Connecting an 11 sp...
 

[Closed] Connecting an 11 speed kmc chain with quicklink - Impossible

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I've never ever had an issue trying to connect a chain with a quicklink until now.

KMC 11 speed - super light gold chain... not a chance in hell... I dont want to buy a tool... what can I do?


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 5:03 pm
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Put it in the top run of the chain, pull front brake, press down on pedal.


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 5:05 pm
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What he said. And be thankful it's not a Campag chain...


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 5:14 pm
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Pretty much as @simondbarnes said, a quick push with the hand on the pedal and it clicks into place. Don't think I even applied the front brake, just held the bike firmly.


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 5:20 pm
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You do mean connect, and not disconnect?  I didnt know there was a tool to connect them ??   I always do same as above... I have a tool to help disconnect them though.


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 5:26 pm
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In fact (having read them only the other day*) the ”using the pedals” method is specifically mentioned in the helpful instructions.

*yes, I need to return my masculinity for a refurb: after all who reads instructions anyway.


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 5:43 pm
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I’ve never ever had an issue trying to connect a chain with a quicklink until now.

KMC 11 speed – super light gold chain… not a chance in hell… I dont want to buy a tool… what can I do?

The advice given above is good and...buy the tool too!

I too was sceptical, but it's a very useful thing and, as far as I am concerned, pays for itself after the first knuckle-grazing it saves!


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 5:55 pm
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The tool is nice, but mostly useless. Fitting is easily accomplished using the pedals as above; removal involves a bit of steel wire / gear cable and two pliers to pull the links together.


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 5:58 pm
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sweeet- thanks guys - didnt think it would be a good idea as the 2 faces may pull apart if not aligned perfectly.

First time for everything!


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 6:29 pm
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This statement:

The tool is nice, but mostly useless.

...is somewhat at odds with the removal instructions:

Fitting is easily accomplished using the pedals as above; removal involves a bit of steel wire / gear cable and two pliers to pull the links together.

Personally, that's worth a set of pliers in the toolbox, but each to their own 🙂


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 6:54 pm
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11sp KMC links are tougher to fit and remove at times, and also many are technically single use (though I've reused them without dying).

KMC's own tool(s)… forget it, as there are separate tools to fit and remove!

I got Park Tools Master Link Pliers  http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/park-tool-master-link-pliers-mlp1-2/rp-prod109888

Kind of like the one above, but for me it does work. Those spring bits on the Birzman one might prevent it working for fitting where it needs to open out.

The stomp on pedals trick does generally work though.


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 7:39 pm
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Kind of like the one above, but for me it does work. Those spring bits on the Birzman one might prevent it working for fitting where it needs to open out

Nah, I have those exact ones and they work fine for both opening and closing a chain. Park ones look pretty much the same, tbh. But with blue handles 🙂


 
Posted : 10/04/2018 9:04 pm