Cannot remove masterlink/powerlink

ach45
ach45 Posts: 8
edited March 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
I snapped my chain and used a masterlink which I found in the depths of my toolbox to repair it. Now I can't get the dratted thing off. It's not the SRAM type of powerlink which I am familiar with, instead it has a plate with two pins and one with no pins and a long, oblong shaped hole. It "snapped" into place when I connected it.

Any ideas on how I remove this link or do I have to break it to get it off?

Many thanks!

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    bend the chain towards the plate with out the pins. this releases the pins from that plate and it can be removed. clean the connector so you can see that you are looking at the correct side.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ach45
    ach45 Posts: 8
    Thanks for your reply Nicklouse. I've been bending it and trying to pressthe two sides together to release the pins but it just won't budge. It's not dirty and the link is brand new so I've got a pretty clear view of what I',m doing - it just doesn't seem to move. How much pressure should I be applying? I feel like I'll permanently deform the chain if I press any harder?
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    Park make a tol specifically to do this - the "master link plier". I've only had to resort to it once!

    Two pairs of needle nose pliers might do the same job - one to gently squeeze the sideplates inwards and one to get in between the sideplates and squeeze the pins towards each other.

    As with so man things, an overnight dousing in GT40 or plusgas could do wonders.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    robbarker wrote:
    Park make a tol specifically to do this - the "master link plier". I've only had to resort to it once!

    Two pairs of needle nose pliers might do the same job - one to gently squeeze the sideplates inwards and one to get in between the sideplates and squeeze the pins towards each other.

    As with so man things, an overnight dousing in GT40 or plusgas could do wonders.
    indeed great for the sram type link with one pin on each plate but the one being discussed is the type with 2 pins on one plate and 2 holes on the other.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    I really must read posts properly before replying :-)