I have a KMC DX10sc chain that I need to shorten by several links. It's on a bike now fully assembled.

Question:

Can I use a chain tool to "break" the chain and reassemble, or do I need to use a masterclip or special replacement pin?

I've used chain tools in the past on other bikes and have a Park CT5 tool that I'd like to use for the job.

Any advice before I just go for it?

Thanks in advance.

The tool can be used for pushing out a pin to shorten the length. However the reassembly should be done with a connecting link specific to the chain. I suggest that you go 1 link at a time, when shortening, then test the chain's function/shifting before deciding to remove more links. Andy.

dx10sc comes up empty on the KMC website. ????

so i'll guess that it is some kind of KMC 10 speed chain. IME, nowadays, KMC does not advertise any chain designed for multi speed bikes to be re-assembled with a pin that has been pushed out by a chainbreaker. that doesn't mean that you can't remove links with a chainbreaker. but you most likely will need to reassemble the chain with a master link.

^^This^^ There is most likely already a master link. Open the link, and remove links from one of the ends.

No --- Yes in that order.

Cutting is never a problem except that chains with peened links are harder to break. However these chains are totally dependent on having the pin peened overt the plate to stay together. That's why they need connectors.

Running a flush link narrow chain with a pin that was pressed back and isn't peened creates real risk of a plate spreading beyond the end of the rivet and the chain snapping when under load.

The DX10SC was discontinued and replaced by the X10.93, which might explain why it's not on their web site. Both of those chains come with a "missing link" connecting link. That link is probably already on the bike. Break the chain by removing that link, use a chain tool to punch out a pin and shorten the chain, then reinstall the "missing link" connector.

10 speed [not 5x2 10] you only can remove links , not add them back in ..

Thanks!!!

I've been watching you tube videos of taking a KMC masterlink apart.

Is the special pliers-looking tool required....or does anyone have any tips? Can it be taken apart any other way?

I've been able to open mine by hand, although I do have the Park Tool chain link pliers and they do make the job easier.

I tried opening a missing link by hand and couldn't do it. I would think any needle nose pliers that are narrow enough to fit through the link would do it. If you need to buy those you may as well buy the real tool.

If you hold the chain with the master link horizontal and the adjacent links flexed at 90 degrees (think Stonehenge with the master link as the top) you can use any pair of pliers to squeeze it open. I find that after it has been opened a time or two, it can be done by hand.

I believe that KMC recommends against re-use of their Missing Link.

(As soon as I post this there will be others posting how they have re-used the Missing Link, over and over, without a problem )

To the OP, the tools are not that expensive and will make your life easier whenever you take the chain apart and re-assemble it.

Good luck!

IIRC, KMC doesn't recommend against the reuse of their link on a given chain but that when you replace the chain you should use the new link that came with it.

SRAM, for reasons never explained but possibly a patent issue, does recommend against the reuse of their 10-speed master link even on the chain it accompanied.

HillRider, it is a bit more complicated than that.

For their 11 speed chains, such as the ones that I use on my Campy-equipped bikes, KMC strongly advises against reusing their MissingLink.

See below,

KMC Chain

For their 9 speed chains KMC offers a re-usable MissingLink.

A new MissingLink goes for about $6.00 retail. Not a bad deal for the convenience the ML offers.

Ride often...ride safely!

OK, 11-speed is apparently a different animal and I've not progressed (if that's the proper term) that far yet. Thanks for the update.

No problem. You have previously posted a lot of good info. I just wanted to add to your database of knowledge.

...I have certainly re-used them, but not over and over and over and over. The tool really does make opening and removal easier.
The latest generation of these tools has little jaw hooks going in both directions, so you can both install and remove them.

But they are not especially difficult to install without tools. I'm relatively certain KMC still makes standard, non-peened pin chains.
Their website is very well laid out, and explains which chains are which, in terms of the pins.

You can open master links with a rock.

Set the master link at 3 o'clock on your crankset and pull the chain by one link so that the master link is sticking out like a ">" . Tap the tip of the ">" and it should pop open.

Thanks for al lthe tips and advice guys......
[MENTION=13460]Homebrew01[/MENTION]....We don't need no stinkin' tools!!!

UPDATE:

I was able to disassemble the master link with my hands.......used my Park CT5 to pop a pin and shorten the chain to a more correct length....cleaned the chain and entire drive train.....reassembled and the bike shifts like butter!

Thanks for the advice!