KMC chain question
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
KMC chain question
I have a KMC DX10sc chain that I need to shorten by several links. It's on a bike now fully assembled.
Question:
Can I use a chain tool to "break" the chain and reassemble, or do I need to use a masterclip or special replacement pin?
I've used chain tools in the past on other bikes and have a Park CT5 tool that I'd like to use for the job.
Any advice before I just go for it?
Thanks in advance.
Question:
Can I use a chain tool to "break" the chain and reassemble, or do I need to use a masterclip or special replacement pin?
I've used chain tools in the past on other bikes and have a Park CT5 tool that I'd like to use for the job.
Any advice before I just go for it?
Thanks in advance.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 18,063
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4197 Post(s)
Liked 3,849 Times
in
2,300 Posts
The tool can be used for pushing out a pin to shorten the length. However the reassembly should be done with a connecting link specific to the chain. I suggest that you go 1 link at a time, when shortening, then test the chain's function/shifting before deciding to remove more links. Andy.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Above ground, Walnut Creek, Ca
Posts: 6,681
Bikes: 8 ss bikes, 1 5-speed touring bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
dx10sc comes up empty on the KMC website. ????
so i'll guess that it is some kind of KMC 10 speed chain. IME, nowadays, KMC does not advertise any chain designed for multi speed bikes to be re-assembled with a pin that has been pushed out by a chainbreaker. that doesn't mean that you can't remove links with a chainbreaker. but you most likely will need to reassemble the chain with a master link.
so i'll guess that it is some kind of KMC 10 speed chain. IME, nowadays, KMC does not advertise any chain designed for multi speed bikes to be re-assembled with a pin that has been pushed out by a chainbreaker. that doesn't mean that you can't remove links with a chainbreaker. but you most likely will need to reassemble the chain with a master link.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: western Massachusetts (greater Springfield area)
Posts: 699
Bikes: Velosolex St. Tropez, LeMond Zurich (spine bike), Rotator swb recumbent
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 67 Times
in
32 Posts
^^This^^ There is most likely already a master link. Open the link, and remove links from one of the ends.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,689
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5772 Post(s)
Liked 2,563 Times
in
1,420 Posts
Cutting is never a problem except that chains with peened links are harder to break. However these chains are totally dependent on having the pin peened overt the plate to stay together. That's why they need connectors.
Running a flush link narrow chain with a pin that was pressed back and isn't peened creates real risk of a plate spreading beyond the end of the rivet and the chain snapping when under load.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 3,783
Bikes: Bianchi San Mateo and a few others
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 634 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
9 Posts
The DX10SC was discontinued and replaced by the X10.93, which might explain why it's not on their web site. Both of those chains come with a "missing link" connecting link. That link is probably already on the bike. Break the chain by removing that link, use a chain tool to punch out a pin and shorten the chain, then reinstall the "missing link" connector.
#8
Full Member
Thread Starter
Thanks!!!
I've been watching you tube videos of taking a KMC masterlink apart.
Is the special pliers-looking tool required....or does anyone have any tips? Can it be taken apart any other way?
I've been watching you tube videos of taking a KMC masterlink apart.
Is the special pliers-looking tool required....or does anyone have any tips? Can it be taken apart any other way?
Last edited by armybikerider; 03-29-14 at 09:56 PM.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 3,783
Bikes: Bianchi San Mateo and a few others
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 634 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
9 Posts
I've been able to open mine by hand, although I do have the Park Tool chain link pliers and they do make the job easier.
#10
Senior Member
I tried opening a missing link by hand and couldn't do it. I would think any needle nose pliers that are narrow enough to fit through the link would do it. If you need to buy those you may as well buy the real tool.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: western Massachusetts (greater Springfield area)
Posts: 699
Bikes: Velosolex St. Tropez, LeMond Zurich (spine bike), Rotator swb recumbent
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 67 Times
in
32 Posts
If you hold the chain with the master link horizontal and the adjacent links flexed at 90 degrees (think Stonehenge with the master link as the top) you can use any pair of pliers to squeeze it open. I find that after it has been opened a time or two, it can be done by hand.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,791
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1020 Post(s)
Liked 463 Times
in
293 Posts
I believe that KMC recommends against re-use of their Missing Link.
