SRAM powerlink

[thomas_cho]

Hi all,
Last night, I was working on a friend's bike, and tried to remove the SRAM 8 spd chain, but I just could not remove the powerlink. Even after lubricating it, cleaning it, and using a pair of needle nose pliers.

Is there a technique to getting the link off? Am I the only one that has problems taking the link off?

I ended up breaking the chain with my chain breaker.

[rider06]

never had a problem disengaging a power link. i just create some slack in the chain, then use thumb and forefinger to slide each side of the powerlink in opposite directions and off she comes.

[singletracking]

You've used one before?

(If not - You need to push the two sides together (squeeze the link) to release, slide the links and then open them)

Otherwise - perhaps someone used a 9 speed link on the 8 speed chain? That'd make life difficult! The link should say how many speed it was meant for.

If this advice is stuff you already know - it might be bent/ stuffed...?

[thomas_cho]

No the chain was a 8 spd SRAM chain, and I used the link that came with the chain.

And no I did not squeeze the sides together to unlock. Perhaps I should have read the instructions that came with the chain!

Thanks will give that a go.

[Mulger bill]

A bit of old spoke with a hook bent into each end helps greatly with removal and refitting the chain.

Shaun

[Hawkeye]

They still have a habit of jamming up if they haven't been opened up in awhile. I find I need to use a pair of multigrips and squeeze the link together from opposite corners (looking from above the chain) to get the thing to start opening up.