole in the crankcase. Rivets are better