Chain link pliers

gordonwatt

I am new to bike maintenance and wanting to learn so can look after my bike properly, anyway one of the first things I thought I would try is changing my chain as its a bit old and got kind of rusty over a period of no use etc.

Anyway I can't remove the master link by hand or any of the various other methods I have tried so was going to get some master link pliers, however my question is will these pliers work on all master links or do you get specific pliers for certain types of master link? From what I can gather they are the same just thought I'd ask some people that are in the know before I actually spend my money. Which leads me on to my second question.

Is it worth spending the extra few pounds for the park tool pliers or would a cheaper pair be fine for example these:
http://www.parker-international.co.uk/2 ... -Tool.html

Anyway thanks in advance for any advice.

sungod

to fit a new chain, you'll need a chain tool to cut it to length

i suggest get a kmc chain, these come with a removable link, or if you want to use a different brand of chain, fit the chain with a kmc link

i use sram chains, i throw away the sram powerlock link, and use a kmc one, i've used umpteen kmc links and *never* had to use a tool, they are easy to do by hand - with chain slack (any tension will make it harder to remove the link), squeeze side plates to unlock, slide open, done

to recap...
get a chain tool
dont waste money on removable link pliers
get a kmc chain, or use a kmc link on your choice of chain

onbike 1939

Chain link pliers can save time and the cheaper ones shown should work well enough. It's possible to make a U-bend of an old spoke and after cutting of the head this can be used to remove a stubborn removable link. Insert it on both sides of the link and squeeze together using pliers.
However, if you are replacing a chain they have to be cut to the right size for your particular transmission. In order to do this you would need a Chain tool.

ricky1980

Get the chain to your local bike store and ask to borrow their chain tool and use the old chain as a guide for how many links to remove. Then you are done. KMC missing link and get the chain link pliers, I got issues removing those by hand. The pliers certainly help and they are really cheap.

Papa Ado

Badabing! http://www.kmcchain.eu/?en/products/extras/tools/

gordonwatt

Thanks for the replies going to get the pliers as I have read about plenty of people have issues removing the link although have to say many who say they have no problem and hence no need for the pliers!
Anyway cheers I'll take all advice on board

wishitwasallflat

I've no idea how anyone finds removing these slippy little feckers easy ! I was gonna get pliers as well but I decided to stop removing my chain to clean it and just wipe it down with a rag sprayed with WD40 and re-lube links afterwards instead - it hasn't made any discernable difference to chain noise, longevity or appearance so I have decided not to bother!