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Questions and answers about sports

Breaking and reconnecting modern chains

5 min read

Asked by: Amber Anderson

Do modern bike chains have a master link?

Nowadays, bicycle chains usually have a master link or quick-release link. It allows you to easily connect and disconnect your bike chain.

How do you relink chains?


Quote from video: Make sure you don't draw out the pin all the way out and you have enough on the inside of the link here. So you can snap the chain legs back together.

Why do I keep breaking chains?

Chains break for a host of reasons, but most common is wear. For example, if a chain has been ridden for 2500 miles, it will actually stretch out. Correspondingly, a ridden chain will be longer from link to link than a new chain. Because the chain is stretched, the metal fatigues is more susceptible to failure.

Can I rejoin a bike chain?

Fix without a quick link



You can rejoin chains up to 8-speed by removing the broken link and refastening the chain. This is possible with 9-, 10- and 11-speed chains too but it’s best as a get-you-home measure as these thinner chains aren’t designed to have their rivets driven out and in again.

What if my bike chain doesn’t have a master link?

Using a chain pin: If your chain does not have a master link, use a chain tool to reconnect the chain with the chain pin included with your new chain. If you are repairing an existing chain, always use a new chain pin rather than reusing an existing pin.

Is a master link the same as a connecting link?

Description & Specifications



Roller chain connecting links also known as master links are used to connect two ends of the roller chain together.

How do you break a chain link without a tool?

In order to shorten the link without a chain tool, you need an alternative tool like a hammer, pliers or thin nail. They will assist you in pushing the pin easily. You can position the chain over a socket, and hit it with a hammer. Then, you can now pass the bolt all throughout the open holes.

How do you use a chain breaker?

Quote from video: Through to break the chain you put the chain underneath. The tool open the jaws. The jaws get a firm grip on the inside of the roller link underneath.

Can you reuse chain pins?

It is not advisable to reuse a previously pushed out link pin to rejoin the chain. The chain will quickly come apart at that junction when riding.

Are rope chains weak?

Are Rope Chains Strong? Rope chains are not only one of the most popular types of chains, but they are also one of the most durable, heavy, and textural types of chains as well. This means they are quite strong, even for the thinner rope chains, and they won’t come apart easily.

What is a master link on a chain?

A master link or quick-release link is a roller chain accessory that allows convenient connection and disconnection of a chain without the need for a chain tool. It acts as a set of the chain’s outer plates, so joining two sets of the chain’s inner plate ends.

Do ball chains break easily?

Ball chains don’t perform well as a stand-alone accessory and look best paired with pendants. The flip side of this beautiful chain is that they tend not to be as sturdy as some of the other chains mentioned here, and can break relatively easily.

How many times can you use a quick link?

Wippermann says its quick link can be reused many times, in addition to being removed and installed without tools. Many of KMC, YBN and Wippermann’s quick links are compatible with groupsets from the Big Three.

Can you reuse master link?

SRAM’s 10 and 11-speed master links are called PowerLocks and are not to be reused. According to SRAM, the ridge that joins the two plates of the PowerLock together can be damaged when unlocking it, increasing the risk of failure if reused.

How do you break a bike chain without a chain breaker?

Put the chain over the socket, Hit the nail with hammer. The pin should pass through the open hole. The pliers usually has a part where the wire cutters are, the reverse is a concave part put the chain over that – again hit with nail and hammer. Used to use the reverse order to put it back on. !

Do chains come with a master link?

The master link is a single removable link segment of a bicycle chain. You’ll hear people also refer to these as quick links. Also, SRAM’s version of the master link is called a Power Link. It is sold separately as well as typically included when you buy a SRAM chain.

What are the different types of chain links?

Links chains types

  • Cable chain cable. …
  • Round link chain. …
  • Flat link chain. …
  • Twisted curb chain. …
  • Figure of eight chain/ Infinity. …
  • Rolo/Cascade/belcher chain. …
  • Venetian link/Box chain/briolette chain/square link chain. …
  • Gourmette chain/Cuban link/ Curb.

What is a master link chain?

A master link or quick-release link is a roller chain accessory that allows convenient connection and disconnection of a chain without the need for a chain tool. It acts as a set of the chain’s outer plates, so joining two sets of the chain’s inner plate ends.

Are all master links the same?

No, they are not universal, but you can get one for your chain if you know the size.

Is it OK to have 2 master links on a chain?

More than one master link should be fine. The only issue I can see with this practice is having a few links of unworn chain inserted into a worn one which might cause problems – not a problem in your specific case as the chain is almost brand new.

Can you reuse master link?

SRAM’s 10 and 11-speed master links are called PowerLocks and are not to be reused. According to SRAM, the ridge that joins the two plates of the PowerLock together can be damaged when unlocking it, increasing the risk of failure if reused.