I tried to remove it tool free but had no luck. This was on a relatively unworn chain but that did have grease caked on it. I used nose pliers to remove and connect the link back. This was my first time doing so as I didn't realise there where different link types when I bought the bike. In the future I think I will opt for a tool-free link just for convince sake.
It might be much easier to undo the link after the chain has been completely derailed so that there's no tension at all. Remove the rear wheel if necessary, and also remove the chain from the chain ring down towards the bottom bracket. Then, pinch the adjacent links parallel so the whole thing forms an n shape to push the ends of the link together. Some WD-40 there might also help to loosen things up. Before this method, I actually struggled with SRAM's PowerLink too so I'd be interested to see how Missing Links compare. Let me know how you go.
I'll have to get back to you on that one. B/c I got a similar link a while back ago and the one I got is tool free... Just a bit of pressure with your index and thumb and it slide off... But I did forget which brand I got. But I do know its the similar construct as this one... Even after a few rides the link still unhooks without much effort... I've been using them since my post which looks like 7 months ago :D...
Can't understand the issues some people are having on tool free removal, been using these for ages no problem even on well used links. Don't forget it's a 2 stage action, you must squeeze the side plates together first then push the chain together to release
The problem is some of these links are very difficult to remove by hand. The SRAM is very easy for example but try removing the link from the Shimano 105 10 gear chain, VERY difficult to do without the tool. Personally I removed the link and replaced it with the SRAM model instead, makes for removal and chain cleaning a lot easier.
Tried fitting one to a sram p70 chain and the pins on this thing are too tight to push into the chain link holes easily,so when fully fitted that link is stiff so essentiallly this thing is absolute crap.
ahh... well its very difficult them, i couldnt get it open using all my force especially with a slick chain. fortunately i found a method to hold the link up on the front chainring teeth then tap it with a spanner to open it. ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201107050.pdf
I cannot agree with you, simple needle nose pliers does the job without the special tool. KMC will not tell you that to sell their product b/c they are a business, but it doesn't take a much brains to figure out that not everything needs special tools. And you can modify tools to your needs or to make that special tool that is around 20 dollars. Use your imagination...
I tried to remove it tool free but had no luck. This was on a relatively unworn chain but that did have grease caked on it. I used nose pliers to remove and connect the link back. This was my first time doing so as I didn't realise there where different link types when I bought the bike. In the future I think I will opt for a tool-free link just for convince sake.
It might be much easier to undo the link after the chain has been completely derailed so that there's no tension at all. Remove the rear wheel if necessary, and also remove the chain from the chain ring down towards the bottom bracket.
Then, pinch the adjacent links parallel so the whole thing forms an n shape to push the ends of the link together. Some WD-40 there might also help to loosen things up.
Before this method, I actually struggled with SRAM's PowerLink too so I'd be interested to see how Missing Links compare. Let me know how you go.
I'll have to get back to you on that one. B/c I got a similar link a while back ago and the one I got is tool free... Just a bit of pressure with your index and thumb and it slide off... But I did forget which brand I got. But I do know its the similar construct as this one... Even after a few rides the link still unhooks without much effort... I've been using them since my post which looks like 7 months ago :D...
On SRAM chains you should use their PowerLink (or PowerLock) links.
Just as easy as it looks like! But they also break easy!
I managed to get them disconnect without tools but ended up with blisters on both thumbs. I always use a tool now :-)
Can't understand the issues some people are having on tool free removal, been using these for ages no problem even on well used links.
Don't forget it's a 2 stage action, you must squeeze the side plates together first then push the chain together to release
The problem is some of these links are very difficult to remove by hand. The SRAM is very easy for example but try removing the link from the Shimano 105 10 gear chain, VERY difficult to do without the tool. Personally I removed the link and replaced it with the SRAM model instead, makes for removal and chain cleaning a lot easier.
Tried fitting one to a sram p70 chain and the pins on this thing are too tight to push into the chain link holes easily,so when fully fitted that link is stiff so essentiallly this thing is absolute crap.
the missing link CANNOT be easily removed/uncliped unless you have the knc removal tool, its NOT tool free
Even so, it still is not "tool free" as KMC claims :)
Thanks for the tip, but the link has moved. Here it is:
ctc.org.uk/sites/default/files/file_member/201107050.pdf
ahh... well its very difficult them, i couldnt get it open using all my force especially with a slick chain. fortunately i found a method to hold the link up on the front chainring teeth then tap it with a spanner to open it.
ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201107050.pdf
I cannot agree with you, simple needle nose pliers does the job without the special tool. KMC will not tell you that to sell their product b/c they are a business, but it doesn't take a much brains to figure out that not everything needs special tools. And you can modify tools to your needs or to make that special tool that is around 20 dollars. Use your imagination...