Completely stubborn quick link removal

[wafter]

Are you using proper chainlink pliers?

Unsurprisingly these will be the best at the job; all other suggstions (shoelaces etc) are potentially good in a bind if you have nothing better and the link's agreeable, but will have no chance with a stubborn link.

IME the links get sloppy over time and it surprises me that you're having so much difficulty if you're using the correct tool.

 

[Sharky]

this sounds like the best option. i can't ride the bike because it has a crack in the frame. therefore i 'm not walking it all the way to my LBS just for them to take the chain off for me (i don't drive)

A little curious now, if the frame has a crack and is unrideable, what are we trying to achieve?

 

[richardfm]

....

And for @Big_John a chain tool/cutter is safer and almost as quick as bolt croppers.

That depends how rusty the chain is. I've broken the pin on a chain tool trying to split a rusty chain.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Are you using proper chainlink pliers?

Have you read the OP's six posts in this thread? Clearly not "using proper chain link pliers"

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

A little curious now, if the frame has a crack and is unrideable, what are we trying to achieve?

the cost of a new chain

but it is a useful conversation for reference in case someone on here has a similar problem with a bike that can be used

 

[wafter]

Have you read the OP's six posts in this thread? Clearly not "using proper chain link pliers"

In which of the OP's seven contributions -quoted below for your convenience - do they either confirm or deny that they're using chainlink pliers?

I've watched videos and have tried anything and everything to remove a quick link but it will not budge.
Any suggestions please

my needle nose pliers do not fit through the links to get to the quick link

I've squirted gt85, wd40, degreaser all over it. no effect

The chain isn't rusty. a little dirty but no rust

this sounds like the best option. i can't ride the bike because it has a crack in the frame. therefore i 'm not walking it all the way to my LBS just for them to take the chain off for me (i don't drive)

I often use the chainwheel. Difficult to explain but move the chain a link round the chainwheel round the quicklink ie so the quicklink is out from the chainwheel. Then tap one side of the link with a convenient hammer/stone/etc. Did a quick online search and this probably explains what I do far clearer than words
View attachment 787558

Have tried this method. It doesn't work for me

Tried the wire yesterday and the shoe laces... again. The link won't stop 'moving' in a way I can't pull the shoelace/wire properly

 

[DaveReading]

I often use the chainwheel. Difficult to explain but move the chain a link round the chainwheel round the quicklink ie so the quicklink is out from the chainwheel. Then tap one side of the link with a convenient hammer/stone/etc. Did a quick online search and this probably explains what I do far clearer than words
View attachment 787558

But make sure that the quicklink is positioned to allow you to tap on the end that has the pin and not the end that has the hole !

 

[wafter]

Looks like @Jimmy Splash has succumbed to his predicament.. should we inform the authorities?

 

[figbat]

I often use the chainwheel. Difficult to explain but move the chain a link round the chainwheel round the quicklink ie so the quicklink is out from the chainwheel. Then tap one side of the link with a convenient hammer/stone/etc. Did a quick online search and this probably explains what I do far clearer than words
View attachment 787558

This method doesn’t work with a narrow-wide chainring though.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

my needle nose pliers do not fit through the links to get to the quick link

You can IME do this without going through the links by bunching the quick link into a little loop and applying pliers either side, if that makes any sense

 

[T4tomo]

But make sure that the quicklink is positioned to allow you to tap on the end that has the pin and not the end that has the hole !

there is a pin and a hole at each end of the quick link otherwise the two halves wouldn't join

@wafter ask yourself why would the OP be using needle noses if he had quick link pliers to hand!

I have a quick link tool. squeeze plates together with fingers and use quick link pliers. job done, no damage

The OP might as well just unseat the chain and remove any components he/she needs (opening the FD cage at the bolt if it has one) and junk the chain with the cracked frame!

 

[DaveReading]

there is a pin and a hole at each end of the quick link otherwise the two halves wouldn't join

Well yes, obviously - but if you had positioned the quicklink on the chainwheel such that the sideplate nearest you had the end with the hole uppermost, then tapping on the end of that plate would do nothing to split the link. Hence my comment.

Think about it.

 

[andrew_s]

Have tried this method. It doesn't work for me

You've got to make sure your hammer or rock strikes only the nearside sideplate end. If it catches the far side sideplate as well, it's going to fail.
Using a punch is best, but if also trying to squeeze the sideplates, as you should,you are liable to run out of hands.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Saw through the chainstay to save the chain.