Chain half-link opinions and lubrication questions

[dbkid13]

Yesterday I was out riding and noticed that my chain was a little loose. My adjusters were maxed out and my chain was still a little loose so I decided that I would take out a link (actually two one outer and one inner which is the least you can take out). Anyways I grinded the pin end off the next link down (to cheap to buy the right tool) and turned my tensioners all the way out and it was just a wee short of going on. So now I cant ride. My question is has anyone used one of those half links (one side is bigger then the other so that you can replace two links (one inner one outer) with one link that goes from the outside to the inside. The reason I ask is because I would think that pulling on a chain link that wasnt straight would not be as good as pulling on a straight link, if the half link wont work what should I do, since I dont want to run two master links because then it will be too long again.

My second question is after you wash your bikes do you spary anything on it to avoid rust. I mean some of your bikes are late 80's early 90's and they look great. Mine is a 99 and I wash it everytime I go on a major ride and scrub everything down well but it still is starting to rust on the seams and stuff. Wonder if there was some lubricant I could spray on there to avoid this and keep in looking good.

Thanks for your help. --------------Sam

[superchicken]

i never heard of a half link,unless we both know them by different names.ive always used a matching master link,to extend them out a bit if i goofed on cutting a chain.btw,a chain breaker is one of my best and most popular tool in my box,and it wasnt too expensive.i think it cost me10 bucks or less from rocky mountain.

WD-40 is pretty good to spray down the shee with.keeps any bare metal coated for rust.i spray everything including the pastics.and the mud or dirt has a hard time sticking to it.so it cleans up pretty easy when i squirt her down

[simonsays]

I usually spray my entire bike with WD-40,, or white grease.... this stops the rust, but it makes u r bike real dirty when u drive it in the sand places,, alot of shit sticks to it..... but after u wash it its fine.....

 

and it will prevent rust.... and its really good for the chain making it run very smoothly.

[pyropaul]

Do not use WD-40 on your chain. WD is a degreaser and will cause long term probs. Dont be cheap, buy some chain lube and call it a day.