Help!!!!!!

[Charlie Brown]

my fucking chain snapped today, i need to fix it tomorrow, how the fuck do i do this? and am i going to have to buy a chain breaker thing to remove links or what?


FUCK! HELP!!! GODDAMNIT!!!!!

[Maxmoto]

Originally Posted by AnnieG

If I can do it, you can do it.

You wanna bet........

[Bird]

Use a snap-link. Most chains give you the option of press links (chainbreaker/press) or snap-links.

[Charlie Brown]

im guessing the difference is that one snaps on and one doesnt. will they both be in the same box or what?


charlie

[cyclecat]

If your chain is snapped you wn't really need a chain breaker.

With the new chain, just take the old one to the shop where you get the new one (so they can verify the number of links you need) and ask them to cut the new one to length.

Then use a masterlink/snap link to rejoin the ends. Some people hate masterlinks and don't trust them, but if you take your time and assure it's properly installed, they will be fine.

A couple pointers:
1-You can't do this without getting really greasy, so just resign yourself to the fact, get your hands, shirt & jeans good & greasy so you can quit worrying about it and do the job right.
2-install the master link clip so the CLOSED END IS FORWARD when the chain loop is turning in the direction of forward motion. (Since you will be installing this on the lower run of chain as it goes back to the wheel, the open end will be toward the drive sprocket, but when you spin the wheel and it moves to the top run, the closed end will be forward.
3- Wipe some of the grease from the ends of two pins and grooves the clip snaps on so you can see what you are doing to be sure it is fully in place.
4- Lube the dang thing once in a while.

[Bird]

Originally Posted by Charlie Brown

im guessing the difference is that one snaps on and one doesnt. will they both be in the same box or what?


charlie

The snap link requires pliers and sometimes falls off if not installed properly with care (fortunately a fucking monkey can do it). This can lead to pain. The other requires an expensive tool.

You will not get both in the same box. In fact some dealers / suppliers will supply one or the other sepereately. In other words you'll need to ask when you buy your chain.

Based upon what I know about your riding, you should be fine with snap-links. When you get the chain, PM me - I'd be happy to walk you through it step by step.

[Max Power]

Chain.

[Bird]

The Chain Gang @ www.f650.com, http://faq.f650.com have some great walkthroughs - yeah, different bike but the same idea.

[cyclecat]

A masterlink/clip looks like this:


You install the part with the pins from the "back" of the chain and then the "outer" side plate, and lock it together with the clip.

The other kind of chain is either already a continuous loop with all the pins riveted (a real pain to install, but the most secure way to do it), or it has a masterlink that can have the pins mashed or flanged with an appropriate tool once everything is assembled.

[Bird]

Originally Posted by cyclecat

A masterlink/clip looks like this:


You install the part with the pins from the "back" of the chain and then the "outer" side plate, and lock it together with the clip.

The other kind of chain is either already a continuous loop with all the pins riveted (a real pain to install, but the most secure way to do it), or it has a masterlink that can have the pins mashed or flanged with an appropriate tool once everything is assembled.

Nice pic! I was looking for something like that.

[thwack]

The clip-on type (see photo above) can be installed without an expensive custom tool.

Use a 2 1/2" - 3" C-clamp over each post and apply pressure evenly to seat the top of the master link.

Pay attention to this next part...the back side of the link is rounded (from where they peened over the post) and you don't want to press against the posts!

So, put a small nut between the C-clamp and the link (on both the front and the back...so you'll need 4-nuts total). The hole in the nut gets you around the peened over posts and the C-clamps let you really dial in the pressure to compress that top plate.

Good luck. It's easier than it sounds (even I've managed to replace a chain using a master link so it can't be all that hard).

Thwack

[FatChance]

Motion Pro makes a slick little tool for breaking the chain and pressing on the master link plate. Most now are a press fit and "the right tool for the right job" applies here as well. It is under $30 at most motorcycle shops and really makes the job easy. You can do the job without one of these, but this is the right way. I bought one because I change gearing on my DR650 and need to change chain lengths and it helps. It also does the chainbreaker chores as well. Here is what the press looks like:

[thwack]

Originally Posted by FatChance

Motion Pro makes a slick little tool for breaking the chain and pressing on the master link plate. Most now are a press fit and "the right tool for the right job" applies here as well. It is under $30 at most motorcycle shops and really makes the job easy. You can do the job without one of these, but this is the right way. I bought one because I change gearing on my DR650 and need to change chain lengths and it helps. It also does the chainbreaker chores as well. Here is what the press looks like:

Looks like a fluffed up C-clamp with a handle and a steeper price tag. Plus, it's only pressing one end at a time. For $30 you can get two C-clamps and press both ends evenly (tighten one end a bit, then the other, repeat as needed)...at $7 each for a 3" clamp at Home Despot, he'd have enough $$ left over to buy a cheap 6-pack to savor while screwing up the chain.

He doesn't need a chain-breaker...he is one.

A dedicated tool is nice but CB's a cheapskate and probably already has (or can borrow) a couple of small c-clamps.

CB - once you have the new chain on, remember to check its tension periodically. It'll stretch and you'll need to adjust it to take up the slack (but don't over tighten it).

[Guzz]

Damn it, save yourself some headaches trying to decide which way to go, master link, chain breaker, etc... Just go buy a fucking NEW chain.

[ilmostro]

I am one of those people that doesn't like clip style links. I have seen them fall off and the aftermath can be very expensive.

I use the DID chain cutter/riveter combo and although it's not cheap ($160) the peace of mind it buys is a whole lot less than a new set of cases.

It's the slickest tool for doing this job I have ever found. If you can't afford it CB, I would reccomend finding some one that can do it for you. If you do have to use a clip style, saftey wire the clip in place and/or put a dab of silicone on the clip and check it frequently.

Remeber, have the rounded end facing the direction of travel.

PM me of you need any help.