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tight SRAM powerlink
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Has anyone got any advice for undoing a tight powerlink? This is a new link (on a 10x2) on a new chain and bike – first cleaning. So tried to undo as I would my other ones and failed. So far I have tried cleaning it, and gone as far as using a tourniquet (with a lace) to try squeeze it together (the lace broke). All failed.
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I understand the links on the SRAM 10 speed chains are not supposed to be undone - they are one-time use only, unlike the 7/8/9 speed ones.
From CRC website...
"IMPORTANT: 10SP Links are POWERLOCK, they fit together but then are not designed to come apart again"
Just one more reason to stay 9 speed
Get some circlip pliers,you can then undo them quite easily.Freddie.
Get some circlip pliers,you can then undo them quite easily.Freddie.
This is one reason I haven't 'upgraded' yet. I'd be intrigued to hear from others if this is true or not... I love my 9-speed powerlink!
DO NOT separate Sram 10 speed links with pliers, circlip pliers or any other method. The black sram links are not re-useable.
I have had customers come into the shop I work in that have had the links separate whilst in a road sprint. On further investigation it turns out they had been removing their chain to clean it, breaking and rejoining it at the link.
If you have to take your chain off to clean it use another brand link to join it.
Jimmy
yes I have heard about this as well, but i have reused mine for the last year with not a single trip to the emergency room.... but I'm a tight ass and don't mind hospital food.
I can't get them off without tools, I hear there is an alternative brand for 10 speed reusable links, should get these.
Correct re the SRAM links on the 10 speed chains not being re-useable which is a bummer. You can get them apart and re-use but you run a very big risk of losing your teeth on your stem if you do when it suddenly let's go under power.
You can get re-useable links from KMC but they are hard to find.
Annoying as I really like taking my chain off to clean it etc. Clearly need to find a KMC version… Or any others Jimmy?
Use a park tools chain cleaner ,chain does not need removing.
Chain-breaker.
The 9-speed SRAM powerlinks are awesome, they are reusable and reasonably easy to get on and off. IMO, the 10-speed SRAM powerlinks are horrible, they are not reusable and although stacks of people do, they can be such a bastard to get on and off that I could see how they may be weakened when doing so.
I keep the 10-speed powerlinks for my roadie and have switched to using the KMC Missing Link (www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CH409Z18-Kmc+Mis... - ignore the "single-use" in the Jenson description, they are re-usable according to KMC) on my mtb with the 10-speed drivetrain. Unfortunately they are only compatible with KMC and Shimano chains (not sure why they wouldn't work with SRAM though). They are reusable and I have found them easy to get on and off.
Are removable, I have used them and have no problems.
Also if you cant be bothered taking off the chain, I recommend using Babywipes on the chain, it removes all the grease and crap off the chain and leaves it sparkling like new. I clean both my cassette and chain using babywipes and it works like a dream.
Made up a tool that started life as a thin pair of flat nose pliers. Ground the nose width so they just slid in between the link plates, then bent them inwards so they curved round the rollers, then just squeeze. As there is no bending and the pressure is applied inline there is little stress when splitting the link and not much on the rollers.
Re-used power links a number of times on SRAM 10 speed chains. The pressure to rejoin the link seems equivalent to a new link. However, I would note that this is my choice and if you are a strong rider I would listen to the advice given by those who say don't re-use them, then make your own choice on re-using them.
FWIW
What is the use of a 10-speed powerlink if you can't get it apart again on the trail if your chain breaks? Like, WTF?
If the chain breaks then you don't need to remove the power link, just remove the damaged bits and replace with spare powerlink. If the powerlink goes then you use the spare. But I've never broken a chain
Never had to remove a chain in the field in 25 years - but there again only had a couple of punctures in that time, so guess I just lucky
(or maybe I'm too slow to get punctures or do any chain damage 
)
Usually you need to shorten the chain if you break a derailleur. When the derailleur is replaced you re-insert the missing links.
Yes, I suppose the chain is already broken. But once you have fixed the links again, how do you put the 10 speed chain back on easily if you can't pull apart and re-attach the power link?