Master Link vs. replacing pin on 9 speed chain
 

I'm having a problem getting the pin I put back into place on my 9 speed chains. I get them back in place then after a while this link seems to get too much stress and it ends up flaring out and the chain falls off.

So, I temporarially put a spare master link in place and I have not have any problems with it. This is on my Mt. bike and I only ride the mt. bike on the trails.

So, my question is what is better putting the pin back in or using the master link when there is a chain problem. or you have to add or take away links?

If getting the pin back in is the solution, what is the best way to get the pin back in and have it function properly?

This is the Shram 9 speed 951, or 971 chain. I can't remember.

A master link/quick link is for all practical purposes just as strong as the rest of the chain, so if you have trouble joining the chain by the tool just go with the links instead.

If you are trying to reuse an old pin in a Shimano chain , it will never stay together. You need to use a replacement pin that you snap the end off. That being said, I usually use the quick links myself.

Read the last line of his post.

OP: You better reconnect that chain with a quicklink. Those Sram 9 speed chains were never designed for pin reuse. You WILL break the chain at an inopportune time.

If the chain is a protruding pin model, you never completely remove the pin. You push it most of the way out but leave one end engaged with the outer plate, so it goes right back in.

If you have a flush pin chain, it should never be rejoined with the same pin. Shimano chains use a replacement pin. I'd use a properly fitting master link to rejoin a chain or buy a brand that comes with a master link.

Only time use Shimano, was when they come with the bike. I always use either, Shram, Sachs, or Nashbar with the master link, but I would like to be able to put the pin back in the chain, as the master links are pricey compared to the chain ~ $5 ea.

So, what is the best way to get the pin back in, center so that it can handle the load / stress of the bike?

OK. The Sharm are the flush type. So, I will stick with having spare master links for repairs. I'll keep the one I already put in the chain. There was only 300 miles on the chain, so, I think its too early to replace.

+1
This is the correct answer.

I've fitted many a chain using 9 speed Nashbar, KMC, Sram and I push the pin only partially out (completely on one side, left in on the other side) and then I've reconnected and never had a problem. I've had chains come apart and just use an extra link.

Just because you're not very wise and ignore the fact the one side of the pin has almost NO holding power after it's been pushed out, doesn't mean the rest of us should do the same. Most flush pins actually break off a ring of metal when pushed out. There's nothing left to hold that end of the pin in place.

Also, regarding the powerlinks, those are reuseable. They are intended to last the life of the chain.

That would explain why it broke the 2nd time. It broke on the trail and I didn not have a chain tool, and I went down the hill and a guy had a tool and put the pin back in. It rode OK for about 1/2 a day. Then next day on the trail, it broke halfway up the mountain, and I did not have any master pins to put in it or a tool. So, thanks for the education on chains, I really appreciate it.

Another question I have, is the excess chain I took off when I changed the chain, That piece is pretty much useless unless you connect it with the master link, or is there a good reason to hang on that section of the chain?

Junk the chain. Start over. Follow the instructions.

Make toe rings for teenage groupie girls who follow you around when you are out riding.

There's no need for that. He can just keep using the chain rejoined with the master link. That's what they're for after all.

Duh. Not after it's been broken in MORE than one place and the replaced pin locations are not known. Okay if the chain breaks once and you replace the pair of affected outer plates with a master link.

If it came apart at the same link there's no real difference. Which is my guess of what happened.

I'm pretty sure that the link that broke was the same one where the pin was put back in. If not, I will find out tomorrow on my ride up Ben Lomond. I'll take an extra chain on the trail just in case it breaks so that I will be prepared.