Originally Posted by Homebrew01 (Post 20023373)

No special tools required.
To remove, at "3 o'clock" on the large chainring, pull an extra link so it sticks out, tap with a rock to loosen.

Originally Posted by Shimagnolo (Post 20023896)

I don't have any 11s bikes, so I have not used any 11s chains, but what I see on the KMC website right now is:

CL555: M/L-11 » KMC Chain
CL555: (DLC coated) M/L-11-DLC » KMC Chain
CL555R ("reusable"): M/L-11R » KMC Chain

Originally Posted by tkamd73 (Post 20023920)

I have KMC chains on all my bikes, they all come with a quick-link, which is great if you have the tool, kind of fidddly if you don't. I don't, plus I'm really good with a chain tool, I toss the quick-links. Tim

Originally Posted by tkamd73 (Post 20023920)

I have KMC chains on all my bikes, they all come with a quick-link, which is great if you have the tool, kind of fidddly if you don't. I don't, plus I'm really good with a chain tool, I toss the quick-links. Tim

Originally Posted by SethAZ (Post 20024902)

Hey, I toss the pins and use a quick link instead. Too bad we're not neighbors.

Originally Posted by evan326 (Post 20024768)

Didn't we learn to stop using rocks as tools a few thousand years ago? What happens when you dent the chain, or worse if you miss and hit your bike?!

Originally Posted by woodcraft (Post 20024990)

You cannot be good enough with a chain tool to re-peen a modern chain.

This strategy needs rethinking, IMO.

Originally Posted by Homebrew01 (Post 20025004)

Much better idea.

Originally Posted by woodcraft (Post 20024990)

You cannot be good enough with a chain tool to re-peen a modern chain.

This strategy needs rethinking, IMO.

Originally Posted by tkamd73 (Post 20025011)

Well then I guess a KMZ Z7 is not a modern chain, or you don't know how to use a chain tool. Tim

Originally Posted by tkamd73 (Post 20024821)

All my bikes are 6 speed free wheels, except for one 7 speed free hub. If I chuck the KMC quick-link, why would I bother with the Shimano version, it's not an improvement. Yes I just use the chain tool to push the pin in and out. Been doing it that way for over 50 years never an issue.

Originally Posted by TimothyH (Post 20023840)

Get the pliers.

The first time I used them I realized that I should have had them 15 years ago.

Originally Posted by dmanthree (Post 20023249)

Sigh...

I went to replace the chain on my ride, and the new chain used the quick link connectors. First time for me. I got them to work but they're a pain, unless you have the special pliers, which I have now. Makes a big difference when removing or installing a chain with a quick link.

Every new bike I get involves something different. Quick links this time. Anyway, get the pliers. Well worth the money.

Originally Posted by tkamd73 (Post 20023920)

I have KMC chains on all my bikes, they all come with a quick-link, which is great if you have the tool, kind of fidddly if you don't. I don't, plus I'm really good with a chain tool, I toss the quick-links. Tim

Originally Posted by cyccommute (Post 20025684)

I found this clever tool for on the bike.

Originally Posted by HillRider (Post 20025621)

First, Shimano doesn't use a quick link, they join their chains with a one-use specific press in pin. They supply two pins with each new chain and sell extras. These pins are not to be removed or reused.

Second, you have successfully reused your chain tool to partially press out and in a standard pin because you are using older design wider chains. If you ever begin to use 8-speed or narrower chains with their flush, riveted pins your technique is highly likely to lead to chain failure.

Originally Posted by cyccommute (Post 20025684)

I found this clever tool for on the bike.

Originally Posted by dmanthree (Post 20026174)

The Ultegra chain I just bought last week came with quick links so, yes, Shimano does use them. They are very easy to use, with pliers.

Originally Posted by HillRider (Post 20026975)

Hmmm, that's interesting. I know a few years ago Shimano supplied a quick link with a couple of model chains and, after problems, went back to their joining pins. I wasn't aware they are using them again. All of my Shimano chains (CN-6600) are 10-speed and still use the joining pin. Is your chain an 11-speed?

Originally Posted by SethAZ (Post 20023836)

I'd bet half the people who use master links but refuse to buy the pliers that work well, make the job braindead simple, and can be had for less than $10 also own just one crescent wrench and use it for everything. "Hey, I've got a crescent wrench, and it works. I don't need to use the right stinking tool for the job. I know owning and using tools is part of being a man, but you know what's even more manly? Not owning tools, and using something else to half-ass every job that comes along!"

Fine. Everyone's going to do what they want, and that's fine. If they want to work on mechanical things but cheap out and not use the tools intended for the job then fine. It's not against the law. I used to be a helicopter mechanic in the Army, and I learned at the ripe old age of 18 while in school for that that one should always use the right tool for the job. Doesn't matter if it's a bike, a car, a helicopter, whatever. Everything goes much easier, and you tend to break fewer things, round off fewer nuts or bolts, and overall just save time and do a better job by just using the right tool for the job.

It's ten bucks for the tool. Just use it.

Originally Posted by dmanthree (Post 20026174)

The Ultegra chain I just bought last week came with quick links so, yes, Shimano does use them. They are very easy to use, with pliers.

:)

Originally Posted by Slaninar (Post 20027777)

However, there is another point - both money and room. And doing a job less often. For home use - 7, 8 and 9 speed chains quick links can be removed by hand. 10 and 11 are usually sold as "one time use". In practice they usually work for more open-close cycles, but generally, one could do with just a chain tool. You shorten the chain to size, put the quick link together, then when replacing the chain, you use the chain tool again. So, unless one is regularly using quick link to remove the chain for cleaning, using improvised methods is quite OK IMO.