Is there a knack to adding/removing 10speed chain links?

Just upgraded to 10 speed, new casette shifter chain etc. Got the KMC X93-10 and no matter what I tried I couldn’t clip the quick links on. I’ve never had any problem with 9 speed chains and links…

Is this a general problem with 10 speed? i’ve read you need a special tool to remove some SRAM 10speed quick links?

It may be that I ordered it cheap from Bike-Discount.de and the chain came in a sealable bag instead of a packaged box. Quick links were also loose in the bag.

I ended up using a chain tool and joined the pins together but the chain snapped after 30miles…

Any help would be great thanks!

I found the link on my KMC chain was very stiff to close- I set the bike on the ground, held the back wheel & pushed on the pedal, this generated enough chain tension to snap the link closed, I haven’t tried removing the link yet, but I suspect it would need a pair of masterlink pliers to take out.

Just use the 9-speed links. I reminded myself just today that they work fine after snapping my 10 speed chain.

Put link on top run of chain. Apply front brake. Press down on pedal.

I feel you pain. Last week I fitted a KMC 10sp chain and wanted to take it apart to take a few more links out. What a nightmare! The “missing link” or whatever they call it would only budge a short amount and my fingers were going numb trying 🙂 Found that using circlip pliers to squeeze the links together while pressing the link outer plates together using finger/thumb worked. I then replaced the KMC link with a SRAM one which are a doddle to open.

Edit: My grief was with undoing the link, joining them was easy.

Do you think I should start again now that the chain has already snapped (twice)?

What chain shall I get, only want to get a cheap one. I have the XT Shadow+ mech. Thinking of getting the Shimano Deore HG54 chain?

But again, quick links are supposed to be “quick” if a chain snaps on a ride I’d like to be able to put the chain together quickly without extra tools! Have I just got the wrong quick links / chain? Is it worth complaining to KMC?

Iirc, sram quick links cant be reused?
Anyway, shout and swear more. 😀

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/kmc-missing-link-tool?gclid=CIP2kaDysbcCFXIPtAodGEQADQ

removed and reused a few 10spd sram quick links with these.

(not all are 10speed compatible though, should be marked on the packaging)

if a chain snaps on a ride I’d like to be able to put the chain together quickly without extra tools!

You don’t need tools. Read my post.

They can be difficult to get on, I bought the tool to remove them

I bought a new SRAM 1050 on Wednesday. Could not close the bloody thing. Tried everything but not link pliers had none. Rang bike shop ( high on bikes) they posted me another straight away, will try and fit in morning before ride ( will return original).
I’ve heard conflicting views on SRAM some say single use others say multi use. Mine would not close at all.
Top marks to John at high on bikes, highly recommended.
Will post after fitting new chain in morning. Also bought a kmc link today just in case.

I’ll repeat it, honestly just use 9 speed links. On and off by hand, havent noticed any problems with shifting.

Wipperman links are a doddle imo.

if a chain snaps on a ride I’d like to be able to put the chain together quickly without extra tools!

You don’t need tools. Read my post.

You will still need a chain tool to remove the broken link but , as has been said you don’t need tools to fit a new joining link /

Sram 10 speed quick links are directional. If you try to link them the wrong way around they don’t work. I’ve also used 9 speed links as a trail side fix they were all I had and they worked ok. You can get better after market links that are reusable. The SRAM ones generally aren’t.

I had a new 10spd KMC chain with new miss link, was impossible to put together by hand. Bought the tools to do it from Superstars which made it easy.

Now the chain is warn in. Can easily be done by hand, but yo be honest glad I have the tools too as makes it a doddle for maintenance.

I wouldn’t buy a Shimano chain.