http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Tools for quick link removal and installation en Wed, 13 May 2026 02:24:50 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21274#post-367192 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:21:44 +0000 SRD 367192@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I may still have to walk the bike across to Hannah to get it put back together*, but am very happy at how much better my chain wheel and cassette look. </p> <p>Got the pressure washer out for the frame. </p> <p>Hopefully get the chain sorted tomorrow.</p> <p>*In addition to the usual issues, the small frame size means that quick release, rack and mudguards are complexly intertwined... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21274#post-367191 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:14:15 +0000 SRD 367191@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>thanks all. have ordered a park tool one. </p> <p>Part of my problem was finding out what they were called. Video I watched showed pictures but not names. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21274#post-367190 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 18:03:13 +0000 ejstubbs 367190@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tool-master-link-pliers-mlp-12" rel="nofollow">https://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tool-master-link-pliers-mlp-12</a> - other vendors are available.</p> <p>Not cheap, but then neither is replacing a chain munged by using the wrong tool. (He said sanctimoniously.)</p> <p>If it's any consolation, you'd be more than welcome to borrow mine. I can even deliver (so long as this incipient cold doesn't develop into anything serious).</p> <p>But if you have a normal chain tool <em>for the right size of chain</em> then do as chdot says. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21274#post-367187 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 16:08:18 +0000 chdot 367187@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ah</p> <p>No</p> <p>Just meant on normal links - leave ql one in place. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21274#post-367186 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 16:04:54 +0000 SRD 367186@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>'just use a normal chain tool' can you explain how? </p> <p>I do have one of these. but am not confident. have looked at some videos but thought I needed a special set of pliers for the quick link. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21274#post-367185 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 15:44:00 +0000 chdot 367185@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There are videos…</p> <p><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=bicycle+chain+quick+link+removal" rel="nofollow">https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=bicycle+chain+quick+link+removal</a></p> <p>SOMEtimes they come apart by flexing the chain. </p> <p>SOMEtimes pliers work</p> <p>If the chain is new enough to re-use, keep going. </p> <p>Otherwise just use a normal chain tool. </p> <p>Of course you can abandon the ql and just take chain apart and re-fix. </p> <p>Should be fine if it’s not a Shimano chain they have ‘special’ pins. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21274#post-367184 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 15:36:48 +0000 Arellcat 367184@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>In a pinch you can use a regular pair of pliers, if you grasp the chain into an n-shape with only the quick link at the top. This'll stop the chain tension from pulling the link back into shape. Squeeze the quick link diagonally to shorten it and you can pick the two halves apart.</p> <p>Internal circlip pliers would possibly be a neater solution, since you can squeeze the bushings together instead, but not everyone has them.</p> <p>Replacing is easy: put one half on each end of the chain, slot them together, and pull hard. Use your thumbs to flex the chain sideways each side a bit and the quick link will click as each pin end seats itself in its slot. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21274#post-367183 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:47:16 +0000 SRD 367183@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Am finally dealing with my super grotty chain etc </p> <p>Turns out my chain has a quick link. </p> <p>But I don't have tools to remove /replace. Advice on what I should look for? who locally sells them? </p> <p>Bike already disassembled so don't really want to try and walk it to a shop (although wondering if Bike station is my best bet?). </p>