Bicycle Mechanics - SRAM Powerchain Master Link Stuck Together and Won't Disassemble

Hello,
I want to take apart my SRAM Powerchain's master link but for some reason I can't get the master link apart. I've done about everything I can think of in terms of squeezing the plates together or trying to push the pins towards each other to get the master link plates to unlock but haven't had any luck so far. I've used SRAM Powerchains in the past with no problem and this phenomenon has only recently come up with this chain and one I had right before it on a different bike; this makes me feel like it's something I'm doing that's causing the problem. Anyone have any thoughts?

I once didn't get the plates close enough together, so when I locked them in place it forced the wide part of the pin through the narrow slot, I wasn't able to separate them again after that.

If it's a 10 speed chain, if memory serves those aren't re-usable, though I've not taken one apart, so I'm not sure how difficult it tends to be.

Is this a 10s chain?
If so, is is a PowerLOCK, not a PowerLINK as on 8s & 9s chains.
You need a Park MLP-1.

Even PowerLINK, KMC Missing Link, and Superlinks are much easier to get off with the MLP-1.

I like to use Craftsman RoboGrip pliers on the tough ones.
Drop the chain onto the BB shell (put something in between the two if you value your paint)
Grab a handful of chain with your non-dominant hand so that the link is sticking out the top of your fist.
Carefully place plier jaws at a slight angle so that each jaw is only working one of the plates
Squeeze.

After reading the above post, I should mention that I use this technique on 8 speed Sram chains.

If it's a 10 speed chain, if memory serves those aren't re-usable, though I've not taken one apart, so I'm not sure how difficult it tends to be.

SRAM calls it "one-time-use".
A poster here who works in a bike shop told us of speaking to his SRAM rep and being told that "one-time-use" means for use with one *chain*, not just one *installation*.

I've been removing and re-installing 10s SRAM chains with the same Powerlock right up until they are stretched with no issues.

These links have a bit of a snap latch so they don't slip past each other like the basic powerlinks. You can use long nose pliers to push the rollers together, then it's like what you're used to.

SRAM calls it "one-time-use".
A poster here who works in a bike shop told us of speaking to his SRAM rep and being told that "one-time-use" means for use with one *chain*, not just one *installation*.

"One-Time-Use: OK for multiple usage."
Guess being clear wasn't on the short list for a naming scheme.

SRAM calls it "one-time-use".
A poster here who works in a bike shop told us of speaking to his SRAM rep and being told that "one-time-use" means for use with one *chain*, not just one *installation*.

I've been removing and re-installing 10s SRAM chains with the same Powerlock right up until they are stretched with no issues.

That makes even less sense than "one-time-use". Use for "one-chain" means "one installation" by logic.

Therefore the rep said absolutely nothing.

Last SRAM Master Link I had came off with a Dremel tool.

Since then I am using Wipermann Connex and never had a problem.

Last SRAM Master Link I had came off with a Dremel tool.

Since then I am using Wipermann Connex and never had a problem.

Should I consider this an other reason to stick with 8sp drivetrains? Or was this on an 8sp?

Should I consider this an other reason to stick with 8sp drivetrains? Or was this on an 8sp?

Oh please.

Every sram masterlink is easily removeable with the Park MLP-1. Masterlinks came on 7,8,9 and 10 speed sram chains. Using a dremel, lawl.

Like others have said, the SRAM 10 speed link snaps whereas the links for 9 and lesser speed chains don't. I now have the Park snap link tool but previous to that I made a tool using a grinding wheel to modify a cheap set of crimpers. Per the instructions, hold the side links together while you snap the apart with the tool. I'll reuse them without compunction on a given chain for the few times I might remove a chain for cleaning.

The times the link is dirty enough to be hard to remove I use pliers to pop off the master link.

Should I consider this an other reason to stick with 8sp drivetrains? Or was this on an 8sp?

It is a 9sp.

Park MLP-1 is the answer. Great for other master links as well. As an alternative, you can easily just put a piece of coathanger through the link and then twist it until the link "draws together" and pops. I just did one that way yesterday morning since I was out of town.

Not sure why you'd need the Park Tool, my standard needle nose pliers do the job just fine. I've even heard of people making their own version of the special tool by taking an old or cheap pair of needle-nose pliers and bending them a little to replicate the tool.

I've also had no problems with re-using the 10-speed SRAM links.

Needle nose pliers work fine....