Master Link Circlip Orientation?

[Mark from Maine]

Does it matter what direction the open end of a master link circlip faces in relation to the direction the chain rotates? I just installed a new chain on my 64 inch PTO driven snowblower and it worked fine to clear the driveway but when I finished the driveway I began removing the clumped up snow that had completely packed itself around the auger and chain. I shut the tractor down and used a snow brush to loosen and knock it out. When I got to doing around the chain area I loosened the snow and then got onto the tractor and started it and engaged the blower to remove the snow clumps. About the second or third time I did this the chain came undone and wrapped itself around the drive sprocket. After some disassembly and removing the chain I saw that the master link was missing.

I was careful and made sure the circlip was properly seated when I installed the chain but I did not give thought to chain rotation direction. There was some gravel mixed in with the snow pack at the leading edge of the snowblower and some of this mixture settles around the drive sprocket area. I wonder if the circlip could have fetched up on some of the gravel and become dislodged? Or if I could have possibly dislodged it with the hard plastic end of the snow brush? So back to the original question: Does it matter what direction the open end of a master link circlip faces in relation to the direction the chain rotates?

 

[mrmikey]

It'll work the same regardless of which way it's oriented. Saying that, to lessen the chance of it being knocked off, it should be oriented so the closed end of the the link is toward the direction of rotation. Reason being is that if anything, say a rock for example, should get caught and jamb up against the link, it can't be forced off..................Mike

 

[Tinhack]

It probably doesn't matter unless some outside force is applied--Like brush or weeds. I always put the closed end of the link toward the direction of rotation just because.

 

[ericm979]

Also the side of the clip with sharper edges should face outwards.

If you lose it again, then you need to do all of the above and safety wire the clip.

 

[Mark from Maine]

How would you safety wire the clip?

 

[ericm979]

 

[Snaker]

Yeah, normal standard is closed end leads the way (like a tadpole)
But if the chain is getting whacked by tools, shovels,etc then there is no guaranty.
Your situation may do better with a riveted link, one that looks like all the others.
You can get a chain breaker/riveter tool for pretty cheap

 

[mcfarmall]

You might also find a connecting link with the tiny cotter pins to hold the side plate on. Sometimes those are more available in the larger chain sizes like #60 and up.

 

[RickB]

Open end follows.