Just about every tool brand offers a master link plier and they all do much the same role and in the same way. They simply hook into the rollers of the chain and work to squeeze the master link open. For 10, 11 or 12-speed links, you’ll need to use tools to open the link. If you plan on replacing the chain and don’t have the tools to undo the link, you can use a chain breaker on any chain pin other than the master link to remove the chain. If step six is unsuccessful, then rest the bike on the ground. Ensure chain link is centered above the chainstay, firmly apply rear brake and stand on drive side pedal. Push down until the link seats. KMC and Wippermann (Connex Link) produce universal chainlinks compatible with all 12, 11, 10, 9, and 8-speed chains regardless of brand. Bicycle chains’ width differs according to the number of speeds that the bike has. More speeds require a narrower chain because there are more cogs on the cassette/freewheel.

Great question, Ed! I wasn’t 100% sure myself, because I have reused about every connecting link going. So I decided to go straight to SRAM for an answer. I reached out to Road Marketing Technical Rep, Nate Newton through SRAM’s online link Shimano’s TL-CN10 tool is by far and away the best available, simply because it works to open and close links with a leverage advantage. This a huge asset when dealing with tight links, and no other tool I tested has this feature (note: It seems this tool is sourced from Super-B, who also offer such a tool, albeit with simpler handles. And X-Tools also now offer a version of this). KMC comes close, in that it’s the only other tool to offer a squeezing action in closing a link, however, it’s a separate tool to the link opening version and so you’ll need to buy two tools to do what the Shimano achieves in one. I’ve never liked Power-links all that much. I never found them all that easy to open, and I always wound up with filthy hands. However, using a chain tool takes very little skill. And even if one removes a chain multiple times, the likelihood of opening it at the same link is very low.Note: Wippermann has a unique re-usable “Connex” link that does not require any force to close. See our video above or Wippermann’s instructions for correct use. A great-value option is YBN. These links are extremely similar to the KMC Missing link and are claimed to be good for up to five uses. Compulsive chain and chain lube tester Adam Kerin of Zero Friction Cycling says he typically reuses his YBN links 5-10 times, and without issue to date.

Sit the pins of each link into the larger slots of the opposing link. Ensure both sides of the link are engaged with each other (failing to do this will mean the link is unsafe to ride).Nonetheless, many people reuse non-reusable links. Some do it because they don’t know any better while others are knowingly taking the risk. While Wippermann Connex and just about all 8 and 9-speed links can be removed by hand, the rest require an element (or a lot!) of force. A dedicated tool is worth owning if you plan on re-using a link. There’s no shortage of master link pliers on the market. I tried and compared all that are pictured. Note how the Park Tool on the left features jaws designed to open and close links, while the Topeak on the right can only be used to squeeze (open) links. The Unior (right) was the highest quality tool tested and a pleasure to use, but it’s only good for opening links. An alternative to these KMC and YBN links are the Wippermann Connex links. These unique links are easily reusable many times over without the need for tools at all, instead relying on a special extended shape that can only open with the corresponding outer chain plates articulated out of the way. Ensure your chain is the right length and that both ends of the chain are open inner links, (using a chain breaker) as needed.

If you find an item at a lower price with another commercial internet retailer, you will receive it from us at the same price, provided the conditions listed in the link are met. The granting of a best price is not combinable with other promotions (e.g. "free articles) from Bike-Discount. Before getting to the technical Q & A, I goofed last week and didn’t show you Bruce Ross’s favorite bike bling saddle. It’s this tri-color masterpiece by Busyman Bicycles. Nice, huh?If that happens, the unsuspecting rider re-tensions the chain only to experience a very sudden failure. And, as I’m sure you’ve seen or perhaps had happen to you, this usually results in a bad crash. So, again, please advise your readers for their own safety to not reuse the links.” I’d like to thank Nate at SRAM and my anonymous expert for clearing up this uncertainty. A Link You Can Reuse Ed continued, “For more than a decade my main bikes were 9-speed and I ran SRAM PC-971 chains. I loved the PowerLink feature and used it to easily remove chains for cleaning and lubing. I never saw a warning against using a PowerLink more than once and I never experienced a chain problem from a reused link. A broken chain isn’t fun to fix on the side of the road, especially if the weather is bad, and may also cause an accident. For example, if you’re pedaling hard out of the saddle, and the chain suddenly brakes, you may end up falling on the handlebars and hitting yourself. Since chain failure is sudden, you won’t have much time to react. What I use is Wipperman Connex links. They’re a mechanical fit, not a press/snap fit. Not tools are needed to install or remove them, which is what I like about them most (be sure to orient them correctly following the instructions – it’s not that obvious how it’s done). Mine have always run smooth and quiet. That’s what I’d try if I were you even though they do cost more. Hope this helps and thanks for the great comments.