Just came close to shredding my fingers and trashing various tools trying to get a Sram Powerlink apart.

Any tips?

Here you go 😀

squeeze the plates together at the same time as pushing the links togeter, once you have the knack…

HTH

I ended up sawing one in half to get it off, before someone told me to squeeze the plates together before you push the ends in, it really is easy when you have the knack.

I can usually manage it manually. However on occaision I've struggled too. I've managed to get one apart with 2 thin cable ties. Put one around the link to squeeze the plates. Then thread the other around the rollers. As you tighten this one it should pull the link apart.

Best of luck.

PS I'm going to get a pair of the link pliers. £7 from Parker International

As Big M says, but if it's been on a while and being stubborn – wiggle at the same time!

It's a similar technique to the undoing of bra fastenings.

Unfortunately…

Make sure the sliding holes are clear of dirt too. This catches a lot of people out & only takes 30 seconds to rectify.

yeah, i reckon that normally if it doesn't go straight away then it's full of dirt as frank says! Stick it in your mouth and give it a suck and it'll be right. Or if you're worried about that then a good hose with your camelback!

You can take them apart using a chain splitter too, I found that out last week when I was stupid and didn't look before getting to work!

old gear cable.thread round the outside,cross it over and pull on both ends of cable.simple.

The Park Tools SRAM Link Pliers makes it much easier:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7781

bit of coat hanger wire does it for me

Be aware that if you have a 10speed chain what you have are powerlocks, not powerlinks, which are not designed to be taken apart once fitted.

ha ha, I thought it was just me.. as said once you got the hang of it its easy… kinda squeeze together and do a flicking motion like trying to click you fingers..