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How to Remove a Mountain Bike Chain Master Link: A Simple Guide

how to remove a master chain link

I recently replaced a chain on a buddy’s bike and it brought back memories of my first time swearing at my inner enemies figuring out how to take off a master chain link (and putting it back together).

It’s just a funny story now but it was frustrating as hell at the time.  It’s so simple, yet so annoying if you don’t know what you’re doing.  Whatever the reasons for taking off a chain, I’ll show you how to remove a mountain bike chain master link with and without tools following some simple stuff below.

But having a simple removal tool that you can get from Amazon like this one by Park Tool is definitely the way to go if you have a chain utilizing a Master link.  Otherwise you most likely have a rivet link where you’ll need a rivet remover tool seen here, also by Park Tool.  I usually recommend Park Tool because they’re pretty much the best in the business.

There are also some pretty creative ways to go about removing the link, for example, you can use a shoe string or even your bare hands which I’ll go over below.  But really, save yourself the frustration and get a tool, it’ll make life easier and will save you from swearing at your beloved (but innocent!) bike.

If you know which master link type you have you can skip this next section.

Contents

3 Most Common Types of Master Chain Links

If you’re a complete novice that wants to remove a chain, before beginning you’ll need to identify the type of master link you have on your bike.  There are three types that are on pretty much standard across 99% of all bikes.  I’ll go over it quickly below.

1. Shimano – “Rivet” Links

I want to talk about Shimano’s version of a master link first because it’s the probably hardest one to remove and usually confuses the heck out of most novices (I being one of them at the time).

Shimano does NOT actually have a “master link.”  Shimano’s chain allows you to take pretty much take any rivet off the link, which is cool, but it’s also exceptionally difficult without a tool like this: Park Tool Screw Type Chain Tool – CT-3.3 on Amazon.

The “master rivet link” that was installed previously is pretty easy to identify because it looks different than the other pins, see below picture.  Please note that you should avoid taking off a previous master link that looks like this:

shimano link do not remove
Shimano Link PIN – Do Not Remove

The reasoning for that is pretty simple: because it wears down the joint.  So in essence, choose any of the OTHER pins/rivets to remove the chain link.

2. SRAM Master Link – AKA Power Link: Uses two halves

Quite simply SRAM has the most commonly seen master link.  The best tool for this is actually by Shimano as seen here: Quick Link Chain Remover and Reattachment Combo Tool

Unlike the Shimano rivet link, you’ll have to look for this master link somewhere on your chain.  Shimano DOES have their own version of this link called the “quick link.”  It’s a little difficult to find because it blends in with the chain, but what you’ll need to look for a is a little gap near the rivets.  So look for something similar to this:

sram master link identified sram master link identified2

At the tip of the red arrows, you’ll notice the little gap.  That is the SRAM master link or quick link.  The opposite side of the chain will show the same.

When you take them apart, it will come off in two halves that will look similar to this:

sram master link removed
SRAM Master Link Removed

This is EASILY removed using a cheap master link removal tool like this one from Amazon, or the Park Tool – Master Link Pliers, or but I much prefer this Shimano Combo Tool since it feels substantial for both removal AND reattaching a quick link.

Don’t worry, I’ll definitely also show you how to get this off without a tool below.  There’s some creative ways to do it that I’ve learned over the years.

3. Clip-Style “C-Style” Master Links

These you don’t see often, and are probably more common on single speed bikes.

Old master chain link clip style

I have personally never owned a bike that has a clip style master chain link, so I wouldn’t know the best way to remove it.  It doesn’t seem too difficult though.  However, I do have some resources in the next section for those who are trying to find out how to get it off.

OK so pretty simple, those are the 3 master chain links that have 3 very different methods of removal.  Below I’ll go over how to remove each of the 3 types.

How to Remove Shimano Master Chain Rivet

This is not the easiest link to disconnect by far.  Removing the rivet is the tricky part.

To remove the rivet pin, as I mentioned earlier, it’s much easier if you have a chain tool like this: Park Tool Screw Type Chain Tool – CT-3.2 on Amazon. It’s safer, takes only a few seconds, and will save you from massive frustration like kicking over your poor bike.  So we’ll go over this first.

You can actually remove any of the other rivets to look like this:

rivet master link

You’ll use the tool to push out the pin:

chain removal tool
Shimano Chain Removal Tool

This tool uses an attached pin that you drive down similar to a drill press using the handles on the top of the picture.  This will force the pin out of the link and detaches the chain.  It’s exceptionally difficult to do this without a tool while the chain is still on the bike, but a very simple procedure WITH the tool.  So get one from Amazon here, they’re inxpensive and you don’t have to take my word for it – look at the reviews and check the price here:  Screw Type Chain Tool

OK so, for how to remove the rivet pin without a tool

You CAN use a hammer and nail.  Nothing wrong with that, it’s just the poor man’s way of doing it that will probably cost you more time than you think and get you frustrated more than anything… but it kind of sort of works!

Here’s what could happen if you don’t do the hammer and nail method carefully though:

broken shimano rivet chain pin

If this damage happens, you pretty much have to take the adjacent pin out to remove 2 links completely, which in turn shortens your chain – and I’m sure at that point you’ll be screaming and hollering and pondering why you did that and figuring out life’s lessons.  Get the tool!

That’s why I don’t really recommend a hammer and a nail.

Also, a lot of bike multitools now come with a shimano type chain link removal tool like this one from Amazon: Crank Brothers.

