Completely stubborn quick link removal

[Jimmy Splash]

Alternatively, leave the quick link alone and split the chain somewhere else and use another quick link to rejoin. Will shorten the chain by 1/2", but shouldn't be a problem .

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)

 

[Jimmy Splash]

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

 

[Webbo2]

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

That’s one of the methods I was trying to explain above.

 

[C R]

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

What about the cable tie/shoe lace method?

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Compressed along the line of the chain, right. Not sideplates squeezed together.
How can that be misunderstood? A quick link will not part unless the half link is put in compression.

No, compressed transversely. Sideplates compressed together.

 

[Jimmy Splash]

What about the cable tie/shoe lace method?

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

 

[joeegg]

I used the shoelace method .I found that the laces should be as flat as possible on top of the link and central when pulling.

 

[Webbo2]

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

Are you sure it’s a quick link 😉

 

[hobo]

Normal pair of pliers across the link at an angle so compressing only one side on each jaw, bit tricky but always works and keep your fingers clear!

 

[Sea of vapours]

Have you actually tried compressing the plates sideways / transversely / perpendicular to the plates, as @Yellow Saddle described? This does help. That said, the pragmatic and rapid option is to just break the chain with a chain tool at a different place, as suggested above.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Is it time to smash it with a hammer yet?🤣

 

[Sharky]

And my dad used to spit chains with a pair of pliers, a punch and a hammer. Admitadly on a single speed chain.

 

[fossyant]

TNT. That will do it.

 

[Jenkins]