Southern Son,

I apologize for not putting a question mark on the end of my original question. I will say again for the third time, I am asking a question here. I don't know which brand is a good brand and which one is a bad brand, that is why I am seeking the experience of others with aftermarket chains to see if there is one to stay away from, or one that is known to be high quality. Call my statement an idle statement if you want. I was merely seeking the benefit of the experience(s) of others.

Additionally, it is not the STRENGTH of a clipped master link that is in question. It is the possibility of the clip coming off. If you wish to debate whether or not the clip can come off or not, that would be what you should debate, not the STRENGTH of the closing link. Many people continue to use the term master link interchangably for a clipped master link as well as a peened master link. In the case of a factory chain, every link is the same, they are all peened together. The only difference in a peened master link and a clipped master link is the means of holding the plate in place. When replacing a chain, using the crimping tool properly, you will probably not be able to recognize the closing (master) link.

Have a great day,

Michael,

I am sorry to hear about your machine shop closing down. I hope you can find out how to get your Harley heads back. I have put lots of hours into cylinder heads before in the form of port work and other tedious time spent, it would have been a loss greater than the value of the heads had I run into what you are experiencing.

I thank you again for continuing to supply information and photographs of your failed chain. I very much expect that the pin and roller are in the bottom of the pan. It wouldn't be too much trouble to remove the lower oil pan, or maybe you've already done that.

Best of luck with the project,