Bicycle Chain Master Link Tips
00:07 Chain Orientation (directional vs nondirectional)
01:14 Master Link Orientation Directional
01:51 Master Link Orientation NonDirectional
02:15 Lubrication of Master Link Pins
02:24 How to Install Master Link
04:09 Connex Master Link Reference
04:23 One time use Master Links
04:35 Reusable KMC Master Links
05:34 How many times is "reusable"
06:26 Removing a "reusable" Master Link

We look at some tips for using a master link (also called a quick link) when installing or replacing bicycle chain. The same procedure is used for a road bike, mountain bike, touring or single speed.
1. First note the when you install or replace a bike chain, some directional, i.e., they will have writing only on one side which should face toward you. This may be due to the fact that the chain is asymmetric allowing it to slide more easily on the ramps of the cassette cogs. Check the instructional insert that comes with the chain. Other chains are identical on the front and back and are therefore not directional and can be installed with either side facing you.
2. The master link may also be directional. It may have writing only on one side which should face toward you or it may have an arrow such as seen on this 11 speed SRAM master link. The link should be placed on the chain such that the arrow of the plate FACING YOU points in the direction of chain movement.
3. A KMC master link has no arrow and the 2 parts of the link are identical such that either side can face you and you need not be concerned about direction.
4. After installing the correct length of chain and chain hook (see our video on chain installation and chain replacement), apply a drop of light lubricant to the pins of the master link and install on the chain keeping in mind what we mentioned above about direction.
5. Carefully remove the chain hook, turn the pedal slowly as you shift to the large chain ring. Grab the brakes and push down on the pedal to get the master link pins to move from the inner portion of the link toward the outer part of the link. You'll hear it snap in place. Check that both side of the master link pins are engaged properly at the outer part of the link.
6. Reference for using a Connex Master Link. Note: For Connex master links see our video. These can be easily installed and removed by hand and are made for a number of different chains and speeds. On certain chain they can be a little noisy but work excellently.
7. Most master links that come with your chain are for one time use only. That is that they should not be removed and replaced during the life of the chain.
8. If your chain does not come with a master link (some Shimano chains come with a special rivet) or you wish to remove the chain at intervals for cleaning, KMC makes reusable master links for all speed chains (Shimano, SRAM, KMC and even Campagnolo). Be sure to buy the correct master link (chain compatibly) that is compatible with the speed and make of the chain you're installing. When we say removable, we mean it can be removed and replaced during the lift of the chain but should be discarded when the chain is worn.
9. KMC does not state the number of times the masterlink can be reused during the life of the chain. We at tony10speed prefer to clean the chain while it's on the bike. However, should you decide to remove the chain for cleaning by removing the master link, we suggest you keep it to a minimum (3 times is our preference during the life of the chain). Be sure to replace the masterlink chain link when the chain is worn and time for chain replacement.
10. Some master links (for SRAM 9 speed chain and some KMC 9 and 10 speed chain) can be installed and removed without special tools. However, most 11 speed link that fit 11 speed chain and 12 speed link, fit very tightly and can not be removed even with the trick of using an old cable or shoe lace wrapped around the link as shown in some videos. Here you'll need an additional tool for missing link removal. I prefer the Park Master Link Tool MLP1.2 (missing link removal tool). We show you how to use this missing link removal tool,. It also can be used for master link installation.