Originally Posted by
hamster
Sram Powerlock is not reusable. It says so right in the manual that comes with the chain. I quote: "The Power-Lock is for one-time use only! Always use a new PowerLock when fitting a new chain. Once the PowerLock is installed it can only be removed by means of a chain tool." I spent some time trying to open the master link a while back and confirmed that it could not be opened by hand. If I shorten the chain and then some time later I want to lengthen it again, I'm apparently supposed to use two master links in one chain.
P.S. So, the bottom line is that (at least with SRAM) the chain tool can only be used to break the chain, and I need to get a new master link every time I want to reconnect it?
According the SRAM, yes. Single use only. I've removed them to clean chains and re-used them (Park makes a tool specifically to remove
quick links )
on the same chain. KMC makes reuseable links, but I'd always replace them when installing a new chain. If you're going to replace the chain because it's worn, don't re-use the most important link...cuz it's worn too.