installing a chain

[MintID]

I always have problems breaking off the small pin after i've assembled the chain.
I use a couple of tongs and just go bezerk until it comes off.
Is there any special tool to do this easier? or is there a smart way to do this...

this is what i'm talking about...

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/img/product/full/s/ssbejy5f.jpg

[rozman]

Is that a Dura-Ace or Ultegra chain? With Dura Ace or Ultegra, I rarely use the snap off type pin that comes with the chain.... I just use one of the 'regular' pins when connecting the end of the chain. Much easier.....never had any problems.

[FasterthanU]

Shimano says that using the same pin once it has been driven out will cause a weak link in the chain. The reason for the HG connector pin is to maintain the uniform stability of the chain throughout. To be honest, I have connected many chains with a reused pin and only once did it brake at the "weak" point.

To answer your question, I have never had a problem using standard jaw pliers to brake the end of the pin. If you are having difficulties with leverage to break the chain, use a flat head screw driver in between a link or hold the chain with another set of pliers. Good luck dude. -FTU

[catlike]

For shimano chains there is a "mising link" from KMC. I found it much more usefull than shimano pins.

[MintID]

thanks guys.
I didn't have any problems braking it off this time. I guess they have improved it alot since last i tried. (been using wipperman connex for a long time)..
last i tried shimano it was on a 105 chain, maybe there's a difference between the dura ace and 105 chain... anyway it was easy to break off the dura ace pin...

[Peter@vecchios]

Is that a Dura-Ace or Ultegra chain? With Dura Ace or Ultegra, I rarely use the snap off type pin that comes with the chain.... I just use one of the 'regular' pins when connecting the end of the chain. Much easier.....never had any problems.

This is not a good idea. The pins you are using deform badly when you shove it thru a plate and you risk having the chain break at that point. Why not use the supplied pin? Easy as well.

[kdelong]

I've never had any problems with 105 either. I suspect that you had a bad pin that was not machined as it should have been.

If you are one of the people who remove the chain to clean it, you may well want to get a master link of some sort. If you clean the chain on the bike, use the supplied pin to connect the chain and then forget about it. You can re-use the old pin in a pinch, but I would not recommend it.

[Albert 50]

The link from 'Its Here New Dura-Ace 7900" thread says this about the chain:-

"The new chain uses hollow pins and weight drops by over 18 grams. Likely the best improvement is the addition of a removable master link. The master link marks a welcome departure from Shimano’s traditional Hyperglide connection pin; the SM-CN79 quicklink provides a reusable connection and removal point for the chain. Even better, the quicklink can be used on any Shimano 10-speed chain, while the new chain can also be assembled with a traditional Hyperglide 10-speed connection pin."