Bicycle Mechanics - kmc chains suck big time

What is the point of having a "quicklink" if you can't remove it by hand? its quicker to use a chain tool than to open one of this fawking things. I can't get my ****ing BRAND NEW CHAIN to open up and no I don't have needlenose pliers which you shouldnt need anyways. I'm strong as an ox, these chains suck cawk. i'm about to just break it and throw it in the ****ing trash.

whats even more annoying is that I wouldn't be going through any of this if the stupid new 5700 FD had an actual screw on the cage so that I could remove it instead of having to open up the fawking chain! My ultegra 6600 has a screw.

What is the point of having a "quicklink" if you can't remove it by hand?

That's why they didn't call them "handlinks". ;)

Sram links are the same way. Robogrip pliers work the best. Quicker than chaintool for sure. At least you can put them back together with your bare hands.

i've never had a problem removing a sram link by hand

+1 on SRAM chains/links

whats even more annoying is that I wouldn't be going through any of this if the stupid new 5700 FD had an actual screw on the cage so that I could remove it instead of having to open up the fawking chain! My ultegra 6600 has a screw.

So how would you be able to get the chain around the chainstay without taking it apart?

He seems to be swapping front derailers so no need to get the chain out of the frame.

I must say that this forum is awfully lucky that everyone doesn't post about every single hurdle of this magnitude that they encounter in such a fashion.

Hey Moto...
I'm with you on this one.
I had a quick link in a chain that broke while I was riding. The little pieces were lost forever in the gravel on the side of the highway. If I didn't have my chaintool, I would have been SOL.

I undo quicklinks by threading strong dental floss around the two pins, crossing over the dental floss, then pulling it tight. This pulls the pins together, releasing the quicklink. I don't know If I've described this clearly.

This is a finesse job, not dependent on strength.

Good Luck.

Neer had a problem with KMC chains or his links, neither opening them with bare hands, probably the OP is a little bit slow and need to practice with legos 1st???

I used a wire snipper I found in my toolkit, was just the right size for a 10-speed link. Looked like this:
218636

Popped open the quicklink on a chain that had been used for at least two years without any apparent maintenance or lube. It was covered in mud and disgusting.

The new replacement quicklink I got was easy to open by hand.

I like KMC chains.

Neer had a problem with KMC chains or his links, neither opening them with bare hands, probably the OP is a little bit slow and need to practice with legos 1st???
um no, I've opened 8 9 and 10 speed sram chains in no time flat. I just spent 2 hours getting this kmc chain opened. Not to mention when I did a google search a million threads came up about these chains. it's complete horse**** and a lame attempt at them to get you to purchase their proprietary tool. hey morons, the whole point of these links is that people didn't want to use a tool to remove a chain. you've just added another unnecessary tool to the mix

I have no idea what tool are u talking about. I have no idea what kmc are u talking about either. If its a regular road chain the link comes out with your bare hands. If you are talking about a KMC track chain then u need a pair of regular house pliers to take the safety pin out (2 secs?) and you are done. Dunno what this screaming is about.

Looks like is too complicated for you to take the wheel out find the link, then make a 90 degrees angle with the links around the missing link so both ends of the missing link get closer and the take it out? Once the two parts of the link are together the link comes appart right away with a tiny twist, is almost the same than with all the other stuff tho.

Again man, if you cant do that just go to toys are us and buy a set of 5 years old blocks and practice with those ones 1st?? I can send you a few coupons if yo u want to save a few bucks :D

KMC has a tool?? :D <-- yes it does, why do i want to buy that if using my hands comes right out??

hey morons, the whole point of these links is that people didn't want to use a tool to remove a chain.

The whole point of them (for me) is so that I don't have to use a stupid replacement pin every time I want to remove or install my chain. If you're installing a new chain you need a chain tool anyway to cut it to the proper length. I've only used SRAM links and never had any serious issues.

You don't own needlenose pliers? Go pickup a cheap pair. They'll come in handy for other stuff too, I promise.

These links are all the same design:
- KMC MissingLink
- SRAM PowerLink
- Superlink

I have used all of them and never had one fail, and never had a problem taking one off.
The Park MLP-1 (which I purchased for use with SRAM PowerLOCK) does make them come off easier.

I've installed and removed hundreds of chains. Never needed a tool other than channel lock pliers for the most recalcitrant quick links. Takes a couple of seconds......

I'll bet the OP is a real treat when he gets cut off in traffic!:lol:

Of course, this forum has seen guys that were flummoxed by the mighty presta valve, so....

I am able to open SRAM master links by hand but had to resort to a Park Master Link Tool for KMC master links. Still much easier than using a chain tool.

KMC seems to vary a lot. Mine is so easy to undo I wouldn't trust it on a derailleur bike for fear of it falling off if there was a sudden decrease in tension. I've also had ones I've been forced to use pliers on. I think you're trying to open it wrong though, if you're that strong. I have dainty pansy hands, and I've only had to use pliers for one.

...geesh...next thing you know the OP is going to whine about his campy brake lever releases getting stuck.

