|
I don't generally have problems undoing master links, but the last chain I replaced on my beater (which was pretty well rust and gunk covered, and old) wouldn't come undone, even with a tool. Chain breaker worked fine, since it was junk.
|
Originally Posted by loimpact
(Post 16639517)
Care to point us in the right direction???
(I tried looking but not having good luck. The strength of a tool like this is in the hinge point. Small jaws & lots of handle make for lots of torque. One might immediately assume snap-ring pliers, but I've also read forums where they say they don't work like the Park tool does) TIA This is in the UK, but I'm sure there are similar available in the US. |
Originally Posted by Gerryattrick
(Post 16640635)
Birzman Chain Link Removing Tool | Evans Cycles
This is in the UK, but I'm sure there are similar available in the US. |
|
Originally Posted by RandomTroll
(Post 16640224)
Darn!
I'm not sure I have it right. What you recommend sounds obvious, and what I tried. Let me see if I understand: pinch one end of the ML with the thumb and index finger behind the pin, do the same for the other end with the other hand, squeeze the link between each thumb and finger, then push both ends together. That it? I thought I tried that. It's curious that some people have no idea what I'm talking about - they've never had a problem using their fingers, and one guy never had a problem until he used a KMC. I've been working with chains for years but always used a chain tool after the first 'miracle link' installation; the early ones worked only once. Here's the KMC tool for $9.45 KMC Missing Link Opener @ eBikeStop.com . I find almost any bike part cheaper at a bike site than Amazon. Shipping makes a difference for some, of course. Same people sell KMC chains by the box of 25 cheap. |
I just did this last night and I didn't have a paperclip, but had thick wire. I cut piece of wire about 4" long, then bent each end at 90 degrees - sort of like a "U" shape, but longer and straighter. I placed the ends of the wire between chain links to help take tension off the chain, freeing up the links where the master link goes and it made it easier to do the squeeze & push routine. Hope this helps.
|
Originally Posted by RandomTroll
(Post 16640224)
Darn!
I'm not sure I have it right. What you recommend sounds obvious, and what I tried. Let me see if I understand: pinch one end of the ML with the thumb and index finger behind the pin, do the same for the other end with the other hand, squeeze the link between each thumb and finger, then push both ends together. That it? I thought I tried that. It's curious that some people have no idea what I'm talking about - they've never had a problem using their fingers, and one guy never had a problem until he used a KMC. I've been working with chains for years but always used a chain tool after the first 'miracle link' installation; the early ones worked only once. Here's the KMC tool for $9.45 KMC Missing Link Opener @ eBikeStop.com . I find almost any bike part cheaper at a bike site than Amazon. Shipping makes a difference for some, of course. Same people sell KMC chains by the box of 25 cheap. The first few times I tried to do it I found it a bit of a faff, not least because the chain kept bending around what I was trying to do. I think I take the tension off the chain so it's slack and hold the ends between by little fingers and palms, so I'm only working with the link and not fighting the chain tension as well. If you've got a chain hook (or anything to take the tension off the section with the missing link) that would do as well. |
Originally Posted by loimpact
(Post 16641030)
And you'd think there would be, but unfortunately, that's not the case. It appears that between amazon & ebay, there just ain't much showing under $10, so might as well just order the Park or KMC tool around $13-$15 anyway.
|
Originally Posted by contango
(Post 16638693)
I use KMC X9 chains and just open the link with my hands. Squeeze the plates together, then push the ends together, and it opens. If you push the ends slightly together as you squeeze the plates together that may help.
|
The 9spd links are pretty tough when new...... Once they have been opened a few times, they get a lot easier, but are still secure.
|
Originally Posted by Metaluna
(Post 16642236)
Go for the Park 1.2 tool. It's the same price as the KMC (maybe a dollar or two more), and they added a second set of indentations so you can use them to install the link as well as remove it. Some of the KMC links are very tight when they're new and need a lot of force to snap them together.
|
1 Attachment(s)
All of this is why I finally switched to Wippermann master links last year. No tools, 2 seconds to open, never stuck, reliable. http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=372883
|
2 Attachment(s)
I just position the needle nose pliers at an angle to the plates, so that squeezing pushes them in the right direction to open the link. Works every time.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=372894http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=372895 |
Originally Posted by rpenmanparker
(Post 16642626)
There is no difficulty locking the link if you place the assembled link on the top run of chain, hold the rear wheel, and turn the crank forward. Using the crank to apply the force makes it easy.
|
OK whats wrong with the approaved recomended method of just punching it out with a chain tool and replacing the master link seems pretty simple.
|
Originally Posted by zukahn1
(Post 16643313)
OK whats wrong with the approaved recomended method of just punching it out with a chain tool and replacing the master link seems pretty simple.
|
Originally Posted by melloveloyellow
(Post 16644016)
I re-use these links, many times. A chain tool destroys the link.
|
Originally Posted by zukahn1
(Post 16643313)
OK whats wrong with the approaved recomended method of just punching it out with a chain tool and replacing the master link seems pretty simple.
|
Originally Posted by zukahn1
(Post 16643313)
OK whats wrong with the approaved recomended method of just punching it out with a chain tool and replacing the master link seems pretty simple.
|
Originally Posted by zukahn1
(Post 16643313)
OK whats wrong with the approaved recomended method of just punching it out with a chain tool and replacing the master link seems pretty simple.
I use DSaul's method the first time or two, after which they open easily enough by hand. I just join and open them a few times before I put it on the bike. I have never had to break a chain on the road (knock wood!) but I carry a spare master link and my multitool does have a chainbreaker. |
Didn't really want to start a new thread, so I'm kind of piggy-backing on this.
Has anyone been reusing the KMC 11 Missling Link, despite the fact that they are labeled "non-reusable"? On my 9 speed bike, the link was reusable, but as of now I've not seen any reusable 11 speed links. I've read that some people have had success reusing them, and some people have even used the reusable 10 speed links on their 11 speed chains. In other words, I'm cheap and don't want to replace links or pins every time I remove my chain. :) |
1 Attachment(s)
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=373518
This is all it takes. It's all about the angle at which you set the jaws on the link. I do about 10 chains a day, and it never takes more than 5 seconds. |
Originally Posted by Homebrew01
(Post 16637758)
I like the "hit it with a rock" method. It's free.
Set the master link at 3 o'clock on the crank, then pull an extra link of chain so the master link now sticks out in a ' > ' at 3'oclock. Hit it with a rock and it should pop open. Tried to break an exceedingly stubborn Missing Link from my 10 spd Novara Randonee. Press and wiggle-wiggle didn't work, pliers didn't work. I put the stubborn link on the big chain ring, lifted the chain and skipped a tooth and hit it (actually tapped lightly a few times) with a rubber mallet (I couldn't find a rock in my air conditioned guest bedroom/personal bike shop :lol: ). It came out in less than 5 sec. Putting in the new chain with its new Missing Link was a pain too...:cry: |
I carry a tiny Vice Grip in the seat pack to remove quick links and because such a tool is handy for many jobs.
|
Originally Posted by rydabent
(Post 16637772)
Wanderer +1
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:18 PM. |
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.