CHAIN BOLTS AND REPAIRS.
Of course, the ends of the chain have to be joined, and sometimes they need to be separated for removal. The customary way has been to use a screw-bolt, threaded into the link-plate on one side, and fastened with a small lock-nut. As this small nut was liable to loosen and be lost, and as there was also a possibility of the screw itself working out (in which case it might strike something as the chain moved or might drop out on the road) some securer fastening became desirable. The [“Diamond” B] chain now dispenses with the nut (as shown in the cut of that make of chains) using in place of it a swinging “latch” of thin steel; the head of the screw fits nearly flush into the side-link, and the latch has a place raised up in one end to fit the screw head, so that when this latch is turned down it snaps into place, preventing the screw from backing out and being itself held fast by its own elasticity. The Humber carries on its chain a similar latch, but slightly different in shape at the end, which has a hexagonal hole that fits the head of the screw. The [Crescent] meets the case by dispensing with the screw-bolt. As shown in the cut, the side links are slotted, and in the centre of the slot is an enlarged place through which a special pin with grooved ends can be slipped in or out by slacking the chain for the purpose.
| CRESCENT CHAIN AND BOLT. | LEFEVER CHAIN. |
These several devices go to further lessen the troubles with chains which are so great now, in the argument of some people, but have been so slight in practice notwithstanding.
| CIRCULAR CHAIN. | REMINGTON CHAIN. |
In the very rare event of a chain’s breaking on the road, the [Missing Link] will be handy; it costs but a few cents, and can be carried in a vest pocket. The cut explains its use. A break is most liable to be in the block, but if a link goes the rider need not tear his hair; there are devices to meet that case, and to get another piece in is not very severe, even without their aid. Chains are “stretching, breaking,” etc., in their habits, we are told. Yet each rider may consider the chance of the trick’s being played on him nearly the same as of lightning’s striking him, and if he will only take a little care of his chain, he can count himself insured.
THE MISSING LINK.