How do you join up a chain

[Coyote]

I've just got a D.I.D. MX chain for my RG. My Dad and I are having some problems trying to get the masterlink (I think it's called) on. It's meant to slide in and then put a clip over it. What can I do? I tried using mums hair drier in hopes it would expand but that didn't work

[MSTRS:Me]

This is not a clip-type is it?

[k14]

Its called the chain link.

Best way i found to get it in is to use a g clamp with a small socket (say 6mm) pushing on the side of the chain the notches that the clip goes into is on. Just gently clamp it up on each pin and it should make it a bit easier. Make sure you dont damage the clip putting it on or it will break and could get you in alot of trouble.

[Bonez]

I use apair of vicegrip pliers. Use the two outer links off the old chain or a couple of old joining link plates either side to prevent damage to the new chain joining link. A small "G" clamp will work too.

[Coyote]

My Dad managed to put it on with vicegrips. No point however as the chain is too loose. After ages trying to take the old chain off, then get the new one on and getting the axel back in, it was all no good. Pretty damn pissed right now

[k14]

My Dad managed to put it on with vicegrips. No point however as the chain is too loose. After ages trying to take the old chain off, then get the new one on and getting the axel back in, it was all no good. Pretty damn pissed right now

You do know that you can cut out a link or 2 to make it shorter. You should have the adjusters on min (so the axle/wheel is closest to the front of the bike) and then measure up the chain and cut off the links appropriately. Way I do it is with an angle grinder but there is a special tool that will do it for you.

[Coyote]

You do know that you can cut out a link or 2 to make it shorter. You should have the adjusters on min (so the axle/wheel is closest to the front of the bike) and then measure up the chain and cut off the links appropriately. Way I do it is with an angle grinder but there is a special tool that will do it for you.

Is that how you do it?!

Been put off trying that after spending ages trying to get that stupid link together. Going to be damned hard trying to take it off so we can cut a link or 2 off and then putting it back together again. I'll give it a shot tomorrow, I'm too pissed with the bike right now and can't be arsed

[Coyote]

Ok, want to get this sorted. I couldn't leave it till tomorrow. How do I split the link apart? Trying to wedge a flat head screw driver, then a butter knife in between the outside and 2 inside links but the link doesn't want to budge

[Bonez]

Is that how you do it?!

Been put off trying that after spending ages trying to get that stupid link together. Going to be damned hard trying to take it off so we can cut a link or 2 off and then putting it back together again. I'll give it a shot tomorrow, I'm too pissed with the bike right now and can't be arsed

You can use a bench grinder to grind the pins too. Just be carefull were you place the link pins ends you are grinding off and your fingers. Then lever the plate off using a screwdriver or small drift and gently tapping with a hammer between to outer plate and inside link. Try not to damage yourself or your dad. Believe me it hurts when you get stabbed by a screw driver.

[Coyote]

Tried the hammer thing, but the chain just absorbs the impact. Looks like I'll need to take the wheel off and the chain so I can beat it on level ground, only putting the wheel back on before was a real bastard

[Bonez]

Tried the hammer thing, but the chain just absorbs the impact. Looks like I'll need to take the wheel off and the chain so I can beat it on level ground, only putting the wheel back on before was a real bastard

Can't you just undo the master/joining link to remove the chain? With wheel all the way fwd as far as it can go................... Use the top of rear sprocket as fitting point once you've shortened the chain. With something though the spokes top and bottem, broom handle or such like, to stop the wheel rotating if on some sort of paddock stand. Rope looped around the seat and rim works too. Ignore last about stopping wheel rotating if the bike is just on it's side stand.

Edit- Should have mentioned fit the old chain to the new chain. Bike gearbox in nuetal, carefully feed the old chain around the countershaft/front sprocket. Once you've sorted out the new chain, hook it up to the old chain feed it around the countershaft sprocket.

[Coyote]

I managed to get the master/joining link off by doing the hammer thing against the swingarm. Got it off easy. Before I had been doing it when the chain was slack and it just absorbed the impact from the hammer and didn't do anything.

I then grinded a link off and it's starting to look a lot better. Just need Dad's help to move the swingarm as far forward as it can go and too see if I need to grind another link off

All is looking good. Cheers for the help everyone

[kiwisfly]

Ah the memories of starting out on the long ride of motorcycle maintainence! Armed with just a 10" crescent & hammer & wondering why when having replaced the spark plug it just keeps going round & round in the hole...DAD I FINK I DONE IT WRONG AGAIN...smack..ya butcher...!!!!

[DingDong]

I thought this thread was a "piss take" but hey... it takes all kinds dun it?

The joining link clip is not designed to be forced through the pin, its flexable and can be rolled over the pin sideways (the simplest things are hard to explain)

Be aware, if you remove a link you'll be losing an outter and an inner link (about 30mm i think) and thats alot, try moving the wheel back before you cut the chain.
Remove the chain put it in a vice or similar thingy, grind the top of the pin off and punch through with a hammer... dont lever or force anything chains are alot more complex and precise than most give them credit for.

If Ive got it completly wrong and you have a pressed joining link, use a G clamp to hold, 1st a block of wood and then a metal plate to the swing-arm (dont clamp the chain) hold the chain up to the metal plate, using a coal chisel or something similar to burr the edges of each pin, I would advise getting this done by an experienced bike man but thats your choice

[Coyote]

You do mean the axle eh? Not the swingarm.

Oh dear. I was tired

It's all done. Looks alright. Gave the bike a chemical wash this morning and once the tyres dry I'll take it for a test ride within walking distance of home then make sure all the bolts are still tight.

I can understand why you thought this might've been a pistake, but it didn't seem to be going as easy as I thought it would and I jumped to asking questions. More than likely I would've figured it out for myself