27
votes
Accepted
Putting pin(s) back into chain
It's safer and way easier just to buy another MissingLink (KMC's name for their master link design) of the same type (pin length) the chain came with, leaving you with an inner link that has one on ...
- 81.9k
25
votes
Accepted
Can’t attach master link
The secret is simple, you need to:
place the master link (the part with the pins) with the opening towards you,
bend (flex) the chain so the open ends of the pins come closer to each other,
put ...
- 4,281
19
votes
Accepted
The master link that came with my chain won't fit
You need to bend the chain. Look at this link (PDF) for the Connex Snap On which is the same idea. The PDF is reproduced below in case the thing goes down.
As an aside, you normally can get an ...
- 46.1k
15
votes
Accepted
Can you reattach an SRAM powerlock?
For 9 speed or below, SRAM sells the Powerlink, which is a reusable way of opening and closing a chain. You can open and close these a few times, at least for the life of a chain.
For 10 speed and ...
- 46.1k
15
votes
Putting pin(s) back into chain
This article titled, How to Get the Pin Back Into a Bike Chain, will give you a step by step guide on how to put the pin back in a bike chain.
Edit: I'm copying the article just in case the link ever ...
- 1,897
12
votes
Accepted
Quick link too easy to remove after installation, is this a problem?
If the link can be easily opened just with your fingers I’d say that’s unacceptable. I don’t know what the probability of the chain coming apart is, but I would not risk it.
Quick links are relatively ...
- 75.5k
9
votes
Accepted
How to find key values of a chain?
Update:
Based on your other question: Possible to identify sprocket without taking the bike apart? - you have a Nexus internally geared hub, which would mean you may need a single speed chain.
For ...
- 75.5k
9
votes
Quick link too easy to remove after installation, is this a problem?
@Argenti correctly noted that if you can open an 11s link with your fingers, then unless it is a Wipperman Connex, this is a bad sign. Most 11s and 12s links need a lot of force to close, and need ...
- 29.6k
8
votes
Can I reuse chain link pins after removing links from shortening chain
It is not advisable to reuse a previously pushed out link pin to rejoin the chain. The chain will quickly come apart at that junction when riding. Shimano chains can be rejoined with a special, speed ...
- 9,747
8
votes
A 9 speed quicklink fits an 8 speed chain, and feels secure, but is it?
9 speed should be thinner than 8 speed, so I imagine that if it clicks closed you're good to go.
Nominally 6/7/8 speed chain is 7.1mm wide, and 9 speed chain is 6.7mm. Is it possible your chain is ...
- 121k
8
votes
Accepted
Assembling cut off brand new chain links into one single chain
In theory yes, in practice unlikely it is worth it.
For chains targeting 8 gears of less, the pins are reuseable, but for modern chains of 10 speed or higher, you need replacement pins. The cost would ...
- 49.1k
7
votes
Accepted
Multiple master links on the same chain
Nothing wrong with it other than aesthetics.
I have 3 master links on the 2.8 metre chain in my `bent. Its glaringly obvious too cos the masters are shiny chrome and the rest of the chain is a dull ...
- 121k
7
votes
Accepted
Does master-link size matter?
Like so many other things in life, size does matter.
You need to have the master link matched to the chain size (which depends on the number of speeds and manufacturer (which is basically campagnolo ...
- 46.1k
7
votes
Assembling cut off brand new chain links into one single chain
Yes, but lets work the costs - A single chain costs me $55 (SHIMANO 105 11-Speed Road Chain CN-HG601-11) and has 114 links. This chain will last ~3000 km because I wax.
My bike only needs 108 links ...
- 121k
6
votes
Accepted
Quick link won't 'click'
The master link on the picture looks properly closed. Master links for 8- and 9-speed chains often do not require tools to open them, while 10/11/12/13-speed chains are better approached with special ...
- 14.4k
6
votes
Can you use a 6-7-8 speed masterlink on a single speed chain
6-7-8 speed master links can only be used with 6-7-8 speed chains. You cannot use them with single speed chains. 6-7-8 speed chains are 3/32" but single speed chains are 1/8". You may ...
- 18k
6
votes
Accepted
A 9 speed quicklink fits an 8 speed chain, and feels secure, but is it?
I was curious as to why it fitted, so I took some measurements. These were in the middle of the plates - the nominal width is at the rivets so would be expected to be larger. This is a KMC 9X 9-speed ...
- 57.3k
5
votes
Accepted
how to identify chain type
Any brand link that is rated for a 7 speed chain will fit. Sram refers to there's as a Power Link, KMC calls it a Missing Link other are quick connect. What is important is that it not the type with ...
- 18.4k
5
votes
Putting pin(s) back into chain
With older style chains which were designed to be split and joined with a chain tool, the simple fix here would be to use some of the excess chain you cut off of the new chain (they're always too long)...
- 53.4k
5
votes
Re-use Shimano quick link?
If I understand correctly you want to buy a new chain and re-use your previous masterlink. I'd strongly advise against.
The reason for NOT re-using an old masterlink with a new chain makes sense. ...
- 8,259
5
votes
Can I reuse chain link pins after removing links from shortening chain
The Shimano-sanctioned ways:
Use an 11-speed Shimano connecting pin.
Use a new 11-speed Shimano 2-piece link.
Don't try to press a normal link back in. As there are many questions here about, the ...
- 81.9k
5
votes
A 9 speed quicklink fits an 8 speed chain, and feels secure, but is it?
I'm amazed that you were able to get a 9 speed quick link closed on an 8 speed chain. I once bought a 9 speed, KMC, "missing link" to join a Shimano 8 speed chain. I messed with it for an ...
- 9,747
4
votes
Putting pin(s) back into chain
Today I discovered a fast method of getting a loose pin back into chain without any special tools. Not recommended except last resort!
Stick screwdriver/spanner between the open ends of the outside ...
- 141
4
votes
how to identify chain type
It looks like a variant of the KMC Z8, with a pin length of 7.1mm:
The KMC website suggests using a MissingLink 7/8R 7.1mm (although others should work as well, as mikes points out).
- 3,981
4
votes
Multiple master links on the same chain
More than one master link should be fine.
The only issue I can see with this practice is having a few links of unworn chain inserted into a worn one which might cause problems - not a problem in your ...
- 75.5k
4
votes
Is there a master link for single speed chain that will fit in Shimano chain tensioner?
Assuming you have a new KMC chain (pic of the connector is KMC).
KMC definitely makes 1/8" chain connectors of the 'Missing Link' style without the extra side plate clip that is presumably causing ...
- 75.5k
4
votes
Can you reattach an SRAM powerlock?
Do not reuse 10 or 11 speed quick links. Doing so could result in a snapped chain. This will potentially cause injury to yourself and/or others and it's not worth the risk.
- 61
4
votes
Quick link too easy to remove after installation, is this a problem?
You might have just gotten one where the tolerances just don’t line up. For example, the slot on the side plates might be on the wider side, while the slot on the chain pins may be on the narrow side.
...
- 15.5k
3
votes
Can you reattach an SRAM powerlock?
I've had no problems with re-using them (on both mountain and road bikes).
Be aware though that unlike 7/8/9 speed SRAM powerlinks you can't remove the 10 speed ones by hand, you'll need pliers. (You ...
- 59
3
votes
How to find key values of a chain?
"I want to get the best possible quality if possible." All 1/8" or 3/32" wide chains will work and last about equally-well. Take the mass market leader, KMC, and its mainstay single speed chain. ...
- 90
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible