Split link advice required.

[night cycler]

A split link (aka missing link, aka quick link, aka master link, aka powerlink) comprises the two outer plates with integrated pins. You join it by pairing the two halves together, via two 'inner' links.

A joining pin is literally just the pin and is usually supplied with new Shimano chains for joining the two ends of the chain together - an 'outer' to an 'inner'. You install them using a chain tool, and they have a 'guide' piece that makes it easier to insert - you break this off once the pin is in place.

Thank you for explining that.

 

[DaveReading]

I'm guessing that is for the rejoining, and a tool may be required for the removal.

Removal:

The mole grips shown are just a convenient object to tap the end with, otherwise you can use pretty well anything handy, such as a stone.

 

[subaqua]

Removal:

View attachment 408529

The mole grips shown are just a convenient object to tap the end with, otherwise you can use pretty well anything handy, such as a stone.

or if you keep chain lubed properly they come apart by hand. funnily enough I dont have a problem with marathon plus tyres . maybe i have amazingly strong hands ( i doubt it )

 

[smutchin]

I bought a set of link pliers a while ago but last time I needed to break my chain I couldn't find them... plonker that I am. Luckily, I found that flexing the chain at the link did the job without too much effort. I like the look of the 'hitting it with mole grips' method though - must make a mental note of that one.

 

[Jody]

Removal:

Thanks for that. Handy to know

 

[Milkfloat]

In the past I used a shoelace to pull the quicklink in to remove it. Worked a treat.

 

[Tim Hall]

I've got a pair of tyre levers that clip together to make a quick link splitting tool. Linky.

 

[Milkfloat]

I've got a pair of tyre levers that clip together to make a quick link splitting tool. Linky.

They are awesome - are they also great tyre levers?

 

[I like Skol]

I've got a pair of tyre levers that clip together to make a quick link splitting tool. Linky.

I have to ask, but why?

 

[Tim Hall]

I have to ask, but why?

Why what?

 

[I like Skol]

Why what?

Why you feel it is necessary to carry a split link tool when out on the road. It's a clever design I agree, but solves a problem that doesn't really exist and looking at the images they appear pretty chunky compared to conventional tyre levers so there is a penalty to carting them around.

 

[Tim Hall]

Why you feel it is necessary to carry a split link tool when out on the road. It's a clever design I agree, but solves a problem that doesn't really exist and looking at the images they appear pretty chunky compared to conventional tyre levers so there is a penalty to carting them around.

I admit the tricksy design was a major part in my thought process. I guess another reason is in case I need to undo a split link while out on the road - jammed chain, chain broken elsewhere, that sort of thing. Bulkier than standard levers for sure, but that’s not an issue for when I’m carrrying them. Negligible weight penalty. As I don’t have a special pair of pliers for undoing links, I also use them at home.

 

[Siclo]

It looks like this handy multitool has been superseded now?

Yes and I prefer the new design, easier to square up the pin, I always used to drop the tyre lever bit with the hex in it in the dark. If you've got any bikes running 11 speed you may want to check at home it will still work, I encountered someone in Mobberley a few weeks ago who'd found out the hard way an 11 speed chain pin was of a smaller diameter than his chain tool, and I gave him a split link.

 

[Ianboydsnr]

I admit the tricksy design was a major part in my thought process. I guess another reason is in case I need to undo a split link while out on the road - jammed chain, chain broken elsewhere, that sort of thing. Bulkier than standard levers for sure, but that’s not an issue for when I’m carrrying them. Negligible weight penalty. As I don’t have a special pair of pliers for undoing links, I also use them at home.

This kind of talk worries me a bit, until I joined cyclechat, I had never seemed to need all these extra tools, spares or do any more maintenance than replace peddles, a bottom bracket, or lube the chain, and replace tyres and inner tubes, maybe I need to get out more,

Literally out more on the bike.

 

[I like Skol]

This kind of talk worries me a bit, until I joined cyclechat, I had never seemed to need all these extra tools, spares or do any more maintenance than replace peddles, a bottom bracket, or lube the chain, and replace tyres and inner tubes, maybe I need to get out more,

Literally out more on the bike.

Don't worry. The chances of needing to undo a split link when out riding are almost nil. The chance of needing to join a broken chain is slightly higher but still a low risk on an otherwise well maintained bike.