KMc missing link

497adam
497adam Posts: 52
edited April 2012 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi I am having problems separating a missing link, won't budge any tips?

Comments

  • 386ka
    386ka Posts: 479
    edited April 2012
    Have you removed one before? Clean it with some solvent or degreaser first to remove any gunk.
    Then, if missing link is anything like Sram's power link, you need to bring the two plates closer and then move the pins closer, chainlenght wise.
    A much loved, Giant Trance X3 2010
  • baser
    baser Posts: 127
    Try pinching the link together along the outer plate with one hand then push together along the length with the other hand. If it's gunked up give it a spray with WD40 or GT85 then have another go.

    Sorry it's hard to describe but once you work it out once it gets easier.
  • 386ka
    386ka Posts: 479
    edited April 2012
    Oops, repost. Delete please :)
    A much loved, Giant Trance X3 2010
  • 497adam
    497adam Posts: 52
    Yeah second one I have had, brand new won't budge
  • sanchez89
    sanchez89 Posts: 567
    squeeze the plates in the middle while pushing together to release.

    after giving them a bit of scrub and clean up.
    2011 KHS Full Susser Carbon 29er Race Build
    Clank wrote:
    M'eh, I might just go back to zapping it with frikken lay-zur beeeems. And sharks.
  • wombar
    wombar Posts: 119
    My last couple KMC chains have been like this. Once the link is engaged (and it needs a fair bit of force to get it to engage), they're not coming apart by hand. It's not an issue of technique, as I have no issues with my 9 speed chain, or my 10 speed shimano chain. For me, the 10 speed KMC chains lock rock solid and no one is getting it apart by hand.

    Anyway, I'd say you need some pliers. Preferably the proper chain link pliers which are made to get these apart, or at a push some thin needle nose pliers can do the job. For me, it's one of the best bike specific tools I own.
  • 386ka
    386ka Posts: 479
    And, if you need a tool for the job, then what's the point of a quick link?
    A much loved, Giant Trance X3 2010
  • wombar
    wombar Posts: 119
    Because it's quick :) Certainly quicker than getting a chain splitter out, then having to put a pin back in. Depends how often you want to clean your chain by taking it off.

    Like I said, in my experience, if you're using a 10 speed KMC chain these things can be a right pain by hand (literally). The Shimano chains I've got KMC links on (both 9 & 10 speed) are easy to get apart. Last couple of 10 speed KMC chains I've fitted, I had to hold the brake and step on the pedal to click the link into place.

    It does loosen up over time/use, but for quick chain removal (for cleaning etc) I'd say it worth investing ~£10 on some proper quick link pliers.
  • journey_man_pro
    journey_man_pro Posts: 169
    It shouldn't be too hard, I seperate my 10 speed link by hand, it's just fiddly.
  • sanchez89
    sanchez89 Posts: 567
    iv got a 10 spd KMC chain with quick link and it has been super easy every since day 1.

    much easier than the 8spd SRAM powerlink i had on my hardtail.
    2011 KHS Full Susser Carbon 29er Race Build
    Clank wrote:
    M'eh, I might just go back to zapping it with frikken lay-zur beeeems. And sharks.
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Slack the chain right off the rings. Fold either side of the chain down around your master link. Use wide reach pliers or mole grips to rest on the corner of the masterlink outer plates and squeeze the pliers so to push the plates in the open direction. Job done, no special tools required
  • JimboM
    JimboM Posts: 380
    My 10 speed one is a right b*gger to get apart, in the end I had to get the special pliers and even with those it needed a surprising amount of squeeze!
    Cannondale Synapse 105
    Giant FCR3
    GT Avalanche 3.0
    Canyon Nerve AM 6.0

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