Sometimes, little things make big differences.
Take chain replacement. Not rocket science, right? But also not as straightforward as it seems. Make a false move as you push that masterlink clip into place, and it’ll go sailing across your garage floor in search of an impossibly dark crevice. Maybe you’ll find it in time to leave with your buddies, maybe you won’t. Your whole day could be ruined by that tiny sliver of steel. Or, if it waited to make its escape during your ride, having been weakened by tweaking during removal or installation, a lot more than your day could be ruined.
Zip-Ty Racing’s Masterlink Tool is a small item that that makes a big difference. It’s an ingeniously simple device that slips into place around your masterlink. Three narrow posts snuggle in between the local rollers, and two larger posts bracket the masterlink’s outer plate. These larger posts provide stationary surfaces to use for leverage while pushing the clip on or off with the tip of a flathead screwdriver. There’s not much to it, but it makes the job significantly easier, with a lot less chance of slippage that could either damage the clip or send it flying into oblivion.
We like this procedure better than trying to coax the clip on and off with regular or needle-nose pliers, or with an un-anchored screwdriver tip (which can lead to the unholy mixture of blood and chain lube!). Dedicated masterlink pliers work well, but cost more and are heavier and bulkier in a tool pack. As a bonus, the Masterlink Tool will hold your loose chain ends in position while the masterlink is off; masterlink pliers won’t do you that favor. Zip-Ty Racing has a good reputation for making durable, functional, race-proven gear, and this molded plastic piece seems to continue that tradition.
Different size Masterlink Tools can be purchased individually for $14.95 each, or all six sizes (415, 420, 428, 520, 525, 530) can be bought as a set for $39.95.
Zip-Ty Racing
7247 Coyote Trail
Oak Hills, CA 92344
760-244-7028
www.ziptyracing.com
Individual Masterlink Tool, $14.95
Masterlink Tool (complete set-415, 420, 428, 520, 525, 530), $39.95
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