Comments on: How to Use a Quick Release Chain Link

By: Hugo Scavino

Hugo Scavino — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:04:25 +0000

So simple now that you showed the way. Thanks!

By: metalHurricane

metalHurricane — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:35:49 +0000

Thanks, my chain broke and i had no idea how to use a master link for the new one.

By: jack vine

jack vine — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:24:39 +0000

Replacing the clip on the old type of chain link. Years ago! I always fitted the clip with with the closed side facing the direction of travel. this is to prevent it from being dislodged by for example a chain guard.

By: David

David — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:16:17 +0000

Ah! so that’s how it works! My chain has been on and off a few times over the last few weeks. I’ll be using the quick release in future!

Well presented video.

By: Marc Dominic

Marc Dominic — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:41:11 +0000

Oh, I might add, I clean my chain in petroleum spirit (petrol/gas) piped into a carrying tank straight from the service station pump. It is a great degreaser for chains but you need to dispose of the residue in an environmentally friendly way – my work provides this facility but you could keep it under the sink until you have a sufficient quantity to take to your local waste disposal place (that disposes hydrocarbons – you may have to search for this!).

Disconnect the chain and place in a 2 litre coke (or whatever), bottle, together with the power link parts. Shake it around and leave to rest. Continue, shaking and resting until you’re satisfied the fuel colour is clean enough. You’ll have to strain the residue into another 2l PET bottle and replace with fresh fuel as you go along for subsequent disposal.

When done, cut the top off the bottle with a knife – so much easier to get the chain out!

I imagine diesel (gas oil,/diesel oil), although a little heavier, would also be ideal…

By: Dominic

Dominic — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:21:59 +0000

Alex and others,

I’ve never had to use pliers when disconnecting a SRAM power link. Make sure the chain is not stressed in anyway whatsoever and simply push the two pins of the power link together until it unlocks. Of course reinstalling and locking is easy as explained in the tutorial…

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:58:44 +0000

Jon, it sounds like your chain link is the same as type 1 shown in the above video?

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:46:43 +0000

I need to remove my chain and I have yet a different type of master link, it has a side plates with one long open slot for the two pins to get hooked on. How do you remove this type of plate and re-install. Thanks Jon

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:51:40 +0000

I bought the Park Tool Master Link Pliers tool to help with the loosening of the link. I haven’t used it yet, but it seems like it will be a great aid.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:14:35 +0000

Road bikes may have the second type, it depends what chain is installed. Usually you can check what type of chain you have by inspecting all of the links. Look for any brand, numbers, etc. as well as the quick release link. If you're still unsure, you can always make a post in the forums where you can upload a photo of your chain (closer the better).