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]

 

[88robb]

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

Sometimes they just seize up. Grab the chain on either side of the link and flex it side-to-side hard while also pushing the plates together. The wiggle is key to breaking it free. If that fails, use pliers and just crush the link to break it you'll need a new one anyway.