I got this new chain with my new groupset, but I can't get the damn thing off. It has, at least what I call, the quicklink that comes apart so you can take the chain off. On my prior Shimano chains they were easy to get off. I can not get this one off. I have tried.


Since this is my first Sram groupset, is there some trick to getting these links off? Pliers? Hammer? Sledge Hammer? I have tried the pliars. I've heard these can be hell to get off, but damn.

Any suggestions or help please???


thanks in advance.



RD

Those links are meant to be disposable on SRAM 10 speed chains. You need a chain tool to get them off (having said that, I know some people are able to reuse them but I screwed with mine for an hour before giving up).

Just buy a few of those KMC quick links and keep 'em around for spares.

8s & 9s SRAM uses "PowerLink" which is easy to take apart.
10s SRAM uses "PowerLock" which latches.
The Park MLP-1 tool can be used to easily remove the PowerLock.

Seriously? I gotta buy a friggin tool to take the power link off?

I have seen reports of people using needle nose pliers, or wrapping wire thru the link then twisting the ends with a pliers. The MLP-1 is also makes removal of non-latching links easier
.

Here's a video showing how to remove it using channel locks. I've gotten it off using the same technique with vise grips. Supposedly SRAM Powerlocks aren't reusable, but mine seems fine after taking it off and reinstalling it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiXsOfZDdT0

sadly, yes. +1 on the KMC quicklink. you can get a wipperman link separately, also.

hey
I am a big fan of SRAM chains - on my 9speed bike.
On the 9-speed, SRAM magic links are re-usable.
I luckily found the risk of jumping ahead with SRAM for my 10-speed chains. I went with KMC on my Ultegra-6600 gruppo and with Shimano on my Ultegra-6700 gruppo (I have 3 bikes).

SRAM kind of messed up their 10-speed chains, in that the magic link isn't really that magical. It goes on but I think they acknowledge it's not really supposed to come off, or be re-usable. Go figure.

So I never went with SRAM on 10-speed, still use them on my 9-speed, and stick with Wippermann magic links and KMC chains on my 10-speeds.

Enjoy!

+1 on the MLP-1 tool from Park Tool. A real handy piece of equipment. I had a SRAM with the Powerlink and now have the KMC. KMC is a bit easier to work on.

Word. It's like SRAM had to get this idea out of Engineering's door ASAP and said 'just go with what we have.' Doesn't make me hate SRAM stuff, just SRAM 10 speed chains. You should not have to watch a video or buy a special tool to remove the unique link in this system.

Tried the channel lock dealio. No go. I am stopping by SRAM's local facility on Monday at lunch to express my disdain for this incredible feat of futility.

I'm gonna attempt to replace my own chain soon and was wondering if i need to remove the powerlink on my current SRAM 1031 chain or can i use a regular chain tool and take a pin out? I'm replacing it with a SRAM 1051 chain. I don't have any chain tools so i still have to buy whatever i need. Don't want to have to buy that Park Tool mlp-1 if i can just take the chain off with a regular chain tool. Any help is appreciated and even recommendations on a good inexpensive chain tool to get the job done. Thanks.

I never did get to SRAM, but I did attack my chain again, and after 15 minutes of futzing with the channel locks, I got it to work. Still doesn't change the fact that I am going KMC next time.

It's funny - all the LBS's I called naturally have agreements to carry only Shimano and SRAM chains and say that KMC is a lesser-quality knock off and this is known in the general cycling community.

That is some strong Kool-Aid.

Thanks for the props. PM me if anyone is having trouble finding KMC at your LBS.

run away from that LBS NOW!!! It's sad how many shops have to talk down about a product simply because they don't have any knowledge of it and don't want to appear stupid when their customer knows more than them.

I have been using and recommending KMC chains exclusively for probably 6-8 years. Started back when they were selling their DX10 through Performance as a "Forte" branded chain ...with KMC DX10 stamped in every outer cage. I found that chain to be a great value and have used it on everything - Shimano, SRAM, Campy since. I sell and install a couple a hundred chains a year. In that time I have had 1..... *1* break. It was on a road and TT Masters National Champion's bike during cyclocross - after he secured 3rd at Nationals and was competing at Worlds in January. That cahin had been on his "A" bike and had been powerwashed probably a hundred times and been through muddy courses for 6 months. It snapped while he was climbing in way too big of a gear. He wasn't upset, or even surprised. He said, "I asked it to do more that I should have."

On the flip side I have replaced numerous Shimano (albeit made - sometimes - BY KMC but to Shimano's specs) chains simply crap out on me. I had a guy on my team bust one 5 minutes into his race on Saturday. It was a DA chain that came with his bike when new. When he showed up tonight to have it replaced, he had to wait in line behind another - who was getting his Ultegra chain replaced with a KMC. When I walked over to grab my chain box...I only saw one in there. You should have seen them stare each other down.....then I remembered I always keep one in my race box. ....time to re-order....

Yes, it was a validation of sorts to see that the one shop I rely on can order it and backed my reasoning. Not that the 41 always has the correct answer, but in this case, it does.