How do I remove this chain link

OnEdge

OnEdge

Member
Region
USA
Guys,

How do I remove this chain link, do I need a special tool? Also, can I reuse it when I go to replace my chain once I get the chain cleaned?

Thanks!

1705803741464.png
 
Ideally, you'd have a chain link plier - essentially a thin set of pliers that you squeeze the rollers together with ( and reverse the process to setthem)

The good ones have multiple other functions - like storing a spare link and tyre levers in the handle
 
That looks like a quick link ... here is one of many guides to removal:

Personally, I simply clean the chain on the bike using one of these tools, but IIRC, you can reuse the quick link. That said I only remove the chain to replace it with a new one so use a new link then.
 
PS - thanks for reminding me I'd given someone my spare 12 sp link !!!!!!! ( my tool carries 2sets of links)
 
FWIW - SRAM and Shimano tell you not to reuse their powerlock/quicklinks.

That's mostly BS, but the link can get looser over time. I generally clean the chain in place except for periodically when the cassette/chainring need a better cleaning.

Can I use the SRAM EAGLE PowerLock multiple times?

No. The PowerLock is designed for single use only. The PowerLock can only be removed with chain link pliers and must not be re-used. Install a new PowerLock each time a chain is installed. See more
 
Rome said:
In addition have the dealer service install it.
Click to expand...
Have a dealer install it? No thanks.

I was just trying to figure out if I needed a special tool or if I could use pliers, and more importantly if it was reusable...

Thanks for the encouragement tho :)
 
BlackHand said:
FWIW - SRAM and Shimano tell you not to reuse their powerlock/quicklinks.

That's mostly BS, but the link can get looser over time. I generally clean the chain in place except for periodically when the cassette/chainring need a better cleaning.

Can I use the SRAM EAGLE PowerLock multiple times?

No. The PowerLock is designed for single use only. The PowerLock can only be removed with chain link pliers and must not be re-used. Install a new PowerLock each time a chain is installed. See more
Click to expand...
BlackHand,

I would think you could reuse them once or twice if they're not very old or worn. I ordered a couple just in case, and will throw them in my toolkit along with a chain breaker for emergencies along the trail.

Thanks!
 
TPEHAK said:
That chain link on your picture is not removable with that tool and not reusable. See that tabs - those tabs lock the chain link plates and the only way to remove it is to brake the chain extracting the pin with chain braking tool.
Click to expand...

With respect, you are wrong....I've been using that tool with those links successfully for 5 years ..... on a fleet of 7 mountain bikes - so at least every month one of them scores a new chain .

I'm familiar with chain breaking tools and use them regularly to shorten chains, but its' a 10 sec job to split those quick links with that tool, and in 5 years I've never had an issue re using them (I replace them when I replace chains , but am more than happy to re use mine AFTER CAREFULL INSPECTION OT ENSURE THEY ARE NOT WORN OR DAMAGED )
 
That's interesting. KMC claims those links with tabs are not reusable and I was not able to unlock such link with such tabs on my 1 speed chain with such tool because of the edge of the link plate hits that tab.
 
TPEHAK said:
That's interesting. KMC claims those links with tabs are not reusable and I was not able to unlock such link with such tabs on my 1 speed chain with such tool because of the edge of the link plate hits that tab.
Click to expand...
The OP asked about a 12 speed chain and PDoz showed a tool with a 11sp Missing Link. Those are very different than a link for a 1 speed chain. KMC sells the 11 and 12sp Missing Links as reusable. Doesn't surprise me that they say you cant reuse the single speed links- don't they usually have a spring clip?

Also, most master link pliers have a limited range of chains they will work on. The one PDoz showed probably only handles down to 8 or 9 speed chains.
Even the Park Tool pliers say they only work for 5-12sp.

Compatible with 5-to-12-speed derailleur chains that use a master link, including SRAM® eTap® AXS® and Shimano® XTR® 12-speed
NOTE: The MLP-1.2 will not remove or install the style of master links with both pins attached to one plate and a side plate or spring clip that clips onto the pins. These are commonly found on older drivetrain systems or single speed bicycles. To remove these types of master links, use a needle nose pliers such as the Park Tool NP-6

 
Last edited:
That is KMC CL555 missing link on the picture he posted and it is not reusable. And you can see the locking tabs. Reusable missing links do not have locking tabs. He just was able to force the plates over the tabs, maybe those tabs do not work well on that 11 speed missing link, but this particular model of the missing link is not reusable.

image_2024-01-23_000820268.png


I do no know if the original poster missing link is reusable or not. I do not see the tabs so maybe it is possible to unlock that link with missing link pliers except is has a hidden permanent locking feature. The best way to figure this out is to find the information about this missing link on the manufacturer web site.
 
Last edited:
To be clear, the op showed an sram quick link 12 sp, so here is a picture of my tool with both an sram 12 sp eagle and the kmc 11 sp in my original picture for comparison. Yes, technically these are marketed as single use - but I've never had an issue re-using them ( on the same chain) . Admittedly these used links are spares - ie old links from chains that have worn out that I keep for emergency trackside repairs ( eg if I'm cutting a section of damaged chain or someone else has lost their old fashioned links )

They're not particularly expensive, so if you feel more comfortable using a new one then go for it

IMG_4995.jpeg
 
TPEHAK said:
The best way to figure this out is to find the information about this missing link on the manufacturer web site.
Click to expand...
You would think so. KMC's own webstore only sells the cl555R version. This is the picture they use for it:
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
1706009657134.png

Can't blame users for treating the different models interchaingebly when even the mfgr can't keep them straight.

kmcchain.us

Missing Link 11 2 Pairs

Perfectly Connecting KMC, SRAM, and Shimano 11 speed chains
kmcchain.us kmcchain.us
 
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