Master link designs

[damerell]

I've got an S&S tandem. This entails removing or splitting the sync chain every time it comes apart, which is a nuisance - presently, I'm undoing the retaining bolts on the eccentric and loosening it every time.

I'm wondering if anyone's aware of a chain master link design that doesn't require you to pull the two halves towards each other - obviously impossible on a reasonably tight sync chain. I know some 1/8" master links have a little screw thingy, but don't know who makes them or anything helpful, and (while I'd do it) I'd obviously prefer to buy one 3/32" master link than two chainrings and a new chain.

[eck]

Can you get 3/32" chain with this kind of joining link?

It's not a great pic, but it's the kind of long circlip thing that prises off without the need to squeeze the chain together.
We use 1/8" chain on our tandem, but I think the rings are just standard 3/32"

[robbo6]

Wippermann make such a thing for their industrial chains, Wippermann type 110, ISO 082 is 1/2" x 3/32" chain, No. 11 spring clip, according to my oldish catalogue. Google is playing up so I can't help with a supplier, sorry.

[rogerzilla]

Some Izumi track chains have a master link with a screw fitting, but they may only be 1/8" too.

Why not just try a 1/8" chain?  The only downside is that it might be slightly more noisy, but then again, it might not.

[kyuss]

Can you get 3/32" chain with this kind of joining link?

Yep. My KMC z610hx comes with one. Singlespeed/hub gear specific though.

[damerell]

Yep. My KMC z610hx comes with one. Singlespeed/hub gear specific though.

That should be OK - not many derailleurs on a tandem sync chain.

Thanks to all who replied. I'll probably get one of those KMC chains, pinch the master link, but use the chain itself for another bike - the sync chain is longer than a normal chain so otherwise I'd have to get two and throw away a perfectly good sync chain.

[Ian H]

Yep. My KMC z610hx comes with one. Singlespeed/hub gear specific though.

That should be OK - not many derailleurs on a tandem sync chain.

Thanks to all who replied. I'll probably get one of those KMC chains, pinch the master link, but use the chain itself for another bike - the sync chain is longer than a normal chain so otherwise I'd have to get two and throw away a perfectly good sync chain.

I used to buy three, use one and a half., and keep the rest for the next replacement.

[dasmoth]

How tight does the chain really need to be?  If you don't mind the very slightest hint of slack, it's pretty easy to de-rail 3/16 chain by hand when need be.  And so long as the chain line is straight, I can't see why this should cause problems.  This was the solution when we got our S&S-coupled tandem, anyway -- am I asking for trouble?

(Obviously fixed tandems are an exception -- but I assume you're talking about something with a freewheel here?)

[damerell]

How tight does the chain really need to be?  If you don't mind the very slightest hint of slack, it's pretty easy to de-rail 3/16 chain by hand when need be.  And so long as the chain line is straight, I can't see why this should cause problems.  This was the solution when we got our S&S-coupled tandem, anyway -- am I asking for trouble?

James Annan suggested that as well, and since the chainline is perfectly good, I'm thinking maybe it's the right answer.