How do you get Missing Links open?

wilwil
wilwil Posts: 374
edited November 2008 in Workshop
I can't get my chain off. I understand what I'm supposed to do but it won't budge. It's not rusted on.

Comments

  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    You can get master link pliers specifically for doing this. Needle-nose plires can also work, just remember to squeeze the sideplates in as you prise the links together.
  • rockmount
    rockmount Posts: 761
    A piece of wire threaded through each of the rollers in the link, then either pull the ends. or twist with a pair of pliers to draw the rollers together, and open the link ...

    Mike
    .. who said that, internet forum people ?
  • wilwil
    wilwil Posts: 374
    The mechanic in the LBS said he can do it with one hand using his finger and thumb! I've tried for half an hour and can't budge it. My hands are f**ked.
  • cyclingpunk
    cyclingpunk Posts: 368
    I just do what it says on the packet. Really easy to do... maybe they are buggered?
    My Madone: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=
  • johnbirkby46213
    johnbirkby46213 Posts: 399
    I have SRAM links on my 9 speed chain. Easy as pie to get off and on.
    :D

    Had them fitted to my 10 speed chain. I felt less embarassed about taking the bike in to LBS when he took at least 10 mins to do the job. I had given up after nearly 20 mins. :oops:
    you have my full sympathy on this one!
    2 minute grovels can sometimes be a lot longer..tho' shorter on a lighter bike :-)

    Ride the Route Ankerdine Hill 2008

    http://peterboroughbigband.webplus.net/index.html
  • ColinJ
    ColinJ Posts: 2,218
    robbarker wrote:
    just remember to squeeze the sideplates in as you prise the links together.
    I find it easier to do if I ship the chain off the chainrings first to take the tension off it, then wipe as much crap as I can off the masterlink. Next, I bend the chain like this...
    ________________
    The masterlink --->|_____________________

    .. then as you say -squeeze the sides of the masterlink in, and slide them in opposite directions (it should be obvious which way that is!). I can usually undo the link in about 15 seconds this way :wink: .
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    Biggest problem is usually having a dirty chain (which is typically the case when wanting to separate a quick link). I'd recommend at least cleaning around the link first as little bits of grit can get in the way of it opening. Once you've done that, two options: either push together the diagonally opposite corners of the link (the two which will make it open obviously), or push the side plates together as you push the rollers at each end together as well. If you do this right with a clean chain it's the work of seconds. DOes also help to take the tension off - a bent old spoke hooked through links either side does a good job of this.
  • wilwil
    wilwil Posts: 374
    I took it to the LBS in the end and he did it in 15 secs using 2 hands. My hands are still sore and grimy from my attempts. Maybe I'll practice on the old chain.
  • andrew_s
    andrew_s Posts: 2,511
    johnbirkby46213 wrote:
    I have SRAM links on my 9 speed chain. Easy as pie to get off and on.
    :D

    Had them fitted to my 10 speed chain. I felt less embarassed about taking the bike in to LBS when he took at least 10 mins to do the job. I had given up after nearly 20 mins. :oops:

    The newer SRAM 10-speed links aren't meant to come undone, hence the new name "powerlock"

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