AJW2W11E

My KMC chain needs a bath. Usually I roll it off the Chain ring and dangle the loose part it in a bottle of cleaner. This time I would like to take it off totally. They say you can only use the Missing Link once. Once you detach it, you need a new one. But they cost so much you might as well buy another brand new chain. Is it true you can use or connect the Missing Link once?

grizzly59

I think there are 2 versions, one is reusable, and one is "one use only", or some such.

darkhorse75

For singlespeed you can connect and disconnect at your pleasure. One missing link for the life of one chain.

IAmSam

I do...

TugaDude

They can be re-used, yes. But as mentioned above there are some that are one-use only. The others can be used 3 to 5 times according to KMC. Check out the page below.

https://www.kmcchain.com/en/series/c...8s-7s-6s-speed

Moles

It seems they have a few different designs....

In addition to the three they show on their site, I've got a fourth type that was on the last two 1/8" KMC chains I bought. It's got an outer plate with two holes (not the long slot as pictured on the "single speed" page on the KMC site) and you seat the pins by flexing the chain slightly while pushing the plate on. I'm still not sure if it's reusable or not - I've figured out how to clean the chain while it's dangling from the chain stay anyway.

TugaDude

I suspect, based on their website, that they'd say that link is non re-useable. The "missing link" seems confined to KMC's multi-speed chains. And of course we can use the 3/32" multi-speed chains on SS and FG, but they are still considered multi-speed chains.

IAmSam

Jeebus...

https://www.kmcchain.us/Single-Speed...tors_c_52.html

TugaDude

Not sure what your point is. If it was to point out my mistake, then I guess you succeeded. Congratulations! The 1/8" single-speed connector shown is non re-usable according to the text.

• KOOL Connecting Link for Heavy Duty Use
• Non-Reusable
• Perfect Combination w/ K710 & K710SL Series chains

IAmSam

Ok, keep up the good work. Ride safe...

Lazyass

I reuse them on any chain with quick links and I don't care what is or is not recommended. Never had one fail but I do always carry a spare.

drlogik 

I'm one of those people that tends to believe a company's recommendation on how to use their product, especially if they offer two different versions of the same product, a single-use version and a re-usable version. Especially if it can adversely affect my safety, but that's just me.

Lazyass

I'm one of those people who don't needlessly blow money.

JohnDThompson 

Master links are really only required for riveted chains, for eight or more sprockets on a derailleur equipped bike. Chains for fixed gear/track bikes (1/8" width) are pinned together and can be opened at any place, using a chain tool to push the pin most of the way out and rejoined by pushing the pin back in place. A master link on such a chain is only a convenience, not a requirement.

N.B. older 3/32" wide derailleur bike chains are also pinned and don't need a master link, but only work with seven or fewer sprockets.

zandoval 

Me Too... But Rats... Now I'm a thinking I better investigate this further. I use ChiCom made quick links that I buy five pair at a time. Really I have only had to replace them when I drop them in the grass and the grass gremlins take off with them. I now wonder which ones are best rather than most convenient...




Is this one of those subjects we have beat over before? What is the most reliable and safest "Quick Link / Master Link"?

TejanoTrackie 

This is not the case with chains such as the KMC K1SL, which have mushroomed pins that cannot be reconnected.

Lazyass

If you have the proper tool to remove them they'll be fine. The manufactures have to protect themselves from people who try to get them off with a pair of pliers or screwdriver or something and then reuse it with a bent side plate or damaged pin. Then try to sue or give bad reviews when their chain flies off and they claim it made them crash.

IAmSam

Uh-oh...this information kinda distresses me. I am a long time K810SL, which has become the skinny KMC K1SL, user. And I need another chain. I have broken and rejoined 810SL's a bunch of times - being careful not to push the pin completely out ala JohnDThompson's way. It is a pain thus my also using and reusing a couple of the quick-link style with a separate clip shown in the middle of zandoval's illustration. It has never been a problem but now you got me trying to compare the pins of both old and new versions of my chain and in stock google machine pics - they look the same. Should I be concerned about my other bike wearing a KMC K810SL that has been (mis?)treated this way at least a couple of times?

Ride safe

TejanoTrackie 

Well, I can’t say that it absolutely won’t work, because I’ve never tried. The problem is not pushing the pin all the way out, which BTW is NOT what JDT is doing, but reinserting the pin into the plate where it was removed. The pin is mushroomed at the ends after assembly at the factory, which causes it to enlarge the hole in the plate when it is removed. Reinserting the pin results in further enlargement and deformation of the plate, leading to a less than optimal connection. I suggest you test your chain by holding it at the reconnection point with both hands on either side and flexing it sideways as you might do to loosen a tight link, and seeing if it holds together. If it stays together, then it is probably safe to continue using that chain.

IAmSam

but...but...but...

Anyway - I am going to double-check it...and rethink how I handle those chains too

SpedFast

I use and reuse the first type here from Zandoval's post repeatedly on all my bikes from 12spd to 22spd and even old MTB's. Some have been on and off at least 24 times and only get replaced when the grass demons run off with them (per Zandoval). I knew there was something strange lurking in the lawn that stole bike parts. Now it's been confirmed. Thanks for the pics

TejanoTrackie 

FWIW, I just checked the instructions that came with my K1SL Wide Chain (formerly K710SL), and it states "For your own safety, do not reuse chain pins after removal." It also designates the MissingLink Connector as "NON-REUSABLE."

ofajen

I just don’t take the chain off until it’s ready to be retired. I clear dust and dirt off with a paper towel or chain brush after most rides and then use Boeshield when it sounds like it needs it. Eventually I take it off and replace it. Seems simple and it’s working well.

Otto

zandoval 

Man... Were not we just talking about this. I have reused my links as long as I can remember. In fact I did not know there were links you were not supposed to reuse. I musta put the MoJo on cause today at removing my chain I dropped the link on the concrete and on picking it up noticed a missing pin. Its an old SRAM but who knows?

SpedFast

Them little grass thieves are coming right up on the concrete now? At least they only took a small piece of it.