Problem with Wipperman 10SO Connex Chain Link
 

Hello. First post at this forum. I've been lurking (and enjoying the site) for a few weeks.

Couldn't get the connex chain link off using my fingers, so I bought the Park chain pliers. With a very small pair of regular pliers (to squeeze the side plates of the connex link), the chain came off very easily. Now the problem is getting the chain back on. :mad: FWIW, application is a 2007 Mongoose Bosberg.

I can get the pins at the ends of the connex link to slide only halfway back in the grooves in the two side plates. They won't slide all the way back in order to securely snap the pins/link in place. I've tried - to the best of my ability, using two hands - to squeeze the side plates together with pliers while pulling on the chain away from the link. I can't get the link to snap into place. I'm hesitant to get so forceful that I damage the chain/link.

Do anyone out there have any suggestions, especially if you've worked with this type of chain before? Thanks much! :)

The connex links are very inexpensive...buy a new set. Don't distort the sideplates when you remove the link next time. Did you take the chain off the chainrings before you tried to remove the pin? I remove my chain all the time to clean it in the winter and with a little patience and coaxing get the link off without pliers. Good luck.
Oh, if you buy the link from your LBS (local bike shop) have the mechanic watch you put it on and remove it once to see what you are doing. Buy a couple of tubes to be nice...you will probably need them before the winter is over.

Thanks Deanster
 

No, I didn't have the chain off of the chainring before trying to take the link off. Makes sense...one less thing to deal with (chain tension). I'll grab a new connex link on the way home from work today. Thanks.

The Connex link is the only one I don't have trouble with.

Put the new link on today (10S0 Connex link). Slides on and off easily. It has the s-curve groove in the side plates. The POS link that came with the chain on the bike had a straight-line groove in the side plates. I couldn't, no matter how hard I pulled (chain off the bike), get the OEM link to seat.

Problem solved though. Cheap solution, as suggested earlier.