Removing SRAM master link
09-08-11, 08:12 PM
#1
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Removing SRAM master link
So I've had this chain on my bike for about 3 months and now want to remove the master link.
Following all instructions I can find on the topic, I do the following:
1. Shape the chain in a U with the master link at the top.
2. Press in on both links to remove pressure on the pins.
3. At the same time, press inward on the adjacent links to slide the pins in.
I'm not having much luck doing this by hand. I don't seem to be able to do it with a needlenose and a vise-grip either.
Anything I'm missing?
Right now I have decided to let it stew in a bath of Simple Green, hoping it's some dirt that's causing it.
Following all instructions I can find on the topic, I do the following:
1. Shape the chain in a U with the master link at the top.
2. Press in on both links to remove pressure on the pins.
3. At the same time, press inward on the adjacent links to slide the pins in.
I'm not having much luck doing this by hand. I don't seem to be able to do it with a needlenose and a vise-grip either.
Anything I'm missing?
Right now I have decided to let it stew in a bath of Simple Green, hoping it's some dirt that's causing it.
09-08-11, 08:17 PM
#2
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Is this a 9s powerLINK, or the 10s powerLOCK?
If it is the latter, you need the Park MLP-1, since the powerLOCK latches firmly when closed.
The MLP-1 also makes removing the 9s link easier.
If it is the latter, you need the Park MLP-1, since the powerLOCK latches firmly when closed.
The MLP-1 also makes removing the 9s link easier.
09-08-11, 08:20 PM
#3
Constant tinkerer
How many speeds?
I remove my 8S links with a couple pairs of needlenose pliers. The key is to squeeze the link together while pushing the pins toward eachother at the same time. It's a bit tricky but you'll get it eventually.
I remove my 8S links with a couple pairs of needlenose pliers. The key is to squeeze the link together while pushing the pins toward eachother at the same time. It's a bit tricky but you'll get it eventually.
09-08-11, 08:29 PM
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8s has the powerLINK. it's just like the 9s link, but silver instead of gold-colored.
09-08-11, 08:32 PM
#6
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I find that mine are generally clogged with guck after a couple weeks. Clean out the spaces by the pins with a little shot of spray oil, then squeeze on the diagonal. Works every time.
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09-08-11, 08:41 PM
#7
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Thread Starter
After looking at the video of the MLP-1 I bought one for $12.64.
It's the law for n+1 for bike tools.
It's the law for n+1 for bike tools.
09-09-11, 02:29 PM
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I just go for the brute force method; one pair of normal pliers, diagonally across the link, squeeze hard.
09-09-11, 04:16 PM
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I messed with Sram quick links for a couple of years, 8 and 9 speed. Sometimes they'd pop right off, sometimes it was an ordeal. I bought one of the tools and haven't looked back. People keep saying they don't use them and can get the links off no problem, but I don't care, the tool was cheap, I've used it many times, and it just makes the job easy. Right tool for the right job.
09-09-11, 05:02 PM
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After looking at the video of the MLP-1 I bought one for $12.64.
It's the law for n+1 for bike tools.
It's the law for n+1 for bike tools.
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https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
09-13-11, 08:32 PM
#12
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Thread Starter
So... finally... no matter how much I cleaned the chain, the master link would *almost* pop... but never quite.
Then the MLP-1 showed up in the mail.
Thing opened in about two seconds. Thank you, Park Tools, and Shimagnolo for suggesting it.
Then the MLP-1 showed up in the mail.
Thing opened in about two seconds. Thank you, Park Tools, and Shimagnolo for suggesting it.
09-13-11, 09:00 PM
#13
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Seriously, guys?
8S SRAM chains are a barehanded job. I use my right thumb and my left index finger to put pressure on the link while concurrently pulling chain outwards. It doesn't take a like of force, simply the correct application of a small amount of force.
8S SRAM chains are a barehanded job. I use my right thumb and my left index finger to put pressure on the link while concurrently pulling chain outwards. It doesn't take a like of force, simply the correct application of a small amount of force.
09-14-11, 05:48 AM
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After looking at the video of the MLP-1 I bought one for $12.64.
It's the law for n+1 for bike tools.
It's the law for n+1 for bike tools.
09-14-11, 06:22 AM
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True dat. I've never had a problem with opening 8 and 9 speed SRAM chains by hand. Yesterday, I just installed my first 10s chain on a new bike I'm building. Man, was that black Powerlock thingy stiff! No way I'm getting that thing off by hand. An MLP-1 is now on order. I also did not know that the Powerlock is one-time use only.
09-14-11, 07:22 AM
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Use PowerGrip pliers if you got 'em. Their jaws move just right for this job.
09-14-11, 07:43 AM
#19
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SRAM sucks. Buy KMC next time 
(see Motobecane's KMC thread for the reason behind this useless post)
(see Motobecane's KMC thread for the reason behind this useless post)
09-14-11, 07:45 AM
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That has been my experience as well. I tried all kinds of tools to brute force it, then I figured out the right places to apply force and I haven't had a problem since.
09-14-11, 07:53 AM
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True dat. I've never had a problem with opening 8 and 9 speed SRAM chains by hand. Yesterday, I just installed my first 10s chain on a new bike I'm building. Man, was that black Powerlock thingy stiff! No way I'm getting that thing off by hand. An MLP-1 is now on order. I also did not know that the Powerlock is one-time use only.
09-14-11, 07:58 AM
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Or try this from the other thread:
Looks like it should work well, but haven't tried it yet.
How to remove stubborn quicklinks without special tools. https://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201107050.pdf
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09-14-11, 11:17 AM
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SRAM master links are a pain. If you have a choice, switch to a more use friendly product. I opened my last SRAM master link with a Dremel tool and since then using Wipermann. No tools needed.
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