Spliting chain advice

jimh_123
jimh_123 Posts: 66
edited May 2010 in MTB general
I recently bought a new Sram chain from my LBS, but i cant split the Powerlink apart. I followed a link telling me to squeeze it together, but I tried for hours and no joy.
So, I took it back to LBS and the mechanic told me that he just cuts the link and replaces it with a new one! This seems a bit extreme to me and costly since they're £2 a pop and I clean my bike once a week, never mind servicing it!! This doesn't sound right!!!

What concerms me more is that i've scheduled my bike in with them to fit my new forks and its the same guy who's gona install them!! Am i to cut my forks off and replace them with new ones everytime i want to clean them too!!

Really considering going to a different bike shop to get forks fitted. What would you do?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    watched the biketutor vid on how to split a power link?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • stumpyjon
    stumpyjon Posts: 4,069
    Different shop!

    Squeeze the link together (across the chain) and then push together (along the length of the chain). Can take a little practice (I had to ask for advice when i first got them). The only reason they won't come apart is poor technique or they are jammed by gunk. I don't usually have a problem undoing them.
    It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

    I've bought a new bike....ouch - result
    Can I buy a new bike?...No - no result
  • ExeterSimon
    ExeterSimon Posts: 830
    Once you nail the knack as described above they'll pop off simple.

    Unless they are jammed with crap but even then a quick degrease and clean of the powerlink should do the job. Keeping the chain clean, which by the sounds of it you do, you shouldn't really have any problems.

    And any mechanic that just cuts one off without even trying the proper method needs to go back to fettling school.
    Whyte 905 (2009)
    Trek 1.5 (2009)
    Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp (2007)
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Forget links and use a chaintool, just as quick and handy if chain snaps etc
    I don't do smileys.

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    Parktools
  • bails87
    bails87 Posts: 12,998
    cooldad wrote:
    Forget links and use a chaintool, just as quick and handy if chain snaps etc

    But can be weaker when rejoined. And you need the special pin if you've got a Shimano chain.
    MTB/CX

    "As I said last time, it won't happen again."
  • rubins4
    rubins4 Posts: 563
    cooldad wrote:
    Forget links and use a chaintool, just as quick and handy if chain snaps etc

    Is it not easier to just carry a spare power link or two?
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12613038
    Cat With No Tail wrote:
    Anyway, fk dis, I iz off 4 a ride innit. l8rz peepz
  • jimh_123
    jimh_123 Posts: 66
    Cheers guys. I'll try the squeeze technique again when I get home. The chain is brand new so there is no gunk on it all. So must be doing it wrong.

    @nicklouse, do you have a link to the vid, haven't seen that before.

    I usualy carry both a chain splitter and spare powerlinks with me when I'm out. Just a bit peeved off with the mechanics lack of help. Definitely think I'll take my business elsewhere for my fork fitting.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    look in the tech links sticky above.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ExeterSimon
    ExeterSimon Posts: 830
    cooldad wrote:
    Forget links and use a chaintool, just as quick and handy if chain snaps etc

    SRAM chains are notoriously week if broken and rejoined using a chaintool. That's why they recommend powerlinks.
    Whyte 905 (2009)
    Trek 1.5 (2009)
    Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp (2007)
  • jimh_123
    jimh_123 Posts: 66
    Yaaaaayyyyyy!!!! After much squeezing, wiggling, pushing, twisting and a hell of a lot of cursing finally got my chain apart!!! :D

    Checked out a couple of viids on you tube, them guys made it sooo easy!! mine wasnt as easy as that, but at least its off.

    So thanks for all your help. Oh and as for the mechanic who was gona fit my forks, phoned them up and told them to do one! The other bike shop is getting my service :wink:
  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    Look into connex power links as well. They don't get stuck like the sram rubbish.

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