Remove a Quick Link, Master Link on Your Chain Without Tools

Here is a way of removing a quick link or master link without using a special tool. All it requires is a an old gear cable and some effort, and if necessary, a couple of pair of pliers. It's worth having a try, if you haven't got a tool, and it's worked for me on a number of occasions.
See more at www.thevelocollective.com
Check out graystar, my alternative British indie band: • Video

[@georgemallory797]

This was a golden video for me. Found a wire I saved out in my garage that was used for tying a roll of chicken wire together that worked brilliantly. I did exactly as you showed and got that "click" sound. Huge grins!! You are the superstar of my day. Top notch!! Many thanks.

[@thevelocollective343]

Glad it helped

[@thevelocollective343]

To clarify, when I say “without tools”, I mean special tools for removing the link. Most people have pliers, but you may not even need them if you apply enough force with your hands.

[@charlesoboyle4787]

WOW-worked great thanks. I spent at least an hour cutting up my knuckles trying to get the clip apart-no luck Searched-found your video-5 minutes later-DONE!! Thanks Charlie

[@thevelocollective343]

Glad it helped, thanks

[@timeriderx]

I tried other single methods. However you must wrap it twice and use pliers. . Mine came off but with this tuffer method! Thanks

[@AnotherCG]

I was trying to use a cable wire myself but no go. Now after watching this I will try again with your method. I'll be back in 5 minutes with the results :)

[@ricc333]

I had to use two pairs of vise grips and pull insanely hard, but it finally worked. Thanks!

[@ettoremarinello3951]

I destroyed a few cables but it was AN emergency situation and it worked, thanks a lot

[@conrad6604]

It worked like a champ! I happened to have an old shifter cable and I used 2 pairs of vice grips. Thank you,

[@danielb1563]

Bloomin marvellous! Thanks for posting (and saving me 12 quid on a specific tool)!

[@taconinja5675]

This used to work for me but ever since my last visit to the bike shop (for major repairs) the new chain they put on just will not budge at all.

[@kenhansew7892]

This is genius! And exactly what I needed!! Thank you!

[@antoniodesilva]

Thanks mate! Worked like a charm

[@christennant7927]

Thanks dude this worked first time on my SRAM Eagle 12 speed chain 1st Try!!!

[@thevelocollective343]

Great!

[@sepg5084]

Used only long-nosed pliers for mine, worked without using a cable. I had no spare cable anyway

[@joebotz1243]

This will not work on a BMX chain though right? I think the master link is a little different it has a spring clip

[@_--____--______--___]

An angle grinder would also do the trick! Might as well be destructive as possible if you're replacing a chain anyway 🤷‍♂️. My bike that's not even a month old needs a new chain because it went with a loud bang/crunch when I was leaving work, but was still rideable. I found the link that's damaged and can probably just wiggle it apart with some pliers.

[@thevelocollective343]

Good luck, thanks for watching!

[@_--____--______--___]

@@thevelocollective343 I swapped my chain not long after posting this comment and the hardest part was getting the new chain on. I twisted the old chain apart with some pliers and added a new chain with a missing link and then sold the bike a couple of days later.

[@mandowebster8728]

We’ll done Sir…top notch tip!

[@thevelocollective343]

Thank you!

[@JLvatron]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@mindlesshead]

Cheers mate, would be nice if sram told you to put both sides on at the same time. Followed instructions and even though one of my balls has entered my body through pulling so hard managed to do it. Very good video

[@grahamstarr6751]

Thank you saved a lot of time

[@AnotherCG]

Ill be darn. It worked!. Now I can cancel my 3D printed tool that most likely would have broke anyway.

[@mustymelonz3796]

Mine just wont budge

[@benbryan4858]

Finally found somthing that makes sense! 👍

[@coolmusic1579]

I'll try it out and see if it works.

[@oguimalan_j]

How to put it back

[@joshuaw4384]

This never worked for my chain just got a new one and put it on notices I never ran it through the gears and stuff right and can’t take it off now tried every thing just wont come off

[@jangdigity7567]

How do you put it back on

[@scottersandman6408]

line it all up. some plates have to face a specified direction. keep the pins lined with the big part of the hole. As it engages, pull on the chain. opposite sides. if it doesn't fully engage, use your weight on the crank. have the link on the top side of the chain stay.

[@markbaldwin4436]

Brilliant! Saved me so much time Thanks!

[@azuro1125]

Perfect! Thank you

[@mattmccauley5561]

Just pliers is all you need though

[@WhatsInYourHead_]

5⭐️

[@thevelocollective343]

Thank you!

[@SharonD369]

Nice one 👌👌👌

[@carlotrinidad8582]

Thankyou

[@WannaJumpBikes]

Nice

[@thevelocollective343]

Thanks for visiting!

[@ethan_harvey]

Didnt work , clear explanation though thanks!

[@haydenroams]

Old guitar string worked (e string)

[@thevelocollective343]

Glad the video struck a chord 😉

[@cormacstapleton9295]

or... just stick the needlenose pliers in the same way you would with the proper masterlink pliers