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The most reliable chains in the most demanding applications are endless with no master link.
You almost never see a rivet link let go but master clips with slip on side plates are notoriously failure prone.
A 520 size chain has PLENTY of working capacity to run 2 connector links without any concern that the chain could suffer a tensile capacity related failure. This is especially true for amateur riders who aren't using all of the available engine power which causes high torque loads for the chain. It is true that a slip fit connector link can decrease the working capacity of a chain by 5 to 30% (depending on the materials and fit), but this does not directly correlate to a scenario where the chain is 2x more likely to fail.
Slip fit connector links traditionally fail towards the end of the useful life of the chain as pins and bushings wear. When the OD of the connector link starts to have significant material loss, that's when you see a tensile capacity related failure. That's why most chain manufacturers recommend replacing slip fit master links regularly throughout the life of the chain. I see LOTS of riders that use the original master link during the entire life of the chain and this is what gets alot of people in trouble and you see failures related to the connector link.
Is it the best practice to run multiple connector links in a chain? No....but I wouldn't throw away a brand new high dollar chain over it. If you buy extra connector links and replace them frequently, as the pins start to show some wear, you could absolutely run that chain for most of its useful life.
The Shop
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You can re-rivet part of the pin that was not originally deformed.
Have NEVER experienced a chain failure.
Pit Row
Post a reply to: I cut my new chain to short and pressed one of the links back in to make it Long enough is it safe to run?