Can't Open My Chain's MasterLink

Got a new o-ring chain from Jeff@Z1, and I was going to install it last weekend. Big mistake.... way too hot to work on the bike.
Anyway, my old chain has a masterlink that uses a retaining clip... not riveted.
So I remove the clip, but I can't get the little plate under the clip to come off. It's totally frozen to the masterlink. Shouldn't the link just come apart once you remove the retaining clip?
I don't want to cut the old chain... it's stretched some, but still can be used for a spare.
Help!

Post edited by: ltdrider, at: 2006/07/24 14:55

When I put my new chain on, I had to use a small chain press (I think some use vice grips) to get it on. I don't ever think it will come off unless I cut it off.

if you have enough slack in chain soak it with wd40 or something like that ,take a punch or beater screwdriver and a hammer and have at it!:evil:

The masterlink is a tight press fit, so it won't just fall off once the clip is removed. You need to get a little rough with it. Usually visegrips can get a good enough bite on the pins to press them in to get the plate off.

you need to tap something like a pen knife blade
behind the plate to get it out enough to get a screwdriver behind it
be careful,sorry about your knife

try this,,,lightly file around the pins and the plate should pop off easier

when I replace the chain, I will take a grinder and cut one of the links on the bottom of the chain in half, a whole lot faster than fighting with the master link,