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I have Shimano 11 Speed currently XTR 2x11, just fitted an Absolute Black oval ring to go 1 X 11, I had already bought some KMC 11 speed links (no reuseable) but seemingly you need a tool to fit/remove, after spending along time trying to do them up by hand, I gave up.
Does anyone know if the SRAM 11 speed links work?, it is the XTR 11 speed Siltech chain
You can fit them without the tool.
Join the chain at the top (between crank and cassette) then press down on the pedals with the brake on or while on the ground. The force will snap the link into place.
You can also take them apart with a pair of pliers if you've got good tekkers.
Mine was a swine to close until I used scotroutes method. Took a few goes until I remembered which side was under tension 😳
Cheers scotroutes,thought it was just me that had this not getting on with connectors problem.
I've just set up my 11 speed today and I probably spent more time trying to connect/disconnect the links than I would admit to so thanks,joining them up wasn't to bad but separating them was a mare.
But the groupset is 100% smooth now.
Ok, will give scotroutes method a go.
Thank you
,joining them up wasn't to bad but separating them was a mare.
The pliers for splitting them have been one of the best investments I have ever made in tools, even on the old 9sp it just saves the faff and greasy fingers.
Excellent, a satisfying 'Click' and the chain is joined, thanks Scotroutes, there was much rejoicing when it worked.
The cheapest/simplest way to open them is to wrap one loop of garden wire around the rollers and then pull on the ends using two pliers. You do need to