Quick Link/Connect Link vs. Master Link
 

Pros and cons? For durability? For performance? For cleaning?

Master links are on 1/8" (and other ) chains ... 3 pieces . 1 with 2 pins, 1 with 2 holes and a spring clip.
Opening the spring clip one uses a screwdriver to pry it open .

Quick links are standard on some derailleur chains like KMC, Whipperman , their 2 pieces with a pin and a hole , are the same piece twice.

Most efficient way to open them is a Pliers made to use for that, to squeeze the 2 rollers the pins go thru.

Would you say both are better than 1/2 link or is there some 1/2 link that jams better? Maybe there is some method of heating a pin-end?

I like normal master links (well, the "Missing Link" branded ones). I have the pliers to remove them so it's a non issue for me.

Some of the best $20 I spent on my bike. Tools are always worth the money. (Unless they're harbor freight tools of course.)

1/2 links are a whole nother thing. THey are generally used to shorten or lengthen a chain by 1/2 the length of a link - not to aid installation and removal.

In a single speed drive train the master link is locked on until you pry the spring clip open

whenever you press out the riveted pin head you stretch the hole in the side plate .. it wont stretch back

But as you are not flexing the chain to shift sidewyas and the Pins are much wider than the outer surface of the Chain

the likely hood that the pin will fall out is reduced ..

I've been running a 3/32 old Bushing type chain on my Rohloff Bike . I could just press the pin back in to close the loop

1/2 link is just a z bent side plate width of inner link on one end and outer link on the other..

I put one in just to open the chain, for Bucket cleaning, in the same spot .



I used 3 Masterlinks on my Chain whips [ to pull apart multi speed freewheels ]

the chains on the whip dont come apart [they used to] I have cheater pipe handles on them .

what do you mean by jams ?

really expensive chain tools for thin derailleur chains try peening the pin head wider..

you dont re heat heat treated steel unless you want it Soft.

There are some BMX chains they made entirely out of half links , just to be novel.

Master links/quick links and half-links serve different purposes. The master link/quick link is used to allow opening the chain without a chain tool, while half-links are used achieve proper chain length in situations where a derailluer is not present to take up slack (e.g. tandem timing chains and fixed gear/single speed/IGH set-ups).

Even they have their uses. If you like to customize tools for special purposes by cutting. grinding, welding and the like, or for single/limited/throwaway use they work adequately. Their hex L-wrenches are good enough for my bikes' tool pouches.

I like fine tools (like Felco cable cutters and pruners and German/Japanese kitchen knives) but will buy Harbor Freight stuff when appropriate. Actually their 6 inch ceramic chef's knife is pretty good and gets a fair amount of use in my kitchen.

Interesting, I've been hankering for a ceramic chef's knife, how much was it?

$14.99 and you can usually find coupons to save a little. 6 in. Ceramic Chef's Knife

I have one of these, too. It's scary sharp. Hamilton Beach 8" Ceramic Carver / Chef Knife - Red Handle, Black Blade | Kitchen Collection