MYOG Masterlink pliers

[Nebulous]

Don't bin old scissors, re-cycle them into a Masterlink removal tool.

Removing plastic handles should reveal notched ends Pics 1 & 2

Insert into chain at Masterlink
Pic 3 (Masterlink not shown on this piece of chain)

Use normal household pliers to squeeze scissors close to chain.
Pics 4 & 5
Remember to also pinch across link width to enable release.

[Gattonero]

Great idea I'll add to make sure about two things:
-you need to make the blades really blunt, and cover them with thick tape (i.e. old bar tape)
-make sure there is no play in the pin (will be very common on old scissors), is likely will need a tap or two with the hammer to squeeze the pin a little

[philvantwo]

What a performance to save a tenner!!

[Brucey]

...(Masterlink not shown on this piece of chain)..

.

I was going to say, it'll take a while to get that one undone...

Nice idea though; plastic scissor handles fail often and this is a good use for the remaining parts.

cheers

[Mick F]

If you use KMC Missing Links, you don't need a tool at all.

[nez]

If you use KMC Missing Links, you don't need a tool at all.

And you will have time to get the rust off your tools. Tsk tsk

[philvantwo]

Easier with the proper tool though!

[mjr]

What a performance to save a tenner!!

Not everyone has money to waste on unnecessary unitaskers!

Previous discussion with pictures showing how to open a masterlink/quick/magic/power link with ordinary pliers or pipe wrench at viewtopic.php?f=5&t=114731

[reohn2]

Two easy ways to open Powerlinks:-

Set the chain on the chainring like this and then tap the outer link with a screwdriver handle and it's open.

But my preferred method is:-
Make one of these from either a spoke or a wire coathanger:-

And use it like this:-
Pull some slack out of the rear mech and hook the tool in the chain links

Then use pliers across the links

[philvantwo]

Rather spend a tenner on something that'll last!
Oh hang on, I could have ten empty beer bottles instead

[mattsccm]

I took a file to an old and damaged pair of circlip pliers. Perfect and the very worst case scenario, spending money on a tool that could be made rather than bought.

[Gattonero]

What a performance to save a tenner!!

Not everyone has money to waste on unnecessary unitaskers!

Previous discussion with pictures showing how to open a masterlink/quick/magic/power link with ordinary pliers or pipe wrench at viewtopic.php?f=5&t=114731

....and that doesn't alwayys work!
Some quick-links, notably the ones for less bdrivetrain speeds, are meant to be reusable so they're fairly easy to open. But some 10 speed ones, and most of the 11 & 142 speed links are not supposed to be reused because they "lock" in place. In particular, the new Shimano 11 speed quick-links are very stiff to open, very safe in use but forget about using those tricks 'cause it's not going to happen.
At the end of the day, if you are to experience problems with the chain, you want to have a chain-breaker in you multitool plus a few spare links and two sets of quick-links (used ones will do a perfect job)