SRAM and KMC Quick links/Powerlocks

[Sidmouth]

Just got a new 11 speed chain today, read on the packaging that the PowerLock should only be used once, I have been regularly taking my chain off and cleaning it and then replacing it, with the same PoweLock no problems, 

Anyone know why you cannot or should not reuse the Quick links?

 

[PeterF]

What they mean is that when you replace the chain don't reuse the old quick link with the new chain.

[Thomo]

11spd links have supposedly become fragile and not intended to be removed and reinstalled.

Manufacturers probably just covering themselves against potential claims.

[Mountain_Goat]

The reason why you shouldn't reuse a powerlink with a new chain is because like any links on a chain, it wears out over time so if you reuse the same link with a brand new chain, it causes a 'weak' link in the chain which could break at any time.

[Mountain_Goat]

Reusing the link in a sense of removing and cleaning the chain and putting it back on with the same chain is perfectly fine.

[Sidmouth]

Yes.

So I use one link per chain, new chain new link.

Is this what they mean by don't reuse

[Knersboy]

Yes.

So I use one link per chain, new chain new link.

Is this what they mean by don't reuse

No, they literally mean that once you remove the powerlink you must use a new one, even if it is the same chain.

 

I always use a new one, but I don't ever remove my chain for cleaning so this isn't an issue for me. I tend to follow the manufacturers guidelines on this one, I really don't feel like breaking a chain during a ride. Also, they state that the 10 speed and lower powerlinks could be re-used, so they must have changed their tune regarding the 11 speed ones for a reason.

[PeterF]

Between my 2 sons and myself we have 3 MTB's and 2 road bikes all running 11 speed.  We remove the chains at least once a week for a proper clean and I have had no issues.  New chain new quick link is my policy.  IMHO you cannot clean a chain properly while on the bike and to replace the quick link @ R55 a pop every time you remove the chain is ridiculous.

[David Marshall]

Covering themselves.  They did have some comebacks when 10 speed groupsets were introduced and then the "use once only" warnings appeared.  They don't "undo" as easily as some other brands but with the right tools they are reusable.   Shimano tell you not to use quick links at all!

[Rudi Pollard]

Covering themselves. They did have some comebacks when 10 speed groupsets were introduced and then the "use once only" warnings appeared. They don't "undo" as easily as some other brands but with the right tools they are reusable. Shimano tell you not to use quick links at all!

They've changed their story by producing their own version. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/za/en/shimano-sm-cn900-11-speed-quick-link/rp-prod147138

 

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[David Marshall]

They've changed their story by producing their own version. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/za/en/shimano-sm-cn900-11-speed-quick-link/rp-prod147138

 

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Can we expect sealed bearing hubs next?

[Spinnekop]

If there is 0.000001% chance of snapping a chain while in a sprint just because I was too stingy to fork out R50 for a new link, I won't take it.

 

I have close friend that spent weeks in ICU because of a snapped chainlink. 

And like Lance he is not half the man he used to be  

 

Just not worth it in my books.

 

Each to his own I suppose. 

[Sidmouth]

Between my 2 sons and myself we have 3 MTB's and 2 road bikes all running 11 speed.  We remove the chains at least once a week for a proper clean and I have had no issues.  New chain new quick link is my policy.  IMHO you cannot clean a chain properly while on the bike and to replace the quick link @ R55 a pop every time you remove the chain is ridiculous.

Yip, I have an MTB and Road, I clean the chain once a weak soak in paraffin and re lube, at R55 a pop it makes no scene, I have done over 40 000km on this routine and never snapped a powerlink, I have snapped many chains but never a power link, I think I will meet this one half way and replace power link every 1000KM and a new one if the chain is new, I cannot see how removing and replacing the powerlink with the right tool will damage it, maybe the manufacturers says this to cover themselves, not everyone uses the correct tools.