=8-)

Years ago the first KMC links I bought snapped and locked into place, and you needed pliers to remove them. Not sure whether any are still made that way.

He seems to be swapping front derailers so no need to get the chain out of the frame.

I must say that this forum is awfully lucky that everyone doesn't post about every single hurdle of this magnitude that they encounter in such a fashion.

True dat! :)

um no, I've opened 8 9 and 10 speed sram chains in no time flat. I just spent 2 hours getting this kmc chain opened. Not to mention when I did a google search a million threads came up about these chains.

KMC sells a lot of chains. So does Shimano. Do a search on their chains and see how many complaints you find. Might as well throw SRAM into the mix. I'm sure some pros even had a few choice words for that company after the events a few years ago.


it's complete horse**** and a lame attempt at them to get you to purchase their proprietary tool. hey morons, the whole point of these links is that people didn't want to use a tool to remove a chain. you've just added another unnecessary tool to the mix

Proprietary tool? Link please. My KMC 9 speed links come apart by hand easily. I need to use the Park Tool masterlink pliers to remove my KMC 10 speed link though. Maye an issue on the road but hardly problematic for 99.9% of the times I want to remove the link. In a real emergency, I'm sure I could manage by hand somehow though I've never tried.

...a lame attempt at them to get you to purchase their proprietary tool. .... you've just added another unnecessary tool to the mix

The tool for removing the quicklink (whether it be KMC or Sram) are not proprietary, and cost about as much as a decent pin tool. I've used chain tools for years so I have a couple. But I've also found that although I can often take apart a Sram or KMC quicklink by hand, it's just so much easier to use a tool. Either way I use a tool. Now that I have only 9 and 10 speed bikes, I just use the quicklink tool all the time and the pin tool is in the "archives".


... the whole point of these links is that people didn't want to use a tool to remove a chain....

Actually, the main advantage is the fact that w/ modern chains you can't reuse the pin if you push it out to break the chain. Shimano's solution is the special little pin that has to be installed pretty carefully and correctly. Sram and KMC's solution is the quicklink . OK, it's not rocket science, but I just find that using a quicklink is more idiot proof than the modern 9 and 10 speed replacement pin procedure.

But I've also always found Sram and KMC quicklinks to be identical in ease/difficulty of putting them on or off, at least in terms of 9 speed. The Sram 10 speed link absolutely needs a tool (at least for me). I don't have a 10 speed example in front of me, but the 9 speed KMC link I installed yesterday is visually identical or nearly so, to the 9 speed Sram quicklink, except the Sram is gold and the KMC is silver. So to say one is "better" than the other is stretching it.

Seriously, I bought the close tool and the open tool, both combined cost me about $20. Get a grip.

How to remove stubborn quicklinks without special tools. http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201107050.pdf

I have two bikes with KMC links. I bought the Park Tool Master Link Pliers for about $10 on e-Bay, and I can definitely say it has saved me a lot of time and grief.

switch to decaf

How to remove stubborn quicklinks without special tools. http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201107050.pdf

A rock is kind of a special tool. Think I'll start carrying one with me on rides.

Years ago the first KMC links I bought snapped and locked into place, and you needed pliers to remove them. Not sure whether any are still made that way.

I was browsing through KMC's website once and noted they have used at least 3 different master link designs. The one they call "MissingLink" is on all the chains I've bought recently and is identical to the Superlink & SRAM Powerlink.

Seriously, I bought the close tool and the open tool, both combined cost me about $20. Get a grip.

I'm trying to do a derailleur change. I don't have time to sit and wait a week for a ****ing mail order part to come in. This is the 2nd time a piece of **** kmc chain did this to me yet the 6 or7 other sram chains have had no problems. Its clearly an issue with kmc's product.

I ran Sedis Sport chains for years, several loaded tours ,
always just joined them with a chain tool

But as I use friction bar end shifters and took my time, shifted
early, on hills . never blew out a chain.

KMC are a modest priced chain, just throw them away after a few months and buy a new one.

How to remove stubborn quicklinks without special tools. http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201107050.pdf

You can have a virtual high 5 for showing me this.

How to remove stubborn quicklinks without special tools. http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201107050.pdf

That looks like it should work. Gotta give it a try next time. I've had difficult links too.

Chill-out dude.

Just trash the damn thing and quit buying KMC chains.

Chain Suck (http://fagan.co.za/Bikes/Csuck/) :-)

I'm strong as an ox

Finesse, not strength is the way. I have little girl arms and these chains apparently bow down before me in submission....


these chains suck cawk.

Nope. I've installed hundreds. Among the best bang-for-the-buck chain out there and runs beautifully on all drive trains. Removed scores of them. NEVER took more than a few seconds.


i'm about to just break it and throw it in the ****ing trash.

I would suggest you simply use a chain tool to remove the offending quick link and replace it with a Connex. They're fairly idiot-proof IF you install them right side up.

All this emotion over a chain......wow.

Chill-out dude.

Just trash the damn thing and quit buying KMC chains.

