Re-using Eagle 12 speed Powerlink

dabber
dabber Posts: 1,924
edited October 2019 in MTB workshop & tech
A regular question on 10/11speed KMC (and other) Quicklinks is whether they can be re-used. I use 11 speed Quicklinks on my road bikes and I do re-use them , not excessively and I always use a new one when I replace a chain. Never had a problem.
I've recently bought a MTB with Eagle SX 12 speed and wondered what the collective wisdom on re-using the Powerlink.
I understand the official view is single use only.
“You may think that; I couldn’t possibly comment!”

Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Specialized Roubaix Comp/Kona Hei Hei/Calibre Bossnut

Comments

  • Re used mine a couple of times after fitting a new mech, then realising I’d screwed up the chain routing through it. Still fine.
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  • dabber
    dabber Posts: 1,924
    Thanks for the feedback Tom.
    “You may think that; I couldn’t possibly comment!”

    Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Specialized Roubaix Comp/Kona Hei Hei/Calibre Bossnut
  • steve_sordy
    steve_sordy Posts: 2,443
    I have always re-used powerlinks and I've had no problems with 9, 10, 11, or 12-speed links. But when the chain is replaced, so is the powerlink! The old link goes in my backpack for emergencies (mine or someone else's).

    I say that "single use" means per chain, not per connection. :)
  • dabber
    dabber Posts: 1,924
    I have always re-used powerlinks and I've had no problems with 9, 10, 11, or 12-speed links. But when the chain is replaced, so is the powerlink! The old link goes in my backpack for emergencies (mine or someone else's).

    I say that "single use" means per chain, not per connection. :)

    Thanks Steve. That's always been basically my philosophy as well but wasn't sure regarding the 12's.
    “You may think that; I couldn’t possibly comment!”

    Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Specialized Roubaix Comp/Kona Hei Hei/Calibre Bossnut
  • steve_sordy
    steve_sordy Posts: 2,443
    Dabber wrote:
    I have always re-used powerlinks and I've had no problems with 9, 10, 11, or 12-speed links. But when the chain is replaced, so is the powerlink! The old link goes in my backpack for emergencies (mine or someone else's).

    I say that "single use" means per chain, not per connection. :)

    Thanks Steve. That's always been basically my philosophy as well but wasn't sure regarding the 12's.

    If you don't have one already, you will need a proper pair of pliers to remove the powerlinks. I could remove 9-speed powerlinks by hand and struggled with 10-speed but I failed to find a reliable method of removing 11 or 12-speed powerlinks other than with special pliers. Cost about £10. They will remove any speed of link and it takes a few seconds to remove a powerlink.
  • dabber
    dabber Posts: 1,924
    Dabber wrote:
    I have always re-used powerlinks and I've had no problems with 9, 10, 11, or 12-speed links. But when the chain is replaced, so is the powerlink! The old link goes in my backpack for emergencies (mine or someone else's).

    I say that "single use" means per chain, not per connection. :)

    Thanks Steve. That's always been basically my philosophy as well but wasn't sure regarding the 12's.

    If you don't have one already, you will need a proper pair of pliers to remove the powerlinks. I could remove 9-speed powerlinks by hand and struggled with 10-speed but I failed to find a reliable method of removing 11 or 12-speed powerlinks other than with special pliers. Cost about £10. They will remove any speed of link and it takes a few seconds to remove a powerlink.

    Thanks Steve. Yes, I've got a pair of those. Very useful.
    “You may think that; I couldn’t possibly comment!”

    Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Specialized Roubaix Comp/Kona Hei Hei/Calibre Bossnut