Oh right. The last chain I did was in a hasty fashion and I clipped on the the sram link before thinking of shortening it. THen it said sram powerlink was a one shot deal so I just did it the old fashioned way, after riding in the big ring only as the chain was too long.

Nick "gotta make the group ride" Bain

Helps if you have the removal tool to install it. I know, sounds odd, but you just grab one perm link off the side and the missing link end and squeeze. It will close.

user error.

I don't RIDE like slam-dancing - the jumping on the pedals was obviously just to try and get a brief burst of maximal force to lock the KMC link together. (It obviously won't make you go faster as the force only lasts a fraction of a second. This is WELL known in running, where you impact with 2-3x bodyweight with each stride.)

I also did try keeping the link squeezed together while installing - even tried it with separate set of pliers to make sure I was applying enough squeeze force. Still fail.

I also tried this, and at least with the Park tool it does NOT work. It sounds like it should but what ended up happening is that the park tool does not fit between the missing link and the perm link gap - it actually didn't fit because the powerlink-perm link gap was the wrong size for the tool. (I forgot if it was too wide or too small, but in either case, it didn't work at all.) That was one of the first things I tried when it wouldn't install, and I had to look up on the web that the tool was only for removal (as says the instructions as well.)

Some things just don't work for some people. It's like 1-star reviews on Amazon.

Just buy another $5 link. Why kill yourself trying to deal with an obviously defective one??

kind of.

psimet nailed it, the recent ones are more secure. you ain't undoing them by hand, no way. now if Park Tool would make a quick link plier that fits in a micro seatbag, I'd be happy. (if someone knows of one, link it! *not* the MLP-1. smaller.)

Dremel tool and one of those cheap, Chinese-made mini needle nose pliers that you see on the counter of auto parts/repair stores for $1.99.

I just yank the chain. Defective link.

I think there was another thread that mentioned there may be two kinds of KMC 10 speed link. I bought an oem packaged chain from Ribble and I had to install and remove the link several times, off the bike, before it loosened enough to install on-the-bike. I've never experienced this before with KMC or SRAM links.

I use to love KMC chains but am a little snake bit now by them. Riding home one afternoon I had the quick link either break or separate (never found it so I don't know). It caused me to crash violently. Cost me a Bell Sweep helmet and I had a mild concussion and whiplash. (I posted a thread on it called 'Ouch' if you want to see pics).

I know it was probably a freak one off deal but I've been hesitant to put another on because, frankly, that was a darn painful crash.

i had this problem recently too. you have my sympathies.

for me, it snapped on easily when i placed the link on the top - between the chainring and cog. then push on the pedal while applying the break.

missing links are cheap. get a few extra and just use a chain removal tool if it gives you trouble.

there's part of me that wonders if there is a subtle technique to using this thing. otherwise i don't understand how it could work so well for some and not at all for others.

My experience agrees with others here. I think your experience is very unusual. That kind of trouble is not normal. You either have a defective, slightly out-of-spec link or you're putting the wrong link on the wrong chain or something.

This may not be the issue but missing links come in several sizes for 8-9, 10, and 11 speed chain. Could the link be for 11 speed chain and the OP has a 10 speed chain? I'm not sure of the width difference between the two. Is it possible that the link was mis-packaged? An 11-speed link in a 10-speed package?

I'm using Wippermann (Connex) chain and link and it's been flawless. Comes apart in a second. It takes longer to locate the link on the chain than to unhook it. Re-hooking it take 2-3 seconds. This is on 10-speed Campy.

Wipperman links are easier because they have that funky heart-shaped inset. But you can't buy six for $10 like KMC.

If you hate KMC, just change brands. Use the ones that you think will be easier to use, there's no sense in trying the same thing and expect a different outcome. :rolleyes:

Yep, same here. I would wager there was a bad batch that went out. It's almost as though a set of 10sp links were mixed into the 9sp chains and post-market cards, and 11sp links into the 10sp group. Admittedly, I used the KMC Missing Link on a SRAM chain, but it shouldn't have been such an effort to get the link to click into place.

I've been using KMC links for around 15 years and never had this problem before.

I think KMC has some QC issues with their Missing Links. I just recently had one blow up on me for no apparent reason. One of the pins actually separated from its plate, leaving my chain connected by a single plate and two pins. I noticed it immediately and pulled over to fix (with the spare I just happened to have in my saddle pack). Now I'm having trouble trusting its replacement. I think I'll likely just abandon the use of a quick link and put my chain together with a Shimano pin instead.

OP here - my missing link came with the chain in the same box as a chain set, so it was definitely matched to the chain.

I just ordered a bunch of extras just in case I need them down the road.

I would remove your link and try one of the new ones when they arrive. Either you have an easy time with the new ones, or, the links are not for you!

PS--My 9 speed Whipperman link works flawlessly, can be removed by hand, and is easier to put on. They add 1 or 2 more coggs, and the whole world gets out of whack!