How to Remove a SRAM link

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My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
anyone advise on how to remove the link?
Davy

Davy wrote:
> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
> anyone advise on how to remove the link?
> Davy

squeeze the plates together, then push the two rivets as if to compress
the chain lengthwise.

"Davy" <me@removeallthistextchobham.org.uk> wrote in message
news:Xns9AC5E27C4DD9Bmeremoveallthistextc@216.196.109.145...
> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
> anyone advise on how to remove the link?

It's a pain in the butt Davey. You have to keep teasing it and eventually it
will open up. I turn the chain so that the master link is horizontal and the
two end links are vertical falling away. I then use a pair of plain
combination pliers over the edges of the link to push each side in the
correct direction to open the link. Eventually it opens this way but until
it opens you wonder if it ever will.

Tom Kunich wrote:
> "Davy" <me@removeallthistextchobham.org.uk> wrote in message
> news:Xns9AC5E27C4DD9Bmeremoveallthistextc@216.196.109.145...
>> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
>> anyone advise on how to remove the link?
>
> It's a pain in the butt Davey. You have to keep teasing it and
> eventually it will open up. I turn the chain so that the master link is
> horizontal and the two end links are vertical falling away. I then use a
> pair of plain combination pliers over the edges of the link to push each
> side in the correct direction to open the link. Eventually it opens this
> way but until it opens you wonder if it ever will.
>

defeated by the simple and observable then tom? are you related to jobst?

Davy <me@removeallthistextchobham.org.uk> writes:

> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
> anyone advise on how to remove the link?

Just push the sideplates together lengthwise and diagonally (the ends
without the extra hole towards each other). Use pliers if necessary,
but usually it does break apart even just by hand. Note that the
PowerLock for a 10-speed chain is *not* supposed to be removable.

On Jun 22, 4:16 pm, Davy <m...@removeallthistextchobham.org.uk> wrote:
> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
> anyone advise on how to remove the link?
> Davy

Chain tool, replace with easier to use KMC master link.

"jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
news:Z4mdnTXJlePHWcPVnZ2dnUVZ_sLinZ2d@speakeasy.net...
> Tom Kunich wrote:
>> "Davy" <me@removeallthistextchobham.org.uk> wrote in message
>> news:Xns9AC5E27C4DD9Bmeremoveallthistextc@216.196.109.145...
>>> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
>>> anyone advise on how to remove the link?
>>
>> It's a pain in the butt Davey. You have to keep teasing it and eventually
>> it will open up. I turn the chain so that the master link is horizontal
>> and the two end links are vertical falling away. I then use a pair of
>> plain combination pliers over the edges of the link to push each side in
>> the correct direction to open the link. Eventually it opens this way but
>> until it opens you wonder if it ever will.
>
> defeated by the simple and observable then tom? are you related to jobst?

The real comedy here is that there are three others who posted essentially
the same thing as I did. But somehow you manage to get the link apart
despite the fact that no one else goes it your way. Oh, that's right -
you're all talk and no real knowledge. I keep forgetting that.

Tom Kunich wrote:
> "jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
> news:Z4mdnTXJlePHWcPVnZ2dnUVZ_sLinZ2d@speakeasy.net...
>> Tom Kunich wrote:
>>> "Davy" <me@removeallthistextchobham.org.uk> wrote in message
>>> news:Xns9AC5E27C4DD9Bmeremoveallthistextc@216.196.109.145...
>>>> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
>>>> anyone advise on how to remove the link?
>>>
>>> It's a pain in the butt Davey. You have to keep teasing it and
>>> eventually it will open up. I turn the chain so that the master link
>>> is horizontal and the two end links are vertical falling away. I then
>>> use a pair of plain combination pliers over the edges of the link to
>>> push each side in the correct direction to open the link. Eventually
>>> it opens this way but until it opens you wonder if it ever will.
>>
>> defeated by the simple and observable then tom? are you related to
>> jobst?
>
> The real comedy here is that there are three others who posted
> essentially the same thing as I did. But somehow you manage to get the
> link apart despite the fact that no one else goes it your way. Oh,
> that's right - you're all talk and no real knowledge. I keep forgetting
> that.
>

so easy for you to say, and so hollow when you do. unfortunately for
you tom, mr. sour grapes, i'm speaking from direct personal experience.
but don't let that get in the way of a good pissing match, will you.

On Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:16:00 -0500, Davy
<me@removeallthistextchobham.org.uk> may have said:

>My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
>anyone advise on how to remove the link?

To unsnap the link, there are several options.

Some like to squeeze the two rollers toward each other using a pair of
really skinny needlenose pliers.

Some fold the chain into a U with the snaplink acorss the bottom, and
squeeze the two adjacent (parallel) links together with whatever pair
of pliers is at hand.

Other people have other techniques, some of which depend upon
understanding of leverage, the operational principles of the link, and
the karmic balance of the universe.

You will find your own way. It may be one of those above, or it may
not. As long as it works, use it.

--
My email address is antispammed; pull WEEDS if replying via e-mail.
Typoes are not a bug, they're a feature.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

Davy wrote:
> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
> anyone advise on how to remove the link?
> Davy

Assume you mean open and not remove?

Anyway, just push the two ends together. Look closely to see which way the
pins are oriented, as it usually requires a little squeeze along with the
push. Massage it a bit, and...ta da.

I've never, ever needed pliers to disconnect a QL, even when it's nastily
encrusted with crud.

Bill S.

Bill Sornson wrote:
> Davy wrote:
>> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
>> anyone advise on how to remove the link?
>> Davy
>
> Assume you mean open and not remove?
>
> Anyway, just push the two ends together. Look closely to see which way the
> pins are oriented, as it usually requires a little squeeze along with the
> push. Massage it a bit, and...ta da.
>
> I've never, ever needed pliers to disconnect a QL, even when it's nastily
> encrusted with crud.

you must be bullshitting! because tom kunich says it's a pita that
required pliers and all kinds of difficulty!

otoh, kunich could be a ham-fisted clutz that can't be bothered to look
at what he's doing properly, [naturally] experiences problems, then
projects those difficulties onto everybody else. and belly-aches when
told there's an easier way - like he /wants/ it to be hard!

not your problem bill. nothing to see here.

"jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
news:A5SdnZqUT6bZf8PVnZ2dnUVZ_jGdnZ2d@speakeasy.net...
>
> you must be bullshitting! because tom kunich says it's a pita that
> required pliers and all kinds of difficulty!

Ahh, sniveling again I see. You don't need to cry because I'm criticizing
your stupid remarks. Just go right ahead and continue them as you are. After
all, humor does add a lot to these groups.

Tom Kunich wrote:
> "jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
> news:A5SdnZqUT6bZf8PVnZ2dnUVZ_jGdnZ2d@speakeasy.net...
>>
>> you must be bullshitting! because tom kunich says it's a pita that
>> required pliers and all kinds of difficulty!
>
> Ahh, sniveling again I see. You don't need to cry because I'm
> criticizing your stupid remarks. Just go right ahead and continue them
> as you are. After all, humor does add a lot to these groups.
>

er, don't snip without annotation. at best, it's just rude, at worst,
it's an attempt to fudge context, and that's plain stupid.

returning to the bleatfest, "actually actually" tom, i'm pointing out
your ineptitude.

now carry on.

Davy skrev:
> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
> anyone advise on how to remove the link?
> Davy

It depends whether it is a 10 speed chain or a 8-9 speed chain.
The 10 speed link is not meant to be reopened. (some people do it
anyway)
The 8-9 speed links are reopened by very gently squeezing the two
links while pressing them into opposite directions using two fingers.
It helps if you take the tension of the chain, by eg. making a small
"U" on the chain where the link sits.
In the beginning it seems very difficult, but just train the procedure
when the chain is of until you get the knack for it, then it will be
easy to do in the future.

If you are using force you are probably doing it wrong. Dirt and rust
makes it somewhat more difficult to do, but just "snake-and-shake" the
chain until the dirt/rust gets worked off.
I have never needed pliers, even with heavily corroded chains.

--
Regards

These links work ideally in a clean demonstration but once used, the
clearance between side plate and inner link becomes contaminated with
road grit so that the link cannot be squeezed together enough for its
pin ends to disengage their retention recesses. These links must be
pressed together laterally for separation.

For this reason pliers are must be used (lengthwise) diagonally
pressing against the side plates at the fixed ends of their pins to
both presses the plates against the inner links and to push in the
direction of disengagement. This means that otherwise chain
separation on-the-road is impractical.

