KMC Missing Link vs Chain Tool

[gerhardsnorbaard]

Hi guys

 

I have a question relating to the quick-remove link on my chain. The chain is a Shimano 10spd and the link is a KMC missing link (CL559R 10spd)

 

A while ago I had to remove the chain to clean. I tried to remove the KMC link by hand, to no avail. Ended up breaking out the pin with a chain breaker and forcing it back in with said chain breaker. I did believe it was the answer to this riddle at the time, and rode a few times after that.  

 

Now I read a bit more and seems I might have compromised the chain. Is it supposed to be operated by hand, or by special pliers? Is this link supposed to be reusable? Did I essentially screw up the link and have to replace it? If so, with what? Ideally I would like an easy solution for removing chain. 

 

Thanks

 

G

[igg]

I use KMC 10sp links (on Shimano HGX chain) and have no issues removing them by hand. Just clean all the crap off first otherwise they stick and are a bitch to remove.

 

Grab the chain on each side of the quicklink, and rock the chain laterally at the link while pushing it together.

[gerhardsnorbaard]

I use KMC 10sp links (on Shimano HGX chain) and have no issues removing them by hand. Just clean all the crap off first otherwise they stick and are a bitch to remove.

 

Grab the chain on each side of the quicklink, and rock the chain laterally at the link while pushing it together.

Thanks, I did try that wiggle move again with a bit more force, and it worked. My concern however is that I previously pressed out the quick-link's pin with my chain tool. Wondering if it is now compromised? However I did ride out the saddle a few times after and chain hasnt snapped on me, yet. 

[carbon29er]

You need a tool. Park make one. Just so simple with the right tool.

 

https://www.buycycle.co.za/workshop/tools/park-tool-mlp-1.2-chain-link-pliers/

 

[igg]

Thanks, I did try that wiggle move again with a bit more force, and it worked. My concern however is that I previously pressed out the quick-link's pin with my chain tool. Wondering if it is now compromised? However I did ride out the saddle a few times after and chain hasnt snapped on me, yet. 

Personally I would replace the link, the pins aren't meant to be pushed out of these things. The KMC ones are only like R15 or something, not a lot of money for some peace of mind.

[Pah Bear]

In the good old days, quick release links were unheard of, so breaking links with a chain break and reassembling it was the only way to do it. If you did it correct, it should be fine.

 

If it's working, give it a final check if not already done and keep going.

 

Buy another quick release link and carry it with you. I do and its come in useful once when the link broke (failed after a bit of cluster noise for whatever reason) but because I had another spare, I was on my way within a few minutes.

[Pah Bear]

You need a tool. Park make one. Just so simple with the right tool.

 

https://www.buycycle.co.za/workshop/tools/park-tool-mlp-1.2-chain-link-pliers/

 

I bought the tool. It makes my service time just so much easier. No struggling to break or relock. Check Sportsworld, they normally have these at a good price.

[Pah Bear]

http://www.sportsworld.co.za/category.php?id_category=324

 

R150 for the Radon Master tool.

[Pah Bear]

Oops, they out of stock for now.

[David Marshall]

Your link is screwed.  Get a new one.  Not many chains can be broken and reconnected these days with a chain tool - unless you use a new connecting pin (speed specific) like the Shimano one.  It depends on how the pins are peened on the chain to start with.  6,7,8 and some 9 speed can be reconnected but for 10 and 11 use the supplied pins or quick links.

[JXV]

I bought the tool. It makes my service time just so much easier. No struggling to break or relock. Check Sportsworld, they normally have these at a good price.

Be sure to get one that can both open and close the links. Some of the cheapies can only open them.

[NotSoBigBen]

I wouldn't put it quite as bluntly as David but for the price of a quicklink is it worth the uncertainty? I would just go buy 2, replace the now 'compromised' one and carry one in your pocket (that way you'll anyway never break a chain and have one to help some other helpless person that Rouxtjie has passed by  )

[Thomo]

Be sure to get one that can both open and close the links. Some of the cheapies can only open them.

 

I've never had any issues closing the links by hand.

It's opening them where the link pliers is really worth the money spent.

It probably is possible to open them by hand as well, but it just isn't worth the hassle and expletives.

[NotSoBigBen]

I've never had any issues closing the links by hand.

It's opening them where the link pliers is really worth the money spent.

It probably is possible to open them by hand as well, but it just isn't worth the hassle and expletives.

 

Must agree I use the 'leverage' of the crank arm to pull it closed. 9sp links I never had an issue wiggling loose but I find that some 10sp ones are not that easy so use a tool.

[GrahamS2]

The trick with quick links is to squeeze the face plates together at the same time as you push the pins towards each other. There is a little recess the pin's head seats into and you need to help it get out before it will slide.Once you get the technique right it's pretty easy, even with long nosed pliers.

[JXV]

I've never had any issues closing the links by hand.

It's opening them where the link pliers is really worth the money spent.

It probably is possible to open them by hand as well, but it just isn't worth the hassle and expletives.

The black 10spd SRAM quicklinks that I use have a tight 'interference' fit and can't be opened or closed by hand but you can close them using chain tension. I have not used the KMC type before.

 

I prefer the plier type tool. Have opened with Leatherman multitool pliers for a trailside fix but not easy.