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Can I use a 'wonder link' from a different model chain?

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Can I use a 'wonder link' from a different model chain?

Old 12-04-16, 06:36 AM
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Originally Posted by RandomTroll
I bought a cheap 'wonder-link' tool, the Evo, for $8. The ease of use makes it worthwhile to me. When 'wonder-links' were invented one couldn't re-use them; now one can, at least most models.
I bought one, too. It's a Pedro's that I paid $9.99 for. Now I need to find a less expensive resource for the links themselves. Damned progress...rather than just making things better, they always find ways to keep you paying!
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Old 12-04-16, 07:48 AM
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I made my own quick-link remover tool from a super cheap ("Anything in this bin $1") pair of needle-nose pliers. I filed the sides of the jaw tips thin enough to fit between the chain's side plates and then used a rat-tail file to make a shallow groove across the jaws about 1/4" from the ends. I slip the jaws into the chain and catch the quick-link's ends in the grooves just like the commercial pliers.
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Old 12-04-16, 10:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Papa Tom
I I need to find a less expensive resource for the links themselves.
Most of them are re-usable now. I've been re-using mine.

Components - Drive Train - Chains - Chain Links - Page 1 - Niagara Cycle

may be the cheapest source.
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Old 12-04-16, 09:13 PM
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I tried a SRAM Powerlink on two different Shimano chains (HG50 and HG71) and couldn't get it to even go on. It was my first attempt using them so it could be user error. (I doubt it though).

I have no problem with Shimano's non-reusable pins. A pack of 3 is only a few bucks and I always keep a few packs of them around, plus a few in each bike bag. I don't remove my chain to clean it so I guess that's why it works for me.
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Old 12-05-16, 06:49 AM
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I suppose, but I'm not surprised that, my LBS has priced them way out of line. I paid $3 + for a single link last time.
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Old 12-05-16, 07:37 AM
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Originally Posted by RandomTroll
Most of them are re-usable now. I've been re-using mine.

Components - Drive Train - Chains - Chain Links - Page 1 - Niagara Cycle

may be the cheapest source.
Hmmm, I notice, though, that the two-piece links (which is what I bought) are more expensive than the three-piece links, and are closer to the $3+ that I paid retail. Maybe I'm being unfair to my LBS.
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Old 12-05-16, 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted by wschruba
There's no reason to use one until you need (?) to break the chain, for whatever reason. The chain does come with the connecting pin, after all.
I've tried installing one of the connecting pins that come with the Shimano chain in the past. I ended up breaking the chain not much later on (one side of the link came off of the pin. I used a Park chain tool so maybe that shouldn't be used for that purpose? Who knows... This is a big reason I don't like Shimano (and any 9, 10 or 11 spd chain w/o a master link) in general. I switched to KMC which comes with the master link and never looked back. KMC is cheaper also (at least the non SL version). I recall being able to remove and install chain pins for older 7 speed all day long. Once I got 10 speed Shimano, I got a little lesson in just how finnicky the pins for that can be.

But to get back to the original question: Yes you should be able to get a master link from another vendor on a Shimano or other chain without a problem. Assuming that the master link is meant for that type of chain. I successfully used a Wippermann connex on a Shimano chain several years ago.

Last edited by ptempel; 12-05-16 at 02:15 PM.
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Old 12-05-16, 02:49 PM
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NB: " speeds" Generally means Width.. since more, in a standard width frame, requires every thing be a bit narrower.
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Old 12-05-16, 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by ptempel
I've tried installing one of the connecting pins that come with the Shimano chain in the past. I ended up breaking the chain not much later on (one side of the link came off of the pin. I used a Park chain tool so maybe that shouldn't be used for that purpose? Who knows... This is a big reason I don't like Shimano (and any 9, 10 or 11 spd chain w/o a master link) in general
Shimano is notoriously lax about publishing the little bits of useful information that would preclude stuff like the above from happening--they assume they are writing a technical blurb for a mechanic (who ostensibly already knows the foibles related to repair procedures). The pins in particular are difficult, because apart from the same general design (pin attached to pilot), the actual installation procedure of the pin feels different depending on the chain width (speed). Some have a final stop when the pin is flush with the out plate, some don't.

If you want to feel really alienated, Campagnolo chains are wonderful.

Anyway, my point was more that you don't need a master link until you need to break the chain again, which even for the most obsessive cleaner, shouldn't be sooner than a few weeks. I'd rather join the chain, and use the pin, than have it sitting around looking pretty (though I did know one mechanic who insisted they made fairly good pellets for a bb/pellet gun).
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