SRAM very clearly says Powerlock for one time use and must be replaced on a new chain. That makes sense. But why can't it be used again if just taking chain off to clean?

No one seems to know exactly why SRAM says not to reuse it but I read one explanation that they have a patent interference problem if they allow reuse. If there is a mechanical reason, I've never heard about it.

I reuse them for the life of a chain which usually includes 4-6 removals and installations.

Thanks. It's back on and chain will be given a good cleaning more often.

Powerlock is a 10 and 11 speed product - is that correct?

I recently reused one after removing the chain for cleaning and lube, I opened it up a second time when I replaced the RD, it popped open considerably easier the second time vs. the first. I then ordered a four pack so I can replace it and have some spares.

On my personal chains, I reuse them all the time. On customer bikes, we replace per SRAM service instruction. I always offer the old link back to customers as a spare to carry with them.

It helps to have official removal pliers. It's possible to overstress joint where the pin is riveted into its side plate and have it come loose. I had that happen once out of (re)using these many times. I took it off the chain and a pin just fell out of its plate. I don't know if it's something I did, a faulty link, or what... It doesn't worry me.

I've reused it a couple of times, but then just bought a different brand of quicklink (maybe KMC? I'd have to look) that is "officially" reusable to use instead and put the used powerlock in the seat bag for a spare.

I want to know how you get the dang things off. Needed to clean the rear cassette yesterday and could not get the chain off.

KMC sells both the "reusable" (non-latching), and "nonreusable" (latching) links.
However, when you buy a KMC *chain* they randomly put either type in there, with no clue on the box which it is.

For Superlink/SRAM/KMC links, the easiest thing to get them off it this: Park Tool Co. » MLP-1.2 : Master Link Pliers : Chain
This works for both the latching and non-latching types.

When I questioned the LBS mech why he had reused the quicklink contrary to SRAM guidelines,

He said "Huh, wut? Been reusing them for years, no prob."

My quicklink pliers hack:
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...l#post16414716

I never knew SRAM links were not reusable on 10 speed drivetrains. I thought it was only 11-speed where the issue occurred. I am pretty sure KMC, which is what I use now, does not recommend against reusing their link on a 10-speed chain, only on 11-speed.

KMC makes *two* different links, as I explained above: KMC Chain

Given that 9+s chains have flush pins and thus countersunk pin riveting, it seems reasonable that some design limitations are being approached as chains get narrower; a quick link generally requires two thicknesses on the side plate... It appears that some folks can design a reusable quick link for narrow chains (if SRAM's is really just sidestepping a patent, they need to get the informal word out); if they work well when used properly, they're definitely preferable to anything else, IMO.

Having to replace a link or pin for cleaning is a bit sub-optimal; once the chain's started to show some wear, you're introducing an unworn pin or two, which is going to generate some additional wear on rings and cogs due to the slight discrepancy in effective link pitch. I know it sounds pretty anal to mention it, but given the sometimes drastic effects of very subtle wear on drivetrains, I think it should be noted. It's tempting to re-use an old quick link on a new chain, but if you can see or rather feel any wear on the pins with your fingernail, don't do it.

Would it be possible for you to show photos of the two different models of connector. I can't find any references to them except here. Competitive Cyclist doesn't mention them on their KMC writeup but says KMC recommends reusing their connectors "two-three times" without any mention of latching or not latching. I have no idea which kind I have.

Attached is a photo of the latching "non-reusable" link. The thickness of the raised area is very tight on the slot in the pin and must be forced past until it reaches the thinner area to the right. This cause the latching effect.

Right now I'm not finding a close-up photo of the non-latching "reusable" version, but it is easy to describe. In the non-latching version, the raised area is the same thickness as the portion to the right, so it slips easily into position, and can be easily slipped back open with just finger pressure.

The KMC "reusable" link is just like the SRAM 8s & 9s PowerLINK (and the original SuperLink),
and the KMC "non-reusable" link is just like the SRAM 10s & 11s PowerLOCK.

in addition to the Sram powerlinks and powerlocks I've been using over the years, which are pretty much the same mechanism as the KMC links, I bought a couple of these in 9 and 10 speed last year. I haven't used them on the 10 speed chain yet, but have been using one without problem on a 9 speed bike. It is easier than the Sram or KMC links to remove with bare hands. Much different mechanism of action:

Well I learned something new. I thought the term "reuse" meant they didn't want you to remove the quick links from the chain as in using a chain tool. I had no idea that it meant the act of releasing the chain in order to take it off and clean it.