SRAM Powerlinks

rubertoe
rubertoe Posts: 3,994
edited May 2012 in Road buying advice
Can SRAM Powerlinks be used with Shimano chains?
"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."

PX Kaffenback 2 = Work Horse
B-Twin Alur 700 = Sundays and Hills

Comments

  • beinbhan
    beinbhan Posts: 52
    yes although 10 speed sram links are single use use kmc ones
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,235
    sram 9-speed - it's a powerlink - works on shimano - reusuable
    sram 10-speed - it's a powerlock - works on shimano - *not* reusable

    with kmc both 9 and 10-speed links are reusable
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • dawebbo
    dawebbo Posts: 456
    If you're using the kmc missing links, the specific link removing pliers may seem overkill but are really handy.
  • Rupert Pupkin
    Rupert Pupkin Posts: 15
    Newbie here guys!

    Am I correct in thinking I can remove a link from my KMC Z99 9 speed chain and fit KMC 9 speed power link to it?
  • porker33
    porker33 Posts: 636
    dawebbo wrote:
    If you're using the kmc missing links, the specific link removing pliers may seem overkill but are really handy.

    £8-12 for a pair of pliers? ordinary circlip pliers for a couple of quid seem to work, it's not as if you need any force.
  • ShutUpLegs
    ShutUpLegs Posts: 3,522
    beinbhan wrote:
    yes although 10 speed sram links are single use use kmc ones

    My LBS insist they can be reused
  • sandyballs
    sandyballs Posts: 577
    Have reused SRAM Powerlinks for the last 3 years with no problems, all my chains have used them, Shimano and SRAM. I actually bought the KMC pliers yesterday to make it even easier since they are a little tighter IMO. SRAM do say they are single use, but they would.
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,235
    ShutUpLegs wrote:
    beinbhan wrote:
    yes although 10 speed sram links are single use use kmc ones

    My LBS insist they can be reused

    that lbs is wrong, dangerously wrong, removing a sram powerlock damages it so that is is no longer as secure - it takes considerable force to remove a powerlock, small shards of metal are split off from the link in the process

    as sram says...

    http://www.sram.com/sram/road/technologies/powerlock

    ...one-time application only

    a kmc link can be removed with fingers, easily, no need for special tools, just a little practice, it's a lot easier if the chain isn't under tension, so shifting to small-small helps
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • ShutUpLegs
    ShutUpLegs Posts: 3,522
    Sandyballs wrote:
    Have reused SRAM Powerlinks for the last 3 years with no problems, all my chains have used them, Shimano and SRAM. I actually bought the KMC pliers yesterday to make it even easier since they are a little tighter IMO. SRAM do say they are single use, but they would.

    Yeah, and me
  • sandyballs
    sandyballs Posts: 577
    sungod wrote:
    ShutUpLegs wrote:
    beinbhan wrote:
    yes although 10 speed sram links are single use use kmc ones

    My LBS insist they can be reused

    that lbs is wrong, dangerously wrong, removing a sram powerlock damages it so that is is no longer as secure - it takes considerable force to remove a powerlock, small shards of metal are split off from the link in the process

    I have removed and refitted the same powerlink on my current SRAM 1071 chain 5 times at least, i have never seen shards of metal and its as tight to get off and on now as it was the first time. I will probably replace after about 10 fittings or if I feel it is easier to get off and on, but IME after 1000's km there are no problems. I used a 9 speed on my last bike for 3 years with no problems at all. You pays your money you take your chance.
  • dawebbo
    dawebbo Posts: 456
    porker33 wrote:
    dawebbo wrote:
    If you're using the kmc missing links, the specific link removing pliers may seem overkill but are really handy.

    £8-12 for a pair of pliers? ordinary circlip pliers for a couple of quid seem to work, it's not as if you need any force.

    Fair enough, I didn't own a pair of those and the various other types of pliers I have won't fit.

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