(As soon as I post this there will be others posting how they have re-used the Missing Link, over and over, without a problem )
To the OP, the tools are not that expensive and will make your life easier whenever you take the chain apart and re-assemble it.
Good luck!
(As soon as I post this there will be others posting how they have re-used the Missing Link, over and over, without a problem )
To the OP, the tools are not that expensive and will make your life easier whenever you take the chain apart and re-assemble it.
Good luck!
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,096 Times
in
742 Posts
SRAM, for reasons never explained but possibly a patent issue, does recommend against the reuse of their 10-speed master link even on the chain it accompanied.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,791
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1020 Post(s)
Liked 463 Times
in
293 Posts
IIRC, KMC doesn't recommend against the reuse of their link on a given chain but that when you replace the chain you should use the new link that came with it.
SRAM, for reasons never explained but possibly a patent issue, does recommend against the reuse of their 10-speed master link even on the chain it accompanied.
SRAM, for reasons never explained but possibly a patent issue, does recommend against the reuse of their 10-speed master link even on the chain it accompanied.
For their 11 speed chains, such as the ones that I use on my Campy-equipped bikes, KMC strongly advises against reusing their MissingLink.
See below,
KMC Chain
For their 9 speed chains KMC offers a re-usable MissingLink.
A new MissingLink goes for about $6.00 retail. Not a bad deal for the convenience the ML offers.
Ride often...ride safely!
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,096 Times
in
742 Posts
HillRider, it is a bit more complicated than that.
For their 11 speed chains, such as the ones that I use on my Campy-equipped bikes, KMC strongly advises against reusing their MissingLink.
See below,
KMC Chain
For their 9 speed chains KMC offers a re-usable MissingLink.
A new MissingLink goes for about $6.00 retail. Not a bad deal for the convenience the ML offers.
Ride often...ride safely!
For their 11 speed chains, such as the ones that I use on my Campy-equipped bikes, KMC strongly advises against reusing their MissingLink.
See below,
KMC Chain
For their 9 speed chains KMC offers a re-usable MissingLink.
A new MissingLink goes for about $6.00 retail. Not a bad deal for the convenience the ML offers.
Ride often...ride safely!
#17
Friendship is Magic
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 22,984
Bikes: old ones
Mentioned: 304 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26400 Post(s)
Liked 10,373 Times
in
7,202 Posts
The latest generation of these tools has little jaw hooks going in both directions, so you can both install and remove them.
But they are not especially difficult to install without tools. I'm relatively certain KMC still makes standard, non-peened pin chains.
Their website is very well laid out, and explains which chains are which, in terms of the pins.
__________________
#18
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,843
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
612 Posts
You can open master links with a rock.
Set the master link at 3 o'clock on your crankset and pull the chain by one link so that the master link is sticking out like a ">" . Tap the tip of the ">" and it should pop open.
Set the master link at 3 o'clock on your crankset and pull the chain by one link so that the master link is sticking out like a ">" . Tap the tip of the ">" and it should pop open.
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
#19
Full Member
Thread Starter
#20
Full Member
Thread Starter
UPDATE:
I was able to disassemble the master link with my hands.......used my Park CT5 to pop a pin and shorten the chain to a more correct length....cleaned the chain and entire drive train.....reassembled and the bike shifts like butter!
Thanks for the advice!
I was able to disassemble the master link with my hands.......used my Park CT5 to pop a pin and shorten the chain to a more correct length....cleaned the chain and entire drive train.....reassembled and the bike shifts like butter!
Thanks for the advice!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sito
Bicycle Mechanics
10
01-18-16 12:28 PM