jcm

I installed those snap links in my chains. Is there an easy way to get them off? The antique link on my old 3-speed is a cinch but these SRAM's are stubborn as h&LL. Thanks.

Peek the Geek

Pinch the plates together and move them in opposite directions. It's almost like snapping your fingers.

cwilkes91

I drop the chain off the inside of the front chain ring. This creates enough slack to easily undo the links without the constant pressure applied by the deraileur.

amaferanga

Make sure there's plenty of slack in the chain and that there isn't any grit stopping the link from opening.

jp_nyc

and use rubber gloves for better grip in the "snapping" motion. Make sure you push the plates towards each other as you slide them.

Old Dirt Hill

+1

I remember a time that I fought with the plates for like 10 minutes before I realized that you have to pinch them before pushing them together. Snapping your fingers is a good way to describe it.

Urbanbiketech

If you really find yourself fiddling, tie two links (one from either side of the connector link) together with a twist-tie. This will free you from having to fight to keep the tension out of the chain.

Peek the Geek

This is good advice for breaking and reconnecting any type of chain. My Topeak multi-tool has a tool specifically for this. I got to try it out on the trail for the first time the other night, and it works pretty slick.

Wil Davis

You need one of these:

Peek the Geek

Yep, that's the thing on my Topeak multi-tool.

operator

Some of them aren't designed to be unlinked by the way. They are put on once and done.

jp_nyc

Yep, the 10sp.

Peek the Geek

There are SRAM links designed to only be used once???
And SRAM has a 10spd link???
Am I in the dark here?

jp_nyc

https://www.velonews.com/tech/report/...es/9723.0.html

HillRider

SRAM 10-speed was just introduced to go with their brand new 10-speed road groups. The master link for it is "install once and never remove" according to the write up in the latest Velo News.

Peek the Geek

Huh. Guess I should keep up.
FWIW, the permanent link thing kind of stinks, in my opinion. Even on my Shimano 10spd chain I'm successfully running a reusable Powerlink.

Nubie

I use a paperclip bent open, with hooked ends, similar to this. Works like a charm and doesn't cost a cent.

erader

park sells pliers that cost about $12 and work perfectly.

erader

operator

Or you could use a paperclip and your hands...? For next to free?

jcm

Thanks all. I thought it would be easier somehow. I'll try the paper clip thing first.

capwater

Connex makes a 10 speed link that should be re-usable.

Peek the Geek

In spite of the wide range of responses, it really is as simple as the "snapping your finger" technique I mentioned previously. Keep in mind, though, a dirty, dry link is typically more difficult to get off. Make sure it's clean and lubed if you're still having trouble. Once you figure it out it'll be just as easy as you hope.

jcm

I've heard it said that if you, "give a chimp a hand grenade, he will eventually learn to pull the pin."

Got it. Thanks again.

simplify

FWIW, I found that the Powerlink on the 8-speed chains (the silver link) is MUCH more difficult to open the first few times, than the 9-speed (gold) link. We have both in our house, and the gold 9-speed link opened easily with light pinching, from the very first time. The 8-speed silver link, was a total nightmare pain-in-the-a$$ for the first five or so times that I opened it. Then it seemed easier, and now it's almost as easy as the 9-speed gold links.

It can also be tricky to find the right degree of pinch to move the plates, because it's possible to pinch TOO hard and bind them that way, whichever link you're using.

Jed19

If you have some dirt on the 8-speed silver links, shoot some WD-40 on the links to dissolve some of the dirt b/4 trying to open the link.

Once this is done, opening the link is easy.