CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help

Tools for quick link removal and installation

(8 posts)
  • Started 1 year ago by SRD
  • Latest reply from SRD
  • This topic is resolved

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  1. SRD
    Moderator

    Am finally dealing with my super grotty chain etc

    Turns out my chain has a quick link.

    But I don't have tools to remove /replace. Advice on what I should look for? who locally sells them?

    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?).

    Posted 1 year ago #
  2. Arellcat
    Moderator

    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.

    Internal circlip pliers would possibly be a neater solution, since you can squeeze the bushings together instead, but not everyone has them.

    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.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  3. chdot
    Admin

    There are videos…

    https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=bicycle+chain+quick+link+removal

    SOMEtimes they come apart by flexing the chain.

    SOMEtimes pliers work

    If the chain is new enough to re-use, keep going.

    Otherwise just use a normal chain tool.

    Of course you can abandon the ql and just take chain apart and re-fix.

    Should be fine if it’s not a Shimano chain they have ‘special’ pins.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  4. SRD
    Moderator

    'just use a normal chain tool' can you explain how?

    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.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  5. chdot
    Admin

    Ah

    No

    Just meant on normal links - leave ql one in place.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  6. ejstubbs
    Member

    https://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tool-master-link-pliers-mlp-12 - other vendors are available.

    Not cheap, but then neither is replacing a chain munged by using the wrong tool. (He said sanctimoniously.)

    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).

    But if you have a normal chain tool for the right size of chain then do as chdot says.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  7. SRD
    Moderator

    thanks all. have ordered a park tool one.

    Part of my problem was finding out what they were called. Video I watched showed pictures but not names.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  8. SRD
    Moderator

    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.

    Got the pressure washer out for the frame.

    Hopefully get the chain sorted tomorrow.

    *In addition to the usual issues, the small frame size means that quick release, rack and mudguards are complexly intertwined...

    Posted 1 year ago #

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