KMC 11-speed "Missing Link"?
 

Looking at the 11-speed version of the venerable missing link. I understand that they are not reusable and a new one must be installed every time you separate the chain. I understand that they are removable (like all the other missing links) with an assist from "removable link pliers" (black handles) as shown below.

My question: Do I need the "missing link installation pliers" (red handles) that KMC sells? Are the 11-speed missing links tricky to install and easily ruined if not installed just right? Frankly I don't understand the need for these installation pliers. Actually I don't even understand how they work since it looks like when you squeeze the handles together, you are compressing the chain rather than expanding (see last pic). Please explain. Thank you.
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You need the tool to remove them. You do not need a tool to install them. Simply install the link while the chain break is on the bottom, carefully rotate the pedals back until the link is at the top, double check to ensure the link is engaged on both sides then rotate the pedal forward while holding the rear wheel, to lock the link. Double check to ensure both sides are engaged. Yes, they recommend single use, but I have reused them if they still lock securely.

I don't really see a compelling reason to use them, if only for a one time installation.
Am I missing something?

Yes, you are squeezing the pins of the chain together on this link and that makes the head of each pin align with the wider part of the hole on the sideplates. Then the head of the pin can be pulled through the sideplate to take the chain apart.

I believe what you are describing is the action of the link-removal pliers (black handles). I am asking about the link installation pliers (red handles).

Good question. I guess the only reason to use them is that the alternative (replacement one-time pins) is worse?

This hits the nail on the head--Thanks.

However I am still mystified about how the red-handled installation pliers work . . .

The installation pliers work exactly opposite. They push the links apart rather than pulling them in. It's like the difference between internal and external circlip pliers.

You don't need the pliers to install since you can easily tension the chain by standing on a pedal, but they might make sense fro shop mechanics who work on repair stands and want something faster and more convenient.

The ones with the red handles do push the links apart - but aren't usually needed since just putting pressure on the bike pedals will pull the chain tight anyway. Note that on this tool the handle on the left goes to the tool tip on the left as opposed to normal pliers (and the removal tool) where the handle on the left goes to the tool tip on the right.

AHA--that's the part I was missing . . . thanks!

I finally get it--thanks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEHrWId8kvg

I would reuse the link and carry a spare just in case. Having said that I am glad that I haven't fallen for the new and improved 9,10,11, and if and when shimano does it 14 speed rear ends.

I am still on 7sp half-step and 8 sp drive trains. :fred:

The Park Tool chain tool is both a removal and a installation tool. It costs about $2-$3 more than than one of the KMC tools, and about $10 less than buying both of the KMC tools.

And if it matters, I'm using the virtually identical and cheaper SRAM link. I just couldn't find the KMC's at a reasonable price & found a great deal on a 4 pack of SRAMs so I got those instead.

They work just fine w/ my Ultegra 6800 chain and I'm going to try to reuse one this weekend for the first time. (I'll judge by how tight it still feels but will probably give it a test run regardless)

Good tip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRPKL4qTT3U

I also have the "blue handle" tool and it works great on 10 speed SRAM and KMC.

scott s.
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Do not reuse a link, if the manufacturer tells you not to. A loosened link becomes a seed of destruction for the rest of the chain. To the eye, a loosened link may look fine. However that link makes the links ahead on the chain, adjacent to the one, work beyond their limit and let the damage progress in an avalanche manner.

I have got the KMC removal link and it is for me one of the most convenient bike tools purchased. Incidentally I use that tool on other chains than KMC - research done at the time of tool purchase convinced me that the KMC version was superior to other available, including Park Tool. Like some others, I am not on 11-sp and don't need a tool to put a link on, but I understand that it is trickier to install a link on 11-sp than lower.

Not to talk you out of buying tools,

Quick link on the top , power side of the chain, pushing the pedals with the Rear brake on sets the link in place well enough .. Doesn't It?

I have not yet experienced it personally, but from what I have read the 11-speed requires considerably more pull to set the link than the other speeds. I would be inclined to buy the installer tool just so I could have my hand and my eye right on the link as I am setting it. At $5 a pop,I want to make very sure that it is aligned just so before I applied pressure to expand the chain and set it. If I set it up so it looks right and then move away from it in order to hold the handlebars and step down on a pedal, I would be concerned that perhaps it would slip out of proper alignment. I know I have to hold the 2 sides of the 10-speed links together just right for it to set properly and think this one might be even more picky.

I used to buy Taya chains with an odd ball master link. They recommended not to reuse the link. I did and after about three uses it would crack. Never did damage the drive train.

+1, stopped at 7.

I had one side disengage doing it that way, which causes it to bend (since the pin is engaged by the other plate). That unusual stress also makes opening it back up harder. Since then I've been a believer in the tool.

scott s.
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KMC does not advise against re use if installed properly. I have emailed them on this and they said fine to reuse. I've been taking chain off to clean once a month for last three years using KMC links and never a issue.

11-speed? 10-and-fewer-speeds OK to reuse, I believe 11-speed is different.

I've *only* used three of the 11 speed ones, and they are impossible to close without a tool. I also re-use them.