Was changing a new chain but I made a mistake of clipping in on too early and now I'm left with only one side connected on the master link. Tried to remove it with the chain link plier but it's not budging…is there anyway to remove this and reconnect again?
by icemear
4 Comments
Funny thing. I did exactly the same thing last night. It’s just a matter of getting the angle right. I recommend taking your wheel off so that there is less tension on the chain and then just fiddle around with it and try to get it to move exactly parallel. You’ll get it eventually. Don’t try to force it. It’s finesse and patience, not power.
Has this happen, needed a new master link when I got it off.
Because you only have one side clipped in, when you try to squeeze with the chain link pliers you will apply a bending force to the side that’s clipped in. This will cause the quick-link clip to jam, as they are designed to only release when the force is being applied perfectly linearly. It might help to remove the wheel to give slack on the chain, then fold it back on itself at the quick-link, then trying the chain pliers. I have found that is some easier when trying to release stuck quick links.
The only other thing I can suggest is to try to loosely clamp the chain either side, to counteract the bending force that is jamming the link. It might also help if you try to (gently) bend the chain the other way when applying the pliers.
When you use the pliers, it bends the chain sideways because you have only one side of the quicklink installed…this is what’s making it not budge.
If you’re coordinated enough, keep the chain straight and prevent it from bending sideways (or maybe bend it sideways outwards a bit to compensate) as you apply the pliers. Or have a friend hold the chain straight as you use the pliers. That’s really it.