9 speed quick link safe with 8 speed chain?

[UpWrong]

I don't have any 8 speed quick links. Can I use a 9 speed quick link with an 8 speed chain? I think it would be ok since the internal chain width is the same?

[rareposter]

They're not. 8sp chain is 2.38mm, 9sp is 2.18mm

I'd be surprised if a narrower 9sp quick link will even fit properly through the wider 8sp chain without a lot of brute force and I bet the engagement won't be as reliable if you do actually manage to get it connected.

If you can actually get it connected, it'd probably do as an emergency get you home measure but if you're sitting at home wondering about such a bodge, just go and buy the correct links, it'll be less hassle in the long run!

[pwa]

Remove the doubt by getting the right link. What do they cost? Is it worth experimenting with something that might end up with you on the floor?

[UpWrong]

They're not. 8sp chain is 2.38mm, 9sp is 2.18mm

I'd be surprised if a narrower 9sp quick link will even fit properly through the wider 8sp chain without a lot of brute force and I bet the engagement won't be as reliable if you do actually manage to get it connected.

If you can actually get it connected, it'd probably do as an emergency get you home measure but if you're sitting at home wondering about such a bodge, just go and buy the correct links, it'll be less hassle in the long run!

Ah yes, the link pins have to enclose the plates of the inner links of the 8 speed chain of course so won't reach the opposite side of the quick link. That's assuming the inner link plates of an 8 speed chain are wider than those of a 9 speed chain.

[Stradageek]

In my experience the chain link widths are pretty nominal, even the park tool website agrees:

Some nominal widths measured across the rivet between chains are:

12 rear cogs — 5.3 mm
11 rear cogs — 5.5 mm
10 rear cogs — 6 mm
9 rear cogs — 6.5 to 7 mm
6, 7, and 8 rear cogs — 7 mm

Measurements that I've made agree with this, from chain to chain there is vast variation, I'd just try it and see

[pwa]

https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m8b0s111p17 ... ssing-Link
Small change to get something actually designed for your intended use. Order with something else to make postage efficient.

[ANTONISH]

You could probably get a 9sp link from H******* - it won't be cheap but still not a lot of money.
I have re-riveted chains for people caught out without the appropriate link. A "get you home " measure - modern chains aren't designed for that.
I always carry a spare link.

[cycleruk]

Can i ask just the opposite.
Any reason in not using a wider quick link on a narrower chain?
I think it would be O.K.
I have 8 speed (MTB) and 10 & 11 speed also. (road bikes)

[Eyebrox]

They're 59 pence on Wiggle. No brainer if you have already paid their one-off annual delivery charge.

[mattsccm]

If it fits it will be fine. If not then no.

[mattsccm]

Wide on narrow can catch on rear sprockets and may break. Worth a try if a long walk home is the alternative.
Nothing is definite.

[Brucey]

Can i ask just the opposite.
Any reason in not using a wider quick link on a narrower chain?
I think it would be O.K.
I have 8 speed (MTB) and 10 & 11 speed also. (road bikes)

A get-you-home only; it'll 'work' but IMHO it will also tend to come apart by itself and at least make a funny noise in the FD and over the sprockets.

[cycleruk]

Can i ask just the opposite.
Any reason in not using a wider quick link on a narrower chain?
I think it would be O.K.
I have 8 speed (MTB) and 10 & 11 speed also. (road bikes)

A get-you-home only; it'll 'work' but IMHO it will also tend to come apart by itself and at least make a funny noise in the FD and over the sprockets.

Thank's for the replies gents.
Fortunately I have only ever had one chain break and that was many years ago before quick links came on the market.
I have rescued other cyclists though a couple of times.

[Brucey]

......many years ago before quick links came on the market.

IIRC quick links have been with us since the early 1980s, possibly before, The original ones required that you use a screwdriver.

[cycleruk]

......many years ago before quick links came on the market.

IIRC quick links have been with us since the early 1980s, possibly before, The original ones required that you use a screwdriver.

I haven't come across those. Obviously we had the standard split links but it was a Shimano chain that I had riveted with a normal rivet instead of the special "break off" one.
It would be sometime in the 90's on an MTB ride with 8 speed.