SRAM Powerlinks

rubertoe

Can SRAM Powerlinks be used with Shimano chains?

beinbhan

yes although 10 speed sram links are single use use kmc ones

sungod

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

dawebbo

If you're using the kmc missing links, the specific link removing pliers may seem overkill but are really handy.

Rupert Pupkin

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

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

beinbhan wrote:

yes although 10 speed sram links are single use use kmc ones

My LBS insist they can be reused

sandyballs

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

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

ShutUpLegs

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

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

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.