Tandem Cycling - Chain Question

In preparation for a trip next month I am cleaning ,waxing, and lubing our Co-Motion Speedster. I took the chains off to give them a real good cleaning and in doing so I accidentally push out,all the way, a pin on the drive chain. I know I can get a pin with a leader to re-install but I was wondering if it would be a good idea to install a master link?
Are they compatible with all brand chains? I am not sure what brand I have. The chain only has 700 miles on it.
Thanks!

We use wipperman links with all brands of 10 speed chains and have been happy with them. It is important to install it so that the hole cut out makes a heart shape when located on the top portion of the chain as viewed from the drive side.

You can't reuse the pin anyways. Yes you can use a speed link.

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to install a master link?

Master links must have utility that make them worthwhile, as they commonly turn up on the chains of pro bikes featured in CyclingNews (http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/photos/2009/tech/probikes/index.php?id=/photos/2009/tech/probikes/taylor_phinney_trek-livestrong_madone09/Phinney_Madone_SPR). The chains of pro cyclists transmit wattage exceeding that of BF tandem teams, and chain reliability and efficiency is likewise important to both pro cyclists and tandemists.

http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/photos/2009/tech/probikes/taylor_phinney_trek-livestrong_madone09/Phinney_Madone_SPR.jpg
Phinney's outer chainring is more conservatively machined than usual for additional rigidity.
Photo ©: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com

Helpful pro tip (http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/photos/pro-bike-ned-overends-specialized-rockhopper-sl-singlespeed/147051)?

http://cdn0.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net/2010/10/27/1/1279647664864_1w9a0kcn13eb4_950_75_600.jpg
A spare master link for the SRAM PC-1 chain is taped to the front brake line.
Photo: © Matt Pacocha, Bikeradar.com

Are they compatible with all brand chains? I am not sure what brand I have. The chain only has 700 miles on it.

They are not brand specific, per se... but you need to know the width of your chain before deciding which one to use. Obviously, 10 speed, 9 speed and 8 speed chains have different widths so you need to make sure you get the right model of a re-useable link.

However, not even all 9 or 10 speed chains are the same width, so in some respects you'd be best to use the one that came with a chain, e.g., SRAM, KMC & Wipperman all come with their own. If you're using a Shimano chain, then you'll want to measure the width and make sure you use a link that's made for a chain of approximately the same width.

I take the guess work out by using Forster SuperLinks: http://www.forstertool.com/chainlink.htm

Lickton's carry's them: http://www.lickbike.com/productpage.aspx?PART_NUM_SUB='0338-10'

They seem to last the life of several chains, noting I've used them on tandems since the late 90's, well before before Forster Machine acquired the rights from Craig Metalcraft.

Again, the key is getting the right width. If you try to use a link that's too narrow, you'll never get it back off if you somehow find a way to get connected. If you use one that's too wide for a given chain you may end up with an annoying clicking sound coming from your rear derailleur as well as chain jumping.

Note: Last time I checked, Co-Motion uses a different width chain for their drive and sync chains.

KMC Missing Links are listed here (http://www.kmcchain.us/kmcproduct.asp?pid=5057&bsid=34&ssid=572), there is a wide assortment for many different chains. KMC chains are sold with Missing Links.

The thing to know is that the Campagnolo 11-speed M/L-11 Missing Link is not reusable, the rest are. But you probably don't have an 11-speed chain.

http://www.kmcchain.us/images/spic/MissingLink-11.jpg