Universal Link...can't free it up!
 

Okay, spring is in the air, and it is time to deal with my chain for some routine maintenance. I always have trouble freeing up the universal link and wondered if there is a trick out there that I am missing?!

What type/brand of link/chain? Are you sure the universal link is made to take apart? Do you have a chain tool and access to a LBS? Andy.

Brand, I don't know, but, aren't the universal links always made to be able to break apart? Or is it just an easy way to snap it on, and, once seated, is there to stay. I can use a chain tool, but, I was just trying to avoid it.

Should be easy after the first time.

Might be a cue that you should just replace the chain with a new one..

This an 1/8" wide chain 3 piece master link?

There's a Park Tool thingie, I don't know the model name, that makes it a LOT easier.

There's more than one kind... can you post a picture?

If its a two piece quick link system like KMC or SRAM master-link pliers make the job a snap. Those are easy to put on but .... claims of easy field servicing without tool are a little exaggerated.

Thanks to all...I got it with good 'ol persistence - it just took 1/2 hour of jiggling it after lubing it, and making my fingers very sore! I have a clean chain now. It is a 2 piece system, and I will look into getting the mystery tool.
FYI...I didn't see this in time but here was one solution http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=1885

Simple chain wear test.

Measure 1 foot of your chain, they start out with all pins falling on 1/2" centers ,
at the 12th inch on the ruler , how much further is that last pin? + 1/16th", 1/8th" or what ?

I discovered it's best to practice with Quik Links before you put them on the bike. You have a better understanding of how they are "supposed" to come apart.

Tool: http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...ls.php?id=8480

I saw no mention of what speed/brand chain, but if:
a) It is a SRAM 8s or 9s PowerLINK, it comes apart with just finger pressure.
b) It is SRAM 10s PowerLOCK, it requires the tool.
c) It is KMC, some work like "a", and some work like "b", and they randomly put one or the other in the package with the chain.

My issue was definitely not wear...it was a newish chain that has been sitting since last October. Really, I just always have a hard time getting those links apart!

Pinch them together, then slide in and split.

I recommend the Park Tool Pliers. I bought mine on eBay for about $12 a long time ago, and I can report it was money well-spent.

When I have a problem with mine I just use a pair of pliers and squeeze them diagonally until they pop loose.

I never had problems on 6-8 speed masters, but do on the 10s. I ground the tips on a pair of needle nose I found in the street to make a master link plier. SRAM powerlinks

I'm going to punch every person in the fact that gives this advice......as soon as I get the feeling back in my thumbs and fingertips

I find that the dirtier the chain is the harder it is to disconnect these links. I suspect that the grime is taking up some of the space that the link plates need to squeeze together before the pins will release from the slots. Andy.

I just waged war with a brand new one so while your theory sounds plausible, the new ones are a beyotch too

A lot of people are oblivious to the fact there are TWO different kinds from both KMC and SRAM.
See my earlier post.
If you have the latching type, you will *NOT* separate it with bare hands.

This is the best method I've seen that doesn't use any special tools. Hell, you could even use a rock to do it. http://www.ctc.org.uk/file/member/201107050_0.pdf

Ya beat be to it. Seems simple enough.

This is awesome!

At KMC, we promote our reusable Missing Links (example: 10 speed CL559R where R = reusable) to be tool free; unfortunately, sometimes they are not due to debris buildup in the link or other factors.

Same here. When I take mine apart, I squirt a little WD-40 on the sideplates to wash out the spooge. Then they come right apart.

FWIW: I use 9-speed SRAM chains and master links on all my bikes.