Chain quick links: A quick guide to easy connection

Turning a single outer link of a chain into a quick connecting one: chain quick links, connecting links, missing links, master links or whatever you call them, are fast becoming the common way to join a chain.
As one of the smallest components of a bike, quick links all but remove the risk of wrongdoing and open up possibilities of removing a chain for thorough cleaning, pedantic travel or nerdy lubrication. For years KMC, YBN, SRAM and Wipperman have used such links, while Shimano and Campagnolo held out and stuck with special replacement pins. However, even Shimano is now changing its tune and its latest 11 and 12 speed chains are available with master links.
CyclingTips tech writer Dave Rome reveals how to use quick links, which are best, whether you can re-use them and what tools are worth owning.
Read the full feature: cyclingtips.co...

[@adamwiley7625]

This was the only video out of many that helped me out. Those new Shimano master links are crazy tight. Positioning the master link and holding the back wheel was magic!

[@domhunt6488]

This was so helpful! I was getting infuriated trying to get it to click into place... I have a chain tool but no clamping tools and the hold wheel and pedal method worked like a charm, thank you

[@roveism]

You're so right about the Shimano Quick link being a tight link to close, it was struggle and a half to get it to lockin... should be renamed Shimano Gorilla links.

[@ercuesy]

Thank you for the tip to close it with a pedal stroke. You saved my day!

[@kristhys]

Same here

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

First video to answer and fully explain all my chain questions! Great video!

[@that_which_is_not]

Ran quick links forever, wouldn’t have a chain without em. Lovely video by the way! ✌️❤️

[@spacekoaster]

Thanks you so much for your video! I was out of bike because my old chain broke and I didn’t have any pliers to put my new chain and your video was so helpful! The rear brake option was the best for me :)

[@ryanwillier605]

.oo

[@gringochucha]

Thanks for this excellent video. To-the-point and perfectly presented.

[@verizmamaind]

I was sweating trying to close one of the new shimano links for an hour, then checked your suggestion with a pedal and it worked like a charm! Thank you

[@magnumllama400]

Should i get shimano or kmc better?

[@dh7314]

Connex are a life saver. I wax my chain every couple of weeks, I can take the chain off in seconds without a tool.

[@1trucxhondamov589]

Just came from that video, Re:Oz Cycle Chain Care!

[@randomescu]

All quick links are multiple time usable? I just ordered a golden KMC and a Force pliers for quick links.

[@jimhansen5395]

I switched to the Wipperman links (for 11 speed - 12 speed isn't available yet) when i switched to wax lubes. Huge money saver as the links are reusable.

[@fistvan93]

Huge thanks to you, I was having real hard time closing my quicklink but your technik did the magic.

[@montgomeryburns9979]

Thanks mate. I'll go for the tool option to close the link because I couldn't do it at all. Had to push a pin link of part of another chain and piece it on the new one. Would rather have the old 'cut to fit' chains where you just pushed the pin out of your new chain. Measured it to the old chain, made the new chain the same size then simply pushed the pin back in. Those quick links are a bloody curse.

[@SimonBaddeley]

Close ups brilliant! So much better than some other youtube guides on this.

[@Grevil89]

Dang, I didnt know that the links are different for 11s. Appreciate the video, thanks!

[@TuMalaCon100cia]

Thank you so much for the explanation! Shimano's quick link XT 11s is hard as hell!

[@timk8457]

Thank You so much for tip on the using a foot on the pedal and applying pressure to close the the quick link.

[@markablett4571]

I’ve just replaced my chain and I damaged the Shimano link , I went to Halfords and got a clarkes link , it went on so easy

[@jslonisch]

The Connex tool free ones are brilliant. Used them for years and never had a problem. I don’t know why people use the ones that need tools to install or remove.

[@Brat0077n]

Thank for this video. I can go out and finish my bike now LOL.

[@Zomby_Woof]

Pro tip for the frustrated. If you're using a cheap link, like one that came with a cheap chain tool, you may be struggling against poor tolerance/finish. I took several hours fiddling around with mine. Then I went over the flat surfaces with a small piece of 600 grit sandpaper. After that I was able to mate the link and snap it into place witho

[@jds6206]

SRAM quick link tip on using the bike's crank to set it, worked perfectly. Left to me, I'd have never figured out that technique.

[@rosscads]

Brilliant explainer. I wish I had seen this before trying to open a Shimano quick link with the various bodge methods. Just buy the tool folks! ⛓🔧

[@fepatton]

I'm getting started with a build using Campy Veloce 10-speed. This was exactly what I needed to know. Thank you! Very clear presentation.

[@NexaYa]

Thanks for helping me out, I would never fixate quick link on my own

[@someguy9520]

Used sram links, Kmc links and a connex link. All work relatively easy after opening and closing a few times. Tried some no name cheap 11spd links. Like 70cents/piece cheap. They open and lock way easier, but also get bent easier and don't last as long IME. Connex ones last...well pretty much forever and are easy AF to use.

[@blueplasma5589]

AF what's dat for an old timer?

