SRAM Powerlink - Can't do it.

Zachariah
Zachariah Posts: 782
edited March 2011 in Workshop
I've watched the Youtube videos several times, read and re-read SRAM's instructions and got advice from a work colleague (who swears they are easy to use, of course - the swine). But I just can't work the damn thing! With zero tension on either side of the link, I squeeze it (tried gentle and very hard squeezing, haven't resorted to pliers yet) and nothing happens. No click, no sign of the slightest looseness or travel.

If anyone has any advice before I get the chain tool out, I'm all ears.

Comments

  • arthur_scrimshaw
    arthur_scrimshaw Posts: 2,596
    I find it helps if it's reasonably free of muck, squeeze firmly in the centre (not on the pins) There's a knack to it.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    is it 8 or 9 spd?

    10spd is not undo able.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • topdude
    topdude Posts: 1,557
    It's easy :wink:
    If this is the first time the link has been undone it can be a little stiff but it loosens up after some use. It also helps to remove the tension either side of the link, i use a bit of old spoke bent into a double ended hook.
    Just squeeze the side plates together slightly at the same time as sliding the plates toward each other, bingo it's off :D

    Also what nicklous said about 8 & 9 but not 10
    He is not the messiah, he is a very naughty boy !!
  • Zachariah
    Zachariah Posts: 782
    It is 10-speed - are you saying the 10-speed chain does not come apart using the powerlink?
  • topdude
    topdude Posts: 1,557
    Correct, a SRAM 10 speed powerlink is not designed to be removed.
    Why ? no idea, seems stupid to me.
    Nothing to stop you breaking the chain somewhere else and using a 10 speed KMC link which is designed to be removed.
    He is not the messiah, he is a very naughty boy !!
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Zachariah wrote:
    It is 10-speed - are you saying the 10-speed chain does not come apart using the powerlink?

    correct it is not a powerlink. but a powerlock. :wink:
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,232
    edited March 2011
    Zachariah wrote:
    It is 10-speed - are you saying the 10-speed chain does not come apart using the powerlink?

    the powerlock comes apart, albeit with more force, but you must not re-use it

    if you can't do it with fingers and don't have any link pliers, use some needle-nose pliers, or get some wire, make a loop around the ends of the link, twist ends of the wire to close the loop pushing the pins together and releasing the link (as you squeeze the sides)

    i use sram chains, but i just bin the powerlock link and use a kmc missing link - you can re-use the kmc link
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • Zachariah
    Zachariah Posts: 782
    Ah, thank you Sungod, Nicklouse, Topdude and Arthur! Time to break out the wallet again...I should have gone into stock car racing, would have been cheaper...

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