Quick link removal without tools.

General cycling advice ( NOT technical ! )
User avatar
Vetus Ossa
Posts: 1585
Joined: 22 Oct 2012, 7:32pm
Location: Plymouth

Quick link removal without tools.

Post by Vetus Ossa »

I’m pretty sure someone posted a YouTube link here once showing how to remove a quick link without a tool. It involved putting the link on the chainring in a certain way and pressing down on the pedal. Of course I can’t find it now, can anyone help please.
Beauty will save the world.
User avatar
SimonCelsa
Posts: 1232
Joined: 6 Apr 2011, 10:19pm

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by SimonCelsa »

User avatar
SimonCelsa
Posts: 1232
Joined: 6 Apr 2011, 10:19pm

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by SimonCelsa »

On a similar vein, I was helping a pal yesterday fitting up his new titanium framed Vaaru mountain bike, and having hell of a job getting the shimano 11 speed chain master link to 'pull tight'. Do you need a special tool for this link. He wouldn't let me stamp on the pedals to stretch it and he has a wide/narrow chainring so trying to belt it down on a tooth didn't work either.

Glad I'm still on 8 speed!!
User avatar
Vetus Ossa
Posts: 1585
Joined: 22 Oct 2012, 7:32pm
Location: Plymouth

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by Vetus Ossa »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/FHGD-Bicycle-B ... s9dHJ1ZQ==
but you just need the tool on the left of course.

Thanks for your link, it was what i was looking for.
Beauty will save the world.
User avatar
Vetus Ossa
Posts: 1585
Joined: 22 Oct 2012, 7:32pm
Location: Plymouth

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by Vetus Ossa »

I actually have that tool but my son doesn't and I can't see him buying one.
Beauty will save the world.
peetee
Posts: 4292
Joined: 4 May 2010, 10:20pm
Location: Upon a lumpy, scarred granite massif.

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by peetee »

Pass a piece of string up through the chain gap either side of the quick link, cross the string over and pull the ends away from each other.
The older I get the more I’m inclined to act my shoe size, not my age.
DaveReading
Posts: 746
Joined: 24 Feb 2019, 5:37pm

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by DaveReading »

Quicklink removal.jpg

Use any convenient hard object instead of the mole grips.
mcshroom
Posts: 175
Joined: 30 Aug 2011, 12:00am

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by mcshroom »

peetee wrote:Pass a piece of string up through the chain gap either side of the quick link, cross the string over and pull the ends away from each other.


An old bit of brake/gear cable works well for this too
User avatar
andrew_s
Posts: 5795
Joined: 7 Jan 2007, 9:29pm
Location: Gloucestershire

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by andrew_s »

DaveReading wrote:Quicklink removal.jpg
Use any convenient hard object instead of the mole grips.

I hope it should be apparent that you should only hit the closer outer sideplate (as shown).

If you strike with a larger flat object, and the blow lands equally on both sideplates, it won't work.
DaveReading
Posts: 746
Joined: 24 Feb 2019, 5:37pm

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by DaveReading »

andrew_s wrote:I hope it should be apparent that you should only hit the closer outer sideplate (as shown).

If you strike with a larger flat object, and the blow lands equally on both sideplates, it won't work.

Yes, you hit the sideplate at the end to which the pin is attached.

Which of course could be either the inner or outer sideplate, depending on which way round you installed the quicklink and how you lifted it off the chainring. :wink:
boblo
Posts: 799
Joined: 24 Sep 2009, 7:35pm

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by boblo »

I've been using the 'vee it up on the big ring' method for years with 100% success, then...

Out and about and after a minor lie down, I caught the rear dérailleur in the back wheel twisting the hanger, snapping the Goat link and tying the chain in a real knot. Never before.

No chance of veeing a twisted/broken chain and I don't (didn't) carry a pair of quicklink pliers. Fortunately my cycling companions did and we made temporary repairs to get to a shop that astonishingly had the right hanger, a Goat link and everything else needed to get going again.

I now carry the tool.
Last edited by boblo on 15 Oct 2020, 10:08am, edited 1 time in total.
Pebble
Posts: 1934
Joined: 7 Jun 2020, 11:59pm

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by Pebble »

DaveReading wrote:Quicklink removal.jpg
Use any convenient hard object instead of the mole grips.

could be difficult finding something appropriate at the side of the road to hit it with!
Some twine and an allen key as a Spanish windlass / tourniquet is something I would be carrying.
User avatar
Sweep
Posts: 8443
Joined: 20 Oct 2011, 4:57pm
Location: London

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by Sweep »

Sweep
boblo
Posts: 799
Joined: 24 Sep 2009, 7:35pm

Re: Quick link removal without tools.

Post by boblo »

Re: Quick link removal without tools.
Unread postby Sweep » 15 Oct 2020, 10:18am

boblo wrote:
Or just carry something like this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-In-1-Tire- ... Swtzle9bFE

Do you have one/used one?
If so, how is it in practice?


Yes during the calamity I described above. Being a professional sceptic, I bought the pukka Park version for workshop use but they're really no different in use - very easy to use and just so bloomin obvious.

If I lose them, I'll use the 'vee up' method otherwise the 'right tool' really is easier in this case.
Post Reply