Bicycle Mechanics - SRAM Power Link Help

Hi Guys,

In the past couple of weeks, I've used Power Links for the first time. First chain (PC89R) hooked up easily, but there's now way I could get it undone (just practicing). On the second chain (PC58) I couldn't even get the link to engage. After repeated attempts, I used the chain tool and old fashioned way.

I've read the directions....any tips that can help?

Thanks!

Try using a pair of pliers with a little duct tape on the jaws to pad them. A little twist should pop the link open or closed.

Hi Guys,

In the past couple of weeks, I've used Power Links for the first time. First chain (PC89R) hooked up easily, but there's now way I could get it undone (just practicing). On the second chain (PC58) I couldn't even get the link to engage. After repeated attempts, I used the chain tool and old fashioned way.

I've read the directions....any tips that can help?

Thanks!

I've always been able to pop the Power Link via hand. It takes a little finesse, but it can be done. The suggestion to use pliers bound with duct tape sounds like a good one, though.

Good luck!

They can be a pain sometimes.

Try using a pair of pliers with a little duct tape on the jaws to pad them. A little twist should pop the link open or closed.NO TOOLS on a power link. You don't twist them either. And people wonder why chains break!

Throw the power links away and use a conventional chain tool to permanently mate the chain.

I have had two powerlinks pop on me while hammering single track and have decided they are worthless.

Hi Guys,

In the past couple of weeks, I've used Power Links for the first time. First chain (PC89R) hooked up easily, but there's now way I could get it undone (just practicing). On the second chain (PC58) I couldn't even get the link to engage. After repeated attempts, I used the chain tool and old fashioned way.

I've read the directions....any tips that can help?

Thanks!Read the directions some more. A used link has to be clean,and if dirty use some solvent. To remove, the sideplates have to be squeezed together then slid in opposite directions, Till you get the hang of it it seems to require 3 hands. Engaging the link is as simple as just grabbing the chain and pulling in opposite directions, till it snaps in place.

I've always been able to pop the Power Link via hand. It takes a little finesse, but it can be done. The suggestion to use pliers bound with duct tape sounds like a good one, though.

Good luck!NO TOOLS on a powerlink. Good way to bugger it and then have it come apart when you don't want it to.

I don't use tools on power links nor do I twist them and they have still come apart while riding. They seem to be vulnerable therefore I quit using them. I do find the SRAM chains seem to be smoother than shimano so I still use the SRAM chains just not the PL.

Haven't had a problem with the powerlink, and prefer the SRAM chains because of this feature. However, I only remove the chain once or twice in it's life for cleaning. Not sure how they'd do if you were taking the link apart often....maybe it's not made for that.

I meant to twist the pliers, not the link. Some things are easier to show than they are to explain. This would be one of them.

I meant to twist the pliers, not the link. Some things are easier to show than they are to explain. This would be one of them.You don't use pliers!

Not sure how they'd do if you were taking the link apart often....maybe it's not made for that.Yeah it is. As long as you don't bugger it.

Its best to practice on a new, clean chain. I press the side-plates together, then press the ends together. No tool required.

I have CAREFULLY used pliers on a couple of occasions to close a Power Link with no ill effects. YMMV, etc.

DEMON

I have CAREFULLY used pliers on a couple of occasions to close a Power Link with no ill effects. YMMV, etc.

DEMON Geeze(beats head against wall). Yeah, till one fails on you. Why not just do it right?

Sometimes, hand strength fails, and a small application of mechanical advantage does the trick. I'm not talking about clamping a ViceGrip on the link, just using a little gentle persuasion to push the plates of the Power Link together. I have never had one fail, even after a whole season of riding and maintenance.

I use pliers on mine all the time. When the link is full of muck and I have cold hands it's the only way I can get them off.

Perhaps if you had some narrow nosed pliers and squeezed really hard it would bend the link but the ones I use span the gap, I can't see what posible damage could be done.

I just grab to two sides of the chains and wiggle them gently towards each other. NOT bending the chain, but GENTLY wiggling the two sides. POP!

L8R

I've broken a new chain, but never had a power link fail. I've actually got one now on a Shimano chain that came with my new bike. Though I don't like Shimano chains, I didn't want to throw it away yet. Just wiggle and push and it comes apart. The link is a very easy way to fix a broken chain on the trail/road. I carry two spares figuring I might let the chain slip while I'm putting it together and fling a link-halve in the leaves somewhere.

Al

I've broken a new chain, but never had a power link fail. I've actually got one now on a Shimano chain that came with my new bike. Though I don't like Shimano chains, I didn't want to throw it away yet. Just wiggle and push and it comes apart. The link is a very easy way to fix a broken chain on the trail/road. I carry two spares figuring I might let the chain slip while I'm putting it together and fling a link-halve in the leaves somewhere.

Al

Me too. Exactly right.

This is a bit of a repeat but also a bit of a technique refinement. I struggled with the Power Link, but I think I have come up with a decent solution which is kind of a combination of what others have suggested. Grab the PL at each end between thumb and finger then pinch the ends together while flexing the chain side to side a bit and pushing in. This gets it in a couple of seconds if I have succeeded in describing the procedure well enough!

They sure are a good idea. They will be even better when someone comes up with an idiot proof one.

They sure are a good idea. They will be even better when someone comes up with an idiot proof one.

An a$$hole proof Bike Forum whould be even better.

Feltup-

Please don't hold back! Tell us what you really think.

Feltup-

Please don't hold back! Tell us what you really think.


;)





LIGRH

Hmmm,

Never had this problem and I run the PC-89R on four different bikes.

Make sure you push the link together near the middle and push together at the same time.

Marc