To remove a master link, manufacturers recommend pressing the two plates inward, while approaching the two links adjacent to the link. When a link is new, or when it is difficult to remove, special pliers can be used (Figure 5). These pliers have curved tips to accommodate the rollers, making removal easy even in the most difficult cases.

Some links have side plates that are curved upward (Figure 4), while others are straight, (Figure 3), and some have more prominent pivots than others. Since a chain in a derailleur system is inverted for part of its travel through the derailleur, and rear sprocket rings have very tight geometric tolerances, some master links could cause failure if not chosen well. Pinless chains, with smaller projections, are used on bicycles with high sprocket numbers, where width is a much more critical factor than on bicycles with only seven speeds. In these cases, a master link of comparable quality to that of the chain is required. As a result of this requirement, some derailleur manufacturers (such as SRAM "SRAM (cycling)") recommend using only their own products, and provide a master link with each new chain. Chains for small sets of sprockets (up to seven speeds) and for other types of bicycles without derailleurs, are more tolerant of the dimensions of the master link.

The link plates are located opposite each other, and are connected to the chain by introducing their pivots through the rollers of the inner plates, from opposite sides. In this way, the pair of plates forms a closed link, with the pivot of each piece of the master link secured in the groove of the other piece. The connection is secured by stretching the chain on both sides of the link, which forces the heads of the pivots into the narrow parts of the slots, where they become confined. The overall safety of a master link depends on the chain in normal use remaining taut, although it may fail under extreme conditions when this condition is not met.

To remove a master link, manufacturers recommend pressing the two plates inward, while approaching the two links adjacent to the link. When a link is new, or when it is difficult to remove, special pliers can be used (Figure 5). These pliers have curved tips to accommodate the rollers, making removal easy even in the most difficult cases.

Some links have side plates that are curved upward (Figure 4), while others are straight, (Figure 3), and some have more prominent pivots than others. Since a chain in a derailleur system is inverted for part of its travel through the derailleur, and rear sprocket rings have very tight geometric tolerances, some master links could cause failure if not chosen well. Pinless chains, with smaller projections, are used on bicycles with high sprocket numbers, where width is a much more critical factor than on bicycles with only seven speeds. In these cases, a master link of comparable quality to that of the chain is required. As a result of this requirement, some derailleur manufacturers (such as SRAM "SRAM (cycling)") recommend using only their own products, and provide a master link with each new chain. Chains for small sets of sprockets (up to seven speeds) and for other types of bicycles without derailleurs, are more tolerant of the dimensions of the master link.