[@someguy9520]

@@blueplasma5589 as fuck. in this context meaning that they are very, very easy to use

[@tedl7538]

@@blueplasma5589 Stands for "as fudge," old timer 😎

[@alexwalker8422]

The "uncomfortable" methods and tools are easily useable after wrapping fabric around them or putting fabric between your hands and whatever digs into your hands. A hand towel works the best for me for it's bulky thickness.

[@xxillusionsx2248]

Thank You , I was able to fix my chain .

[@thecommonnovelist4181]

Great vid. I appreciate the brevity.

[@celestwarrior]

Thank you worked awesomely with the first method

[@killroy123]

Should also highlight that the width of the link should match manufacturer specifications. Connex 11 links are 0.1mm wider than Campagnolo 11 speed chains causing all sorts of shifting problems. You'll save yourself a lot of headache if you make sure the links are the right size.

[@piotr462]

There are diffrences in 8 x 9 sp chains ( 8 sp are 7.1 or 7.3 mm pin - they need diffrent links, simmilar situation in 9 sp chains. Shimano and kmc are 6,6 mm but sram has 6,8 mm pin. So, this video ( and knowledge ) is very poor.

[@papachis9535]

I really appreciate this. The reason I looked for this video was because,, whilst stripping down a very old Raleigh 531, I couldn’t find the standard split link until I noticed an odd looking link which was clearly some new-fangled way of doing things. Can someone out there please tell me why this Shimano link is necessary. I’m 60 and have been stripping bikes for 52 of them. I never had a “U”- type spring clip split link fail on me, and it was dead easy to remove and replace. Now you need a special tool. What gives? I think I already know.....

[@ashgolder5032]

Incredibly helpful. tried everything to get the quick link to come together after fitting a new chain. Nothing! couple minutes on your video and standing on the pedal and POP.

[@kuanhau4323]

Connex links all the way

[@BPoweredLove]

*Connex by Wipperman

[@Trackstargt]

Thank you for the video...very excellent tips on power chain links...

[@TriRussell1]

Awesome breakdown!

[@trannel73]

Thank you very much!

[@Maggotbrainable]

Great video! Helped me out a lot!

[@kevinvogelsang5612]

I used a small tack hammer 🔨 worked great 👍

[@rohmatadi6530]

Thanks for your solution

[@POCarton]

So, we now have a new type of master link, that takes a special pair of plyers to install or remove. Are we really making things better?

[@montgomeryburns9979]

Exactly man. The old 'push links out' chains were far better. These quick links are an F'ing disaster. Admittedly I didn't have the connecting tool so after ten minutes of sounding like Gordon Ramsay with tourettes. I threw the quick link to fuck. Pushed a pin link off another chain and joined it that way

[@aristojuan7926]

Wow that’s such a good idea, I don’t have the tools but you can for sure force them to snap in place with the pedals. I spent an hour trying to get them links in place and I gave up, but I’ll used your method if not fuck it, I’m getting the pliers lol

[@islandaerial3414]

You can always use a Dremel w/a cutoff wheel on the crazy tight links. No grief

[@suspendedsound]

FYI, the link at the top is absolutely key.

[@ganimed1976]

I personally like the Sigma Connectors from the Taya chains

[@bobstephens6283]

I added a bit of lube to both halves of my Shimano master link and then it finally snapped into place rather easily.

[@JeanChristophePerrault]

The arrow should point in the direction of the chain's travel ... but the video shows the chain traveling in the opposite direction, which is correct?

[@stephenderbyshire7849]

He is was pedalling, using his hand, backwards, so it made it unnecessarily misleading. The direction the chain travels going forward should match the arrow.

[@mohamedhilmiyas5262]

Great sir

[@imagines9688]

so why is everyone not using the last kind?

[@romka_ind]

When I installed that shimano one for first time. I was wtf, something is wrong it is too tight, but it's just the way it is hard and stubborn :)

[@enricolionello9044]

Respect. However on several link you only need to position the link on the crank so that it's lifted (like a wave) and then tap it with whatever is at end. Voilà, it's open.

[@AlisterRobbie]

So good. Cheers!

[@lazurm]

For a full description of the best links we should click on the links?

[@elidouek5438]

I’ve found that you can use the handle from a large bulldog clip as master link pliers.

[@dancing8595]

Great video. I have a Sunrace 12 speed chain and having a hard time finding quick links for it. Thoughts on which other bands might be usable? Thanks!

[@pnewhook]

You forgot the link in the description below.

[@VeloVeloVeloTV]

Good point well spotted! Fixed now

[@davehause8571]

No wonder I couldn't get my 11 speed chain link by hand!

[@danhirtle9279]

The SRAM links are supposed to be directional, but on both sides of the link the arrow points toward the pin, so when installed the arrow is pointing one direction on the right side of the chain, the other way on the left side. So does it really matter? I carry KMC link on rides just in case and those things are not directional and slide into place by hand. Seems too easy but they get you home in a pinch.

