New Pin Everytime?
 

Yesterday I took my chain off to clean my derailer.
This is about the third time I have taken it off without
changing the pin.Chain fell off on first hill of ride yesterday.
I found the pin,but it was too loose now to go back in.

It is a shimano chain.Do I have to get a new pin every time
I take the chain off?

Thanks, Jeff

Yes and no. First off, you cannot reuse an original pin in a Shimano chain. The pin opens up the holes in the link a bit when you drive it out so the old pin is not tight when reinserted. Shimano makes a special replacement pin that you can use. The key here is that you must break the chain at a different place each time and use a new repacement pin.

However, there is an alternative. Instead of using replacement pins, go down to your LBS and buy an SRAM Powerlink. The gold Powerlinks work on a 9-speed Shimano chain just fine despite SRAM's warning not to use a Powerlink on a Non-SRAM chain. Or, you could just buy an SRAM chain with the Powerlink if you are parnoid.

BTW, if you have broken your chain at two other places without using the replacement pins, you need to replace those reused pins or get a new chain before those links fail.

That's one reason why I have not used a Shimano chain in over 15 years...

I also prefer SRAM chains because of the "Powerlink" feature. Serving as a master link, you can disengage the link with your fingers in about 3 seconds. And replacement is even quicker. I've used one for the past 5 years on my mountain bike and the link never released while riding. Since it's so easy to remove, it encourages me to soak my chain more often.

In fact, I just bought a Gary Fisher Cake 2DLX, and before the first ride, I replaced the stock Shimano chain with a SRAM PC 69.

The SRAM chains don't cost more than other chains. An 8 speed goes for around $12, 9-speed $18 ish.

Another vote for a Sram chain. Not just for the Powerlink, but you can reuse pins in the event the chain does break. Just remove the half link you need removed, then reinstall the pin. Just don't push out the old pin.

Why Shimano hasn't developed their own version of the Powerlink is beyond me. Needing a chain tool to remove a chain is just plain silly. It went out with the 10-speed.

Totally agree. Like cutting off your laces everytime you want to take off your shoes.

I also learnt the hard way; my Shimano chain busted twice in a year, straight after reusing the pins.
I've since been using the replacement (snap-off) pins and have had no trouble.

Could it be the Shimano chains? I've never thought about it. It could just be my dodgy work.

Before I bought my chain breaker, local bike shop guys had been reusing my old pins for years and years without any problem, but back then I was mainly using Sedis chains (or Sachs, or whatever they're called).

Simply use the correct SRAM master link for your Shimano chain. Easy to take on and off for cleaning, and reusable many times. I've had many bikes all with Shimano chains, and ZERO problems with the chains.

everybody seems to think that the SRAM link is the way to go....ive got one on my bike (came stock) but I have not been able to get it off. Knowing me im probibly missing some important step to getting it off. It really seems like it would be a handy thing to have once i figure out how to get it off....so i give the powerlink another vote...well a half vote:D

It's easy once you know how. You have to pinch the halfs of the link together and push them towards each other, then they'll come apart. Once you have the link off, you can easily see how it works and practice taking it apart/putting it together. In a few minutes you'll be an old pro. Or a young pro depending on your age. :)

It's hard to explain how to disassemble the link, but once you know the "trick", its pretty slick. It may help to clean the link to help see the details and allow your fingers to grip onto the link so you can slide the pins towards each other. If you look at the side plate of the link, you'll notice a "cut-out" looking feature which gives a clue on how to disassemble.

Right now, they're called SRAMs. :D Sachs/Sedi-Huret was bought by SRAM in 1997.

I have a Sachs pc 61 on my mtb. forgot it was a powerlink untill three days ago, upon discovery I immediatly soaked it in a kerosene like parts cleaner over night. I used to use a chain machine but soaking works mucho better and is easier.