Power Link

[Mansfield Marauder]

I am sure this question has probably been asked before but here goes. I have a power link on my chain and can not get the bl**dy thing undone any tips? or am I missing something obvious like pushing the plates together before trying to slide them apart?

[cycleruk]

Whose make of "powerlink" is it?
This video may help - see halfway for powerlink / quicklink:-
http://bicycletutor.com/quick-release-chain-link/

[[XAP]Bob]

Assuming that you have tried pushing them together (which is needed for mine)

[crossroads]

I had this problem last week with a SRAM power link, it had some crud in the slots behind the pins, after cleaning it out with a small tip screwdriver it came apart okay. hope that helps.

[Erudin]

I have KMC quicklinks, the trick with them is to squeeze the outer plates in together as you push the links in toward each other. They can be a bit stiff to start with, I used KMC pliers first time but after that they come apart by hand easily. Also some types of quicklink are reusable, and some not.

"The head of the pin on each of the link side plates slots into a keyhole with an indent that prevents the plates returning to the installation position unless they be pressed together to unlock the pin heads.

Doing this and simultaneously pushing the opposing ends of the Missing or similar link together is a task likely to test the patience of anyone, especially when the chain is caked with filth."

Read more: http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/bike-reviews/kmc-missing-link-pliers/3674.html#ixzz0rfp9PWzg

[[XAP]Bob]

Doing this and simultaneously pushing the opposing ends of the Missing or similar link together is a task likely to test the patience of anyone, especially when the chain is caked with filth."

Especially at the side of the road - hence I managed to forget to loop the chain back through the front derailleur (Oops)
As I was <1 mile from home I just limped in granny gear, then redid it in comfort.

[Mansfield Marauder]

It's a KMC make so thanks for all of the above help I will have another go tonight tried last night by wrapping a length of wire round the link then tightening it up with a pair of pliers didn't work will try proper method tonight.

[ersakus]

I simply could not undo my powerlink when I had to (with all the tools available in the shed, let alone roadside!).
I went back to shimano type. At least it always works with a standard chain tool..

[scottg]

New powerlinks are very difficult to remove, after a few hundred miles they become
easy to remove. Park makes a plier like tool to remove new links.
Sometimes chain wear is your friend.

[prm]

Try setting 3 sections of the chain to form a U shape, with the power link at the base.
Hold left and right links, with a pair of long nose pliers squeeze just the power link rollers together.

Cable connector crimping pliers work well. The half moon section on each jaw retains the rollers. Length of the jaw tips may require trimming.

Regards

[531colin]

Use Connex links - they work!

[gbnz]

Use Connex links - they work!

Connex links are the best! I'm currently trialing sram and kmc chains and have found their own brand links difficult at best. To the extent that I'm happier using a 3 year old, slightly rusted connex link, rather than the sram/kmc equivalents

[Mick F]

Where do you buy them?
Do they do them in 10sp 5.9mm that fit Campag?

I know Shimano use a wider 10sp chain.

[niggle]

Where do you buy them?
Do they do them in 10sp 5.9mm that fit Campag?

I know Shimano use a wider 10sp chain.

The usual suspects, but they seem to be out of stock ATM:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=5159
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Wippe ... 360012648/
EDIT: I have a Sram powerlink on a couple of chains and a Connex on another, the Connex definitely is easier to open and close, especially when dirty, no tools required.

[Mick F]

Thank you.

I was trying to find "Connex" not "Wippermann"