matt_10710 asked:
Last month, I got a new chain with a quick (master) link installed on my mtn bike at a local bike store. After a few rides, I wanted to remove the chain to clean it, and thought it should be easy. However, I was unable to open the quick link by pressing both sides inwards with my hands and wound up having to use a chain tool to open another, regular link and clean the chain. I usually go by what I read in the Zinn & the Art of Mtn Bike Maint book, but didn’t find any help on this there. It did say that quick links can be stuck sometimes from the tension riding puts on the chain. Is there some trick to opening the quick link, or a tool that makes it easier? Thanks!
Put something like an allen wrench through each of the links on either side of the quick link and squeeze the wrenches together. Not only can you apply more force this way, but it gets applied at a better angle.
Man, the only quick links that I’ve EVER seen work reliably are the old c-plate bmx style. The Wipperman and Sram links always seem to be stuck after you ride them. Best thing is a pair of needle-nose pliers.
I don’t use the links anymore….I just throw them in my seat pack to use for quick repairs on the trail and to help other people out.
EDIT: AndrewW, the problem with the quick links for a lot of riders is that they get mashed or chewed up from shifting under load, etc. Sometimes they’re impossible to separate without a lot of force…..I’ve even seen a shop cut out links on either side of a Sram link and replace it with normal links. Cool idea when it works but more often than not they leave you cussing on the trail. lol
) Very cool idea with the allen wrenches, though!
There’s a 2 step process to remove the SRAM power links. No tools necessary.
1) Pinch the powerlink 2 sides (Plates) together. You will feel the connecting pins extend beyond the plate.
2) Slide the 2 powerlink plates in opposite directions so that the pins are pushed towards the middle of the powerlink. Sometimes you have to twist it a little.
This is so hard to explain with text. When the chain is pulled tight, the connecting pins are in a smaller groove. When you pinch the chain, it gets the pin out of the groove, and when you slide the plates, it moves the pin head to the bigger opening.
I’ve been using the SRAM chains for 8 months now and they are AWESOME. Not only is it WAY easy to clean the chain and fix the drivetrain, but it only takes 3 minutes to fix a broken chain on the side of the trail. Shimano pins take at least 15 minutes to do, usually longer. If you get “chain suck” then you can just remove the SRAM chain. I’d say they are equally as durable as the Shimano chains.
As for “Stuck”, I can’t see how the pins could get stuck, unless there was a huge abundance of caked on dirt & rocks that kept you from pinching the 2 sides together. I’d think it is an extremely rare condition.
They aren’t always easy to remove, but with a little practice it will become 2nd nature.
One last hint….make sure to dry the powerlinks good after they get wet. They tend to rust.
BTW, the Zinn book is an incredible resource. I use it for all my repairs.