Just fitted a new KMC chain to the singlespeed but could do with taking out another link but can't split the KMC missing link. Should I just bite the bullet and buy the missing link pliers or is there a home made way of doing it?
I wouldn't get the pliers. some needle nose pliers should do the trick if its really stuck otherwise try flexing the link side to side as you apply pressure.
I've got a 9 speed KMC missing link on my desk here. You have to press both sides together in about half a mil before it will slide.
HTH.
Fold the chain, and use normal pliers diagonally across the ends of the link(make sure you go across the correct ends :-)).
Been feeling a bit under the weather which is why I stopped today so will have another go tomorrow. Thanks folks.
As shadthebad said, squeeze the sides. See, even a girl knows how 🙂
Buy the kmc tool - you'll not regret it. Sometimes you lose the knack of doing it by hand and i find pliers slip on the rolllers too easily.
bent coat-hanger wire does a decent job unless they're REALLY stuck
fold the chain into an n or u shape with the link on the horizontal. Squeeze the side plates together with one hand and then pinch the rollers towards each other with the other. Practice a few times on a new chain before you use it in anger.
I recently put a KMC Missing Link on a 10 spd Shimano mtb chain and to be honest I'm dissapointed by it!
My last bike had a SRAM powerlink on a SRAM chain and you could just pull it apart by hand with no issues. With the KMC I'm struggling to get it together or apart !
Are all 10 spd powerlink type things as difficult to use?
At the weekend I ended up using the pliers across the link which is far from ideal. I know it doesnt happen often, but there is no way it would come apart out on a trail.
Are any of the alternatives any better?
KMC pliers are a really nice luxury item to have in your toolbox, I gave in and got a set and they do make life that little bit easier
wipperman links do not need squashing