Finally replaced the 10 speed chains on both bikes. KMC says the master link is reusable. SRAM says their link is for one time use.

Kind of vague description for both chains. Does anyone have a ballpark amount of times the KMC link can be reused?
And what makes the SRAM one time use only?

Up until now, I've always used Shimano non-master link chains.

Thanks!

There may be technical reasons requiring one time use, ie. a bit of a snap action that won't handle repeated use well. OTOH - it might simply be a legal CYA based in marginally increased risk of failure with repeated use.

I can't say how often a link can be reused, but I'm a firm believer that links wear with the chains and so cannot be reused on a new chain. I use Wippermann chains and the Connex design is very tolerant of reuse, so I keep the link with the chain until the chain is worn out.

In any case, I can't see any reason to reuse a link more than 5 or so times within the life of a chain, and KMC's reusable link is probably OK that far.

Somewhere on the KMC website I saw a mention of 3 reuses for the Missing Links. But they don't seem to emphasize that as if anything catastrophic might happen after 4 uses. The packaging for Missing Links and chains that include a Missing Link just say it's reusable.

To be on the safe side, I replace them after one use usually, especially on my mtn bike. I don't want to be broken down way out in the boonies.

the pins in the master links wear just like the rest of the chain's pins wear.

the quick link is good for the life of the chain... it can be removed and reinstalled multiple times, just don't expect it to outlast that particular chain... they make great emergency backups in your tool pouch, though.

I've reused 10 speed SRAM links many times over the course of that chains life without issue. New chain-new link

I consider that "single use" equates to "use on one chain only", so I open/reclose a link as much as I need and then toss the link and chain together at end-of-life.

IIRC, this confusion began with SRAM 10 speed links labeled for one use only. I've never seen any clarification from SRAM as to whether that actually means "one use" or "one chain." A KMC rep posted here and confirmed that KMC links could be reused for the life of one chain. It's good to hear that some are successfully reusing 10 speed SRAM iinks, having more options is better.

I don't know if this is correct but a few years ago I read that SRAM recommended a single use for their 10-speed links because they may have had a design patent conflict with another maker if they recommended reuse. SRAM never recommended against reuse for their 9-speed and earlier links.

I, too, use one link with one chain until the chain is worn. I usually keep one master link in my saddle bag, along with mini-tool and spare tube, in case another chain blows up and I need one to ride home. It's worked so far to keep all my chains running smooth -- never had to use one. Sort of like putting on sunscreen to make it rain...

Yea as above indicates Opinions Differ..

If that is your worry, why not simply carry a spare in case your multi-used one breaks while in the boonies. If it doesn't break until you change the chain, then you've saved yourself X# of quicklinks...

I keep a quicklink and a chain breaker (built into my multitools) because you'll need to remove the outer plate before you can insert a new quicklink. Mentioning it just in case your multitools doesn't have a chain breaker.

I've used a couple of KMC 10sp. links for almost the life of several chains and around 10k miles each link. Never had one fail in any way and they get taken apart on average about every 400 miles. I replace them when there is visible wear in the pins. Some think this is nutty but I like to find these things out for myself as to how long they really last. I'm no power monster but do weigh about 200lbs. Just my experience.

A question borne of ignorance here, but wishing to learn.

I noticed that these quicklinks/master links are identified be "speed" relative to chains. Is this because of the number of cogs in a cassette, which would govern the space between them, thus the width of the chain and its suitable quicklink??

Basically, Yes.

Thanks. Had you said no, I'd have been lost.

^^Should be said that in an emergency you can use a link designed for a fewer speed chain (using an 8 or 9sp link, which is wider, on a 10sp chain) but not the other way around.

Thanks all for the great replies and experiences. It's nice to know the link will last the life of the chain, I originally thought they meant you take it off a few times, you had to put a new one on. I added to my saddle bag kit a chain tool, extra links and a spare master link and pliers, a U-shaped bent spoke to hold the chain together while changing master link. Seems the older I get, the more I worry about getting stuck somewhere. Only once decades ago I got stuck with a blown tire in the middle of nowhere. So luckily, some wonderful teenagers in a old pickup truck stopped and gave me a ride to the nearest town. My faith in humanity was restored. To this day, I wish those kids a good life.