Removing and re-installing the same master link on your bicycle chain eventually takes its toll and your link loses that satisfying snap when connecting your chain. That master link is done. Don’t chance it. Get yourself a fresh one.
Now that you’ve clicked in a new master link what do you do with the old one?
You could toss it in the spare parts bin or send it to recycling, but what if that old master link could become something unexpectedly entertaining?
After some experimentation on a rainy afternoon, I discovered that master links make surprisingly good dice.
When Your Master Link Needs Replacement
Let’s start with when a master link reaches retirement. You’ll notice when the link doesn’t engage with that reassuring click it once had. The connection feels loose or requires more force than usual to secure properly.
This isn’t something to work around. A worn out master link represents a single point of failure in your entire drivetrain. When you’re putting power through the pedals, especially during hard efforts or steep climbs, that connection needs to be reliable. Replace it without hesitation.
Three Options for Your Old Master Link
Once you’ve installed a fresh master link, you have three choices for the old one.
Option 1: Emergency Spare Keep it in your repair kit as a last resort. While this worn connector might save you from a long walk home if disaster strikes mid-ride, this is a temporary solution only. It requires gentle treatment and immediate replacement once you’re back in your workshop.
Option 2: Proper Disposal If you have access to metal recycling, that’s the responsible choice. Master links are typically made from hardened steel that recycling facilities can process effectively. If recycling isn’t convenient, regular waste disposal works.
Option 3: Transform It into Something New This is where things get interesting.
Master Link Dice: How It Works
Through careful observation during that rainy afternoon, I discovered that master links settle into three distinct positions when rolled like dice.
The physics make sense when you think about it. A master link consists of two plates connected by pins, creating an asymmetrical object with different weight distributions. When rolled, it naturally comes to rest in one of three stable positions:
- On its back with pins pointing upward
- On its side, balanced against one pin
- Standing upright on its pins (the rarest position)
Since you typically have two links from each master link replacement, rolling both simultaneously produces multiple combinations with different probability outcomes.
Game Rules and Scoring
After conducting exactly 100 rolls to establish probability baselines (yes, it was that kind of rainy day), I developed a scoring system that reflects the difficulty of achieving each combination.
“Smooth Rolling” = +1 Point One link on its side, one on its back. This is the most common outcome and provides steady game progression.
“Clipped In” = +2 Points Both links in identical positions, whether both on their backs or both on their sides. Requires slightly more luck.
“Wheelie” = +4 Points One link standing on its pins while the other assumes any position. The standing position occurs roughly 10% of the time.
“Black Diamond” = +10 Points Both links standing on their pins simultaneously. This is genuinely difficult to achieve and deserves significant points.
“Over the Bars” = -10 Points Links touching each other after rolling. This penalty adds risk and prevents players from rolling too gently.
Create Your Own Variations
The basic scoring provides a foundation for numerous variations. Now create your own with new names, variations, and opportunities to have fun. If it’s going to rain all day or you’re playing on a weekend night, you can easily turn this into a drinking game. Just stay off your bike after a few rounds.
This game is also a great way to decide who’s going to do the drudge work in your workshop. Maybe the lowest scorer has to redo the tire sealant for everyone’s bikes, or the winner gets first choice of routes for the next group ride. Make the stakes meaningful to your cycling community.
Keep a simple scorecard to track games over time. You might discover patterns in your rolling technique or develop preferences for certain positions. Different master link brands sometimes produce slightly different rolling characteristics, adding another variable to consider.
Stock Up on Master Links
While worn master links make excellent game pieces, you’ll need fresh ones for actual drivetrain maintenance. At Vital Bike Chains, we stoc master links for all major drivetrain systems. We also stock master link pliers.