Dramatic title for attention :-). I just bought this from a guy, and it has zero miles on it. He did try to mount it on his cranks but it wasn’t a fit. I just realized that one of the bolt holes is separated and doesn’t sit flush. He’s a good guy and has offered a refund. Didn’t realize it was affected when he tried to fit it. My question is, will it still work okay and is it safe? The part of the ring that is separated doesn’t sit flush (maybe due to adhesive spots not lining up). Help appreciated. If it helps, the ring is a Shimano SLX M7000. About $25 or $30 new, paid $10. Mounting on FSA crankset.

Take the refund, the part is clearly defective.

Man, that’s disappointing.

So probably not safe/smart to try to force it back together and let the bolts try to pull it back into true?

Not familiar with this chainring but I'd be willing to give it a try. Install it and see how it goes. Are you able to push the pieces together using pliers?

There looks to maybe be some type of adhesive or something where the two pieces were joined. I was concerned that putting some type of clamp on it (the area available for clamping/pliers is small) would deform the ring before pressing it back together. That gap you see, I can’t tell 100% if that’s caused by left over residue not mating properly between pieces, or if the top portion actually was deformed somehow. I didn’t even know this bolt “sleeve” was a two part component - can’t imagine the benefit of that.

Hi, I would like to know that as well. Could you share some light on this?

Use a vise, very carefully, should be able to slip the two pieces together, just make sure it 'flushes' with the surface like the other ones. It will not 'deform' with the vise. Then install as usual, should be good to go.

As shown. Don't use unprotected jaws or you will mar the chainring.

That’s what I’m trying to figure out, why they don’t seem to mate back together well. Hmmm.

Just talked to Shimano tech support and shared pics. They couldn’t / wouldn’t say safe to use and suggested I send it in warranty evaluation. Since I’m not even the first Owner I’ll just return it to the guy I bought it from. The tech I spoke with also wasn’t familiar with why it would have a two-part bolt sleeve.

Why bother, if you can get a refund?

I will, just always looking to save a little. Chainring was a deal so trying to make it work. Sounds like it’s not worth the risk though.

Looks like an over complicated & overpriced POS chain ring to me. I'm an advocate of Vuelta & FSA chainrings. Be good. Have Fun.

Does it even fit? M7000 uses 96mm proprietary nonsymmetricsl BCD. I doubt FSA makes non-standard cranks.

I may be wrong and they could have made something unusual.

I say send it back to Shimano. You get a new chainring and it may help Shimano find a potential issue with their manufacturing or quality control. I received a cassette once with two of the same size cogs in it and Shimano headquarters in Japan wanted it back in a big way. Very good customer service IMO.

I just took it back to the seller. He was very cool about it and refunded me. Thanks all.