[@MiloHensley]

very helpful thanks!

[@rrrabit1342]

Is it necessary to fit rollers to the quick link? the one I bought does not include the chain rollers. Every link in the chain has a roller on the pins so it would seem to make sense for the quick link to have them. Any advice? thanks.

[@torroxchico]

You made it look so simple. Don't think it shows in the video. But you need to bend the link with the pins inwards. Doesn't need too much force for the pin head to to slide into the hole.

[@jonnie2bad]

i can do mine without a tool at all

[@ericdixon2898]

What do you do if the arrow is facing the wrong direction? Just keep writing it or replace it?

[@PandegaR]

what if you put the quick link upside down? I mean, the arrow should pointed up, but i accidentally put it with arrow pointed down

[@peteinozi]

Good video , thanks . could you please tell me , can I use a Wipperman Connex 10 speed link on an 11 speed chain ?

[@lazurm]

peter davis: No, do not use the Connex 10 speed link on an 11 speed chain because the size specs are different enough to result in large problems.

[@ivanso1978]

Are quick links interchangeable between chain brands? Can they be reused even if the chain stretches and needs to be replaced?

[@stretchwith]

do links come in different sizes? My quick link is nearly twice as wide as the 7 ring chain. The links had a #35 on the package. What does that mean ?

[@davidrowe8747]

1:07 this is slightly confusing - you say the missing link should point in the direction of travel, but the video shows the chain being pedalled backwards! Could easily be misinterpreted.

[@liryco8795]

Cheers. Si what's the correct way? I'm confused now 😅

[@Skaetdude]

My pin went in great but now the little nub hanging out of link. Its small enough that its hard to grip with needle nose pliers to snap it off. Any suggestions? Thanks

[@cesarayala8665]

If I have a shimano chain can I use an Ali express link? Mi chain is 12 speed and the chain it also 12 speed

[@ckat609]

how many times can you use these? What happens if you use them longer than that?

[@underpantswedgy]

i dont own a special tool to connect the links...any suggestions out there what to use?

[@johnmckenzie1623]

Have you tried the technique shown in the video of putting the new quick link at the top, putting the breaks on and standing on the pedal to use the force of that to pull the link closed?

[@ghostusmc]

They are going to be hard if you have to pull against a tight chain . take the slack out first.

[@NomadFM]

Can I use KMC e10 quick link on Shimano HG95 on my ebike with 150N.m torque?

[@DANNYGATESTHEAGEDSINGER]

My mountain bike I don't think it I don't think it I don't think it has a quick link how do I take the chain off

[@shawnchan1078]

is Shimano Quick Link compatible with KMC X11 Extra Lightweight, 11-speed?

[@johnmarckterrado5923]

Can I use 10 missing link to a 9speed chain?

[@BooklessT]

How many times would you recommend re-using the quick link before binning it?

[@michaeldolan6415]

Use the connex links you never have to bin it. Other links, never more than 3

[@mohamedms2472]

Why it is called quick link, of you need 2 different tools to add them and to remove them, I prefer the " slow link"

[@computerhardware2063]

I can open mine just with hands, that means they are shitty?

[@nestorlaguna8840]

Where can we buy that sir?

[@MrAlandh]

I got a 6 of these from Amazon and not one of them will work.

[@johng9971]

the new quck UG50 is incredibly dificult to use on a new chain. I have bought spare quick links which havetwo identical halves. Dont use the new design.

[@DeshaunSequenceII]

Name of the background music

[@123WelshDan321]

Brilliant thanks! I was about to go nuclear until I saw 1:48 - pop! In it went :o)

[@underpantswedgy]

...it doesnt matter...i managed to do it with my own human strength.

[@gotsm9959]

I prefer to ribbit it for maximum strength but damit it's frustrating.

[@pickleberryyum404]

Call me crazy and blind but it looks like you had your arrow pointing the wrong way.....

[@ZekeMagnar]

I just realized that he was pedaling backwards. That's why the arrow was going backwards. When you're riding, though, the bottom of the chain will be going the other way and so will the arrow.

[@travelpackgamerz]

I buy cheap Chinese chain very hard to connect fuck for how many hour didn’t connected.

[@user-co8vl4ef2o]

you need to clarify the content

[@sowhatitsjustme]

Thanks for info. btw: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

[@divinemoment5]

the focusing was bad

[@xxerggher2667]

Why the annoying background music?

[@NeoPayneHK]

pin is the master XDDD

[@blueplasma5589]

rivot isn't a pin?

[@NeoPayneHK]

@@blueplasma5589 to me? they are different~

[@freezEware]

You look like a thief with those gloves on. Great video as always though!!

[@Кутузов-б1м]

Дорожник складной

[@MultiAddorable]

VG sports are the worst

[@adam_n_gimli7140]

Nothing personal, I'm sure he is a great guy but I find Dave to be terrible to watch/listen to as a host

[@entltyq]

Don't buy anything but Connex by Wipperman. Their the easiest to use, most durable, most reusable and cheapest - hands down!