help! installing a sram power link

[UseItOrLooseIt]

I can't figure out how to put it on. Help guys? All I have left to do is make the chain back into a single piece, but the "power link" parts won't fit together

[davidB]

hope these help

[tkblazer]

nice picture david... i usually have trouble taking the dang thing apart

[northshore]

Make sure to carry a spare link in your bag. It could save you during a chain break!

[el_d00der1n0]

you don't even have to pull it tight. just give it a spin.

they're a pain to get apart. i almost would prefer to just use the chain tool -- which i always have nearby even on the trail.

[davidB]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

they're a pain to get apart.

there has to be a reason for this and the variety of opinions on the matter. I for one love these things because they pop off so smoothly, yet others say they're a pain. ??????

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by davidB

there has to be a reason for this and the variety of opinions on the matter. I for one love these things because they pop off so smoothly, yet others say they're a pain. ??????

maybe it's the lube, maybe it's the sausage fingers, but i have to get pliers on them at an angle to sqush the ends in.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

nice picture david... i usually have trouble taking the dang thing apart

On my gearie bikes, I've had great luck with them coming apart simply riding down a rough section of trail.

The walk back up to retrieve the chains is the only part that I don't care for.

[Abui]

Originally Posted by davidB

there has to be a reason for this and the variety of opinions on the matter. I for one love these things because they pop off so smoothly, yet others say they're a pain. ??????

They're very sensitive. Any interference from dirt and it doesn't slide to where the pins can get through the holes.

Or it may be a masher can put enough tension on the chain to "lock" it.

[silverspot]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

you don't even have to pull it tight. just give it a spin.

I would make sure it's secure before riding. I had put one on when I put a new chain on and then rode down rock-it, got to the bottom of the rock gardens only to find my chain had fallen off. Had to hike a bit back up to find the chain. Lost the power link but had another one in the camelback.

[zerordl]

As soon as I figured out the trick of squeezing the plates toward each other I stopped struggling to get the links apart. Now it's easy. I wouldn't run a chain without one of those things.

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

you don't even have to pull it tight. just give it a spin.

they're a pain to get apart. i almost would prefer to just use the chain tool -- which i always have nearby even on the trail.

[Innes]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

you don't even have to pull it tight. just give it a spin.

they're a pain to get apart. i almost would prefer to just use the chain tool -- which i always have nearby even on the trail.

There is always one of these...

[mntbiker12]

Wow, I'm mildly surprised that this thread even exists! To me, the Power Link has been one of the easiest, most worry free things about my bike.

I guess a clean chain when removing is probably a good idea.

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by Innes

There is always one of these...

what is that called?

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by mntbiker12

I guess a clean chain when removing is probably a good idea.

True. It was always when my chain was clean when it would come apart.

[Abui]

Originally Posted by Innes

There is always one of these...

Originally Posted by mntbiker12

Wow, I'm mildly surprised that this thread even exists! To me, the Power Link has been one of the easiest, most worry free things about my bike.

I guess a clean chain when removing is probably a good idea.

You can't always choose when you need to open a chain. The existence of the tool above tells you there is a need for a tool.

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

what is that called?

MLP-1 from Park Tool. They call them Master Link Pliers.

[katonk]

I solve all of my power link problems with a Wipperman Connex.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CH608Z01-Wipperman+Connex+Stainless+Link.aspx

Also, they make two kinds of Power Links, 8-speed (silver) and 9-speed (gold). If you try to use the wrong type you will become very angry.

[RS VR6]

I had a heck of a time putting mine in on also. I ended up putting on the link loose and pedaled down my driveway...the link popped into place.

[jschwart73]

You need to clean it to get it off smoothly and it has to be eat-off-it clean before you put it back together.

If it's clean, it goes back together perfectly.