Quick Link (removal) tool - experiences / recs ?

[Mick F]

Directional 11sp I'll concede, but never seen one before.
Can't say I'd like one of them, or even 11sp for that matter.

9sp and 10sp are non-directional.
As for breakages/bendages, not seen one.

[Brucey]

if QLs are always stronger when fitted one way round then it is not something that is universally agreed on; KMC don't mark a direction and whilst SRAM and Shimano models are marked in the same way ('rivet first' on the RH sideplate), Connex QLs face the other way.

cheers

[gregoryoftours]

I wonder if a quick link fitted a certain way around would be more likely to separate in the event of the chain jamming due to chain suck? I've never had any problems with them personally, although I do think that they wear at a slightly faster rate than normal links so I never re-use them or keep them as spares when fitting a new chain.

[gregoryoftours]

I seldom have to use a quick link tool either (I don't have anything above 9sp), but lubrication together with jiggling and flexing the quick link as you're trying to separate it is a necessary part of the process. Also even with a tool it is often helpful and even necessary to squeeze or pinch the two plates of the quick link together with your thumb and forefinger as your other hand is operating the pliers.

[MikeDee]

As for breakages/bendages, not seen one.

I have. . . . Clearly shown in the last photo I posted (above).

[rmurphy195]

Definitely the Park remove+fix tool when he links are new and stiff

[Mick F]

As for breakages/bendages, not seen one.

I have. . . . Clearly shown in the last photo I posted (above).

It looks to me that the link wasn't in properly and caused the pin to break.
Looking at the link, marks are visible ........... or at least that what it looks like.

258b88f93a33368a201582205f9cf63c.jpg (18.85 KiB) Viewed 196 times

[Airsporter1st]

As for breakages/bendages, not seen one.

I have. . . . Clearly shown in the last photo I posted (above).

It looks to me that the link wasn't in properly and caused the pin to break.
Looking at the link, marks are visible ........... or at least that what it looks like.258b88f93a33368a201582205f9cf63c.jpg

In other words, installation error?

[MikeDee]

I have. . . . Clearly shown in the last photo I posted (above).

It looks to me that the link wasn't in properly and caused the pin to break.
Looking at the link, marks are visible ........... or at least that what it looks like.258b88f93a33368a201582205f9cf63c.jpg

In other words, installation error?

Not installation error. Tell me how does one even install the link improperly, plus ride it for at least a hundred miles? Not clip in one side? Try that and see how far you can ride before noticing that something is amiss.

Believe what you want but these links are shoddy quality, especially the ones made in China.

[MikeDee]

As for breakages/bendages, not seen one.

I have. . . . Clearly shown in the last photo I posted (above).

It looks to me that the link wasn't in properly and caused the pin to break.
Looking at the link, marks are visible ........... or at least that what it looks like.

258b88f93a33368a201582205f9cf63c.jpg

Doesn't show or prove that at all.

[Brucey]

...Believe what you want but these links are shoddy quality, especially the ones made in China.

which ones might be made in China, and how would you be able to tell?

FWIW I think all chain manufacturers have occasional QA issues (and a chain is no stronger than the weakest link etc) but I have not seen a broken KMC QL like yours before.

cheers

[Airsporter1st]

It looks to me that the link wasn't in properly and caused the pin to break.
Looking at the link, marks are visible ........... or at least that what it looks like.258b88f93a33368a201582205f9cf63c.jpg

In other words, installation error?

Not installation error. Tell me how does one even install the link improperly, plus ride it for at least a hundred miles? Not clip in one side? Try that and see how far you can ride before noticing that something is amiss.

Believe what you want but these links are shoddy quality, especially the ones made in China.

Maybe not clip it in properly and then stamp on the pedals to lock it, creating a bending moment on the pin, under the stress of which it finally breaks after 100 miles?

TBH, I've not been back in cycling long enough to be dogmatic either way. However, I do use quick links, install them with a degree of finesse using the right tool and so far, they look to be fit for purpose.

I seriously don't believe we can use the blanket term 'Made in China' to automatically denote poor quality any longer. To do so is to stick one's head in the sand, as was the case with 'Made in Japan' as applied to Motorbikes and Cars in the 60's and we all know where that led where British bike and car makers were concerned.

Yes, theres a lot of crap coming out of China, but there are also a lot of Western companies with manufacturing facilities there, who are maintaining a standard. (I'm not saying thats right, especially where workers' conditions are concerned; but it is true.)

[geocycle]

Does anyone reuse quick links and if so which ones?

[Airsporter1st]

Does anyone reuse quick links and if so which ones?

At risk of sounding facetious; I reuse reusable ones.

[Brucey]

Does anyone reuse quick links and if so which ones?

At risk of sounding facetious; I reuse reusable ones.

on the same chain, yes, on a new chain you should use a new QL; they wear too.

cheers