Quick link (word to the wise)

[woodbutcher]

If you are tempted to go for these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Pairs-...10-Speed-Shimano-SRAM-Compatible/153434822929
Be prepared to spend some time on the fiddly task of carefully filing away the rough and rugged edges which prevent the link from coming together when installed on the chain Cheap was not cheerful this time .

 

[Sharky]

Now that you mention it, the last pair I bought were KMC and I seem to remember taking quite an effort to snap them into place.

 

[ColinJ]

Now that you mention it, the last pair I bought were KMC and I seem to remember taking quite an effort to snap them into place.

As long as you can get them started, it is usually easy to snap them into place by applying the back brake and standing on a forward-pointing pedal. Every time that I have done it, the link has snapped shut with a satisfying 'clunk'.

 

[woodbutcher]

As long as you can get them started, it is usually easy to snap them into place by applying the back brake and standing on a forward-pointing pedal. Every time that I have done it, the link has snapped shut with a satisfying 'clunk'.

Ive got another one to fit so l will give your method a go , thanks for the tip !

 

[Milkfloat]

As long as you can get them started, it is usually easy to snap them into place by applying the back brake and standing on a forward-pointing pedal. Every time that I have done it, the link has snapped shut with a satisfying 'clunk'.

Agreed, for me, the tighter the better.

 

[iluvmybike]

They are meant to be a tight fit! As ColinJ already said just put back brake on and a quick stamp on the pedal and click. If you file away at it then you run the risk of it failing. I've use a shed load of these things and this method has never failed to pop it into place

 

[Ajax Bay]

2 Pairs KMC Chain Quick Link

the fiddly task of carefully filing away the rough and rugged edges

On the assumption that you've only done this on one set so far, how about photographing the remaining set and sharing those images so we can see what you mean. The ones you linked to are not KMC (see 'genuine' ones below):

 

[woodbutcher]

2 Pairs KMC Chain Quick Link
View attachment 494377

On the assumption that you've only done this on one set so far, how about photographing the remaining set and sharing those images so we can see what you mean. The ones you linked to are not KMC (see 'genuine' ones below):
View attachment 494379

Will take a photo of the remaining pair which incidentally dont look as tidy as the ones in the photo l posted but you will be able to see for yourself. This is the first time l've had a problem fitting quick links so lm guessing these are cheap knock offs.This is the ebay listing https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Pairs-...var=453378451897&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[Vapin' Joe]

KMC links are a pig. If you need to stand on a pedal with the brake on to snap it shut good luck with undoing it.

Wippermann are far better IME.

 

[Ajax Bay]

KMC links are a pig. If you need to stand on a pedal with the brake on to snap it shut good luck with undoing it.
Wippermann are far better IME.

I probably undo and rejoin a KMC quicklink once every 1000km for a thorough chain clean. Have never found it an issue - and I too use the 'stamp on a pedal' routine to achieve assured closure. I have no experience of the Wipperman Connex link.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

I still have a brand new KMC chain from last year where a hefty mate and myself could not get the link to close with any method. Wipperman Conex are the easiest quick links to join and break.

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

As long as you can get them started, it is usually easy to snap them into place by applying the back brake and standing on a forward-pointing pedal. Every time that I have done it, the link has snapped shut with a satisfying 'clunk'.

Likewise
Every replacement chain on my bikes, since 2013 (at least) have been KMC
No problems connecting

There has been the occasional problem for removal though, but they've always separated in the end (without damage)

 

[Nigelnightmare]

Please be aware that not all quick links are re-useable.
The KMC ones that are V/tight are probably single use ones.

 

[woodbutcher]

Please be aware that not all quick links are re-useable.
The KMC ones that are V/tight are probably single use ones.

l'm beginning to get fed up with so called '' quick'' links, l might well just use a Shimano connecting pin where poss. in future !

 

[Ajax Bay]

l'm beginning to get fed up with so called '' quick'' links, l might well just use a Shimano connecting pin where poss. in future !

Ime, you'll get far more 'failures' with connecting pins than quick links (which, btw, are called 'quick links' because they are both quick and an effective way to link a chain). Connecting pins carry higher risk except for very capable users - perhaps you are one of those? In which case: hurrah!