Ideally the link needs a thorough solvent cleaning to make it once
more separate like a new link. True grit is where it's at!

Jobst Brandt

jobst.brandt@stanfordalumni.org wrote:
> These links work ideally in a clean demonstration but once used, the
> clearance between side plate and inner link becomes contaminated with
> road grit so that the link cannot be squeezed together enough for its
> pin ends to disengage their retention recesses. These links must be
> pressed together laterally for separation.
>
> For this reason pliers are must be used

then you're not doing it right jobst. hardly surprising given your
known powers of observation. or the lack thereof. extraordinary lack
of ability to read other "no tool how-to" posts in this thread too.



> (lengthwise) diagonally
> pressing against the side plates at the fixed ends of their pins to
> both presses the plates against the inner links and to push in the
> direction of disengagement. This means that otherwise chain
> separation on-the-road is impractical.
>
> Ideally the link needs a thorough solvent cleaning to make it once
> more separate like a new link. True grit is where it's at!
>
> Jobst Brandt

Bill Sornson wrote:
> Davy wrote:
>> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
>> anyone advise on how to remove the link?
>> Davy
>
> Assume you mean open and not remove?
>
> Anyway, just push the two ends together. Look closely to see which way the
> pins are oriented, as it usually requires a little squeeze along with the
> push. Massage it a bit, and...ta da.
>
> I've never, ever needed pliers to disconnect a QL, even when it's nastily
> encrusted with crud.

I've had mostly the same experience (hands only), but I've had trouble
with /a few/ grit-encrusted links. Spray with WD-40 and wiggle the link
a bit to flush and shake the grit out, so that the side plates can then
be pushed closer together. On some links it /does/ make a difference.

Mark J.

In article <Xns9AC5E27C4DD9Bmeremoveallthistextc@216.196.109.145>,
me@removeallthistextchobham.org.uk says...
>
>
>My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
>anyone advise on how to remove the link?
>Davy
Sometimes needed a light squeeze with needle nose pliers on 8 and 9 speed.
Good to know I"m not the only one with some dificulty with these.

On 2008-06-22, Tom Kunich <cyclintom@yahoo> wrote:
> "Davy" <me@removeallthistextchobham.org.uk> wrote in message
> news:Xns9AC5E27C4DD9Bmeremoveallthistextc@216.196.109.145...
>> My cycle has a SRAM chain with a removable link. Can
>> anyone advise on how to remove the link?
>
> It's a pain in the butt Davey. You have to keep teasing it and eventually it
> will open up. I turn the chain so that the master link is horizontal and the
> two end links are vertical falling away. I then use a pair of plain
> combination pliers over the edges of the link to push each side in the
> correct direction to open the link. Eventually it opens this way but until
> it opens you wonder if it ever will.

There's a knack to it. I used to find them very hard to undo and reached
for the pliers on a couple of occasions, but now I can just pop them off
by hand in seconds.

The trick is to squeeze and slide at the same time, holding the link in
the middle. Wipe some of the oil off first because you do need a little
bit of grip.

If you just try to pull the rollers apart without pinching the two
sideplates together (squeezing) you need much more force and who knows
might damage the link. I don't like the idea of putting little nicks
into with the pliers.

> It helps if you take the tension of the chain, by eg. making a small
> "U" on the chain where the link sits.

We are tool making animals. Never miss the chance.

I took a six inch length of coat hanger wire and bent slight hooks at
both ends. When I want to remove chain, I position the connecting
link roughly in the middle of the bottom run. From the top of the
chain I set one of the hooks into a link about three inches to one
side of the connecting link. Then drawing in some slack, I set the
other hook an equal distance on the other side of the connecting
link. This creates and holds the "U" which makes it much easier to
work on the connecting link. It also has the benefit of holding the
chain in place even after the link has been removed. No slick chain
slipping through your fingers running off of the chainrings or
cassette as you try not to drop the link halves. It's perhaps even
more useful holding the chain in position when installing the link.

It took all of one minute to fabricate the tool and it takes five
seconds to use it. The problem is, it doesn't look very
professional. I wonder if I can convince Park to produce a stainless
version with a rubberized grip?

Pat Clancy