HEy brainiac, you can't throw a chain away if you can't get it off. IT's a brand NEW bike, brand NEW chain!!! I'm swapping out components on it, no excuse for a brand new chain not to come apart.

i've never had a problem removing a sram link by hand

I have - have a SRAM chain hanging in my garage if you want it.

HEy brainiac, you can't throw a chain away if you can't get it off. IT's a brand NEW bike, brand NEW chain!!! I'm swapping out components on it, no excuse for a brand new chain not to come apart.Did you even look at the link above? http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201107050.pdf Seriously, we all go through a learning curve on some things. Since this has been such a frustrating challenge for you, you can probably look forward to NEVER forgetting the solution and you will someday provide an answer to a newby here. I run nothing but SRAM on all chains but don't bother with trying to remove by hand. If you maneuver the chain into the shape of an upside down U with the quick link at the top, you can take any old household pliers and apply them diagonally across the link. No strength at all is required. just give a little click and it's off. The link above would be helpful for roadside repairs so I will have to rehears that one.

I think it's clear the OP doesn't really want answers. He just wants to scream about stuff.

I get that. I'm just trying to "talk him off the ledge" we've all been there and we are here to help aren't we?

Chain suck?

Resolving Chain Suck (http://fisherbikes.com/support/faqs#maint4)

HEy brainiac, you can't throw a chain away if you can't get it off. IT's a brand NEW bike, brand NEW chain!!! I'm swapping out components on it, no excuse for a brand new chain not to come apart.


You're killing us all over here! You have a chain tool? USE IT. (http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/chain-installation-derailleur-bikes)

I get that. I'm just trying to "talk him off the ledge" we've all been there and we are here to help aren't we?

Which way?

Up and back or down and splat?

=8-)

You're killing us all over here! You have a chain tool? USE IT. (http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/chain-installation-derailleur-bikes)

Amazing isn't it?

I just finished by bullhorn equipped single speed project...first thing I saw when grabbing the chain was the master link. It went bye bye in an instant courtesy of my old trusty Sedis chain tool.

How hard can it be?

=8-)

I'm trying to do a derailleur change. I don't have time to sit and wait a week for a ****ing mail order part to come in. This is the 2nd time a piece of **** kmc chain did this to me yet the 6 or7 other sram chains have had no problems. Its clearly an issue with kmc's product.

I think more than one person has told you these are common tools and can be found for around $10 in most bike shops. You've spent more time whining on this forum than it would have taken you to go buy one. PLUS, if you care to solve the problem rather than whine and use your colorful clever variations of foul language, you'd know there's very easy solutions that don't require any special tools.

But the real points are: the KMC link is exactly the same in design and difficulty as the Sram and you don't give a rat's ass, you just want to whine and curse in alternative spellings.

A month ago I got a new 6sp chain at the LBS, not a KMC, and asked for a quick link. I don't have to worry about taking it off because the mechanic couldn't even get it on. After about 4 tries and 10 minutes we gave up and used a break-off pin. The link was a hair too narrow apparently.

A month ago I got a new 6sp chain at the LBS, not a KMC, and asked for a quick link. I don't have to worry about taking it off because the mechanic couldn't even get it on. After about 4 tries and 10 minutes we gave up and used a break-off pin. The link was a hair too narrow apparently.

I don't know if there's any difference between 6 sp and 8 sp chains - I had a Shimano 8 speed chain that was too wide for an 8 speed quicklink. I could go look at it if anyone's curious about the exact Shimano chain it is.

I had to remove it, temporarily replace it with a longer chain, and then put it back on (long story, but it involved using a larger cassette on a rental bike. Since it was a Shimano chain, it didn't have a quick link. So I broke it w/ a chain tool, and tried to put it back together with a Sram 8 speed quicklink. Although I struggled and swore and struggled and swore, I could NOT get that quicklink to work. The shimano chain was just tiny, tiny bit too wide. I mean, at every attempt, I really thought I could get it to slide in place, but it just didn't go.

I've since been lead to believe that Shimano 8 speed chains - at least some of them - are enough different (wider) than other 8 speed chains that the Sram 8 speed quick links just won't work.

I wonder if your 6 speed chain is the same situation? Aren't all chains 8 speed and below actually the same chains?

Just curious how this relates.

I don't know if there's any difference between 6 sp and 8 sp chains - I had a Shimano 8 speed chain that was too wide for an 8 speed quicklink. I could go look at it if anyone's curious about the exact Shimano chain it is.


Shimano, in their unfathomable wisdom had two incompatible 8s variations:
- 8s HG
- 8s IG
8s HG was wider than 8s IG.
An 8s SRAM Powerlink will fit IG, but not HG.

I've since been lead to believe that Shimano 8 speed chains - at least some of them - are enough different (wider) than other 8 speed chains that the Sram 8 speed quick links just won't work.


Yep. There are two different widths to worry about. I keep a supply of 8-speed SRAM Powerlinks and also some KMC links in the 7.3mm width. Those cover my bases, but I also keep some Shimano pins handy as well.

I've bought a couple of hundred KMC chains in the last few years, its all I use, and for the price, they cannot be beat.