Another tip: you should avoid taking off a previous master link rivet because it wears down the joint.   There’s plenty of rivets pins on the chain to choose from. And yes, you can have MORE than one of these master pins on a Shimano chain.

Reinstalling Shimano Rivet Link Tips:

For a shimano chain, you’ll have to buy the pin that goes specifically into the type of “chain speed” you have.  Shimano lists this:

A type = 7 or 8 speed connecting rivet
B type = 9 speed connecting rivet
C type = 10 speed connecting rivet for model CN-7800
D type = 10 speed connecting rivet for model CN-7801

Reinstallation is simple: place chain together with holes lined up, drive the new pin through with a tool (or hammer and nail, don’t do it!).

The good news is, Shimano has recently added a type of “quick link” that makes life easier!  Very similar to SRAM.  Only problem is that it’s only for their 11 speed drivetrains AND Shimano recommends that it NOT be reused.  WHAT.  It’s called the “Shimano SM-CN900-11 Quick Link For 11-Speed Chain.”  Read specifications about it Here.

How to Remove a Mountain Bike Chain: SRAM Master Link

This is the one that’s pretty common on most bikes:

master chain link attached
SRAM Type Master Link  (A.K.A. Power Links)

To remove this link it’s pretty simple. Find the link as I mentioned here in the article above and then use a tool like this one from Amazon: Park Tool Chain Link Pliers to

sram chain removal tool
SRAM Chain Removal Tool

Insert the tool’s prong ends into the adjacent links of the master link, squeeze to “release” the master link from it’s secured position.

To remove the SRAM link without tools:

shoe string through bike chain
Shoe String to Remove SRAM Link

Of course, this method only applies to SRAM type chains like the one in the picture above.

OK so it doesn’t have to be exactly a shoe string but it’s probably the easiest tool you’ll have on you because, well, we all wear shoes!  It’s definitely possible to do this with a weed eater line, or wire, or pretty much anything that fits between the chain links surrounding the master link.

After threading the string through the links on both sides of the master chain link itself, just cross the laces and pull both ends hard.  This will essentially squeeze the master link together which will unlock it for removal.  Sounds simple, but it CAN be a little difficult to get it right sometimes.

You can also try a pair of household pliers after grabbing the chain like this:

Or you can remove a Master Link With Your BARE HANDS.  This guy’s method is genius.  I’ve done it a couple times on my bike succesfully.  When you’re in a pinch you definitely need to remember this technique to remove a master chain link. The only problem is if you have a new chain or a old chain since it can be a little difficult to remove since its “new” and the tolerances are very tight with no wear yet.

See the video below to check out how it can be done with bare hands:

Next up..

How To Remove Clip-Style “C-Style” Master Links

As I mentioned, this is not a very common master link, but every now and then you’ll run into it.

You can use a flat head to PUSH and slide the C clip off first, then pull off the second plate, and pull out the piece with both pins.

This video shows it in a super fast way.  It’s not the greatest video but you’ll get the gist of it.

All you need is a flat head screwdriver!

Symptoms of a Bad Master Link

Like with many things commonly used parts, a master link can get old and worn out even with proper maintenance and lubrication of the chain and pivot points.

The first sign of a bad master link is that it is “loose.”  Shimano recommends not to remove their rivet master links again for this reason.  It’s mostly due to the wearing down of the link.

SRAM’s master link can also do this and cause the chain the become undone, although very unlikely.

Chain stretch can cause the pins on the chain “dig into” the inner and outer plates of the chain thus wearing down the metal.  This can wreck havoc on not only your chainring, rear gear cassette, derailleur jockey wheels, but also you lose pedaling efficiency.

A Word of Caution About Master Links

If you’re working on a SRAM style master chain link, take both halves of the master link OFF the chain itself and set it aside.  That seems pretty obvious but ask me how I know! Because I’ve lost one side or both sides before and it sucked!  My own stupidity can be your lesson learned.

What happened is I took the master chain link off, but I actually left the halves hanging on the chain itself.  Because, for whatever reason, I think it’s “securely” attached to the chain – but obviously it’s not.  Both sides can slide out after you undo the SRAM master link causing them to easily be lost if you’re not careful.

It’s pretty funny, but when you can’t go for a ride after your finish doing repairs or whatever to your bike – it’s over.  After my mishappenings and misplacement of master chain links a few times now, I have to get the word out.

Trust me it’ll save you a lot of headache, because once partially ruined my day of riding (no chain links to be found out in the middle of nowhere, oh but there was an awesome trail! – oh my god that just .. ARGH).  I coasted downhills, and walked the uphills. Not fun.

No one really carries a master chain link around because chains don’t typically go bad.  I was wrong I should’ve carried one.  Now, I take one with me everywhere because it’s lightweight and fits pretty much anywhere.  They don’t cost much so put one in your bike bag.

Final Word of Advice

So it’s pretty obvious my biggest piece of advice is this: get a chain tool.  It’s the fastest, most convenient, and safest way to get the darn thing off.

I also think that if you’re even a little bit serious about getting into cycling, the tool is so inexpensive that you might as well get one that’s part of your bike multi tool anyway.  That way when you need to do an adjustment to your bike on a ride in the field, you can just also just have a chain tool that’s built onto it.

For the longest time I had the crank brothers M19 multitool with the Shimano chain tool built into it.  Then when I got even more serious and bought myself a whole bike mechanic tool set.. it came with a removal tool for both Shimano and SRAM.

Happy fixing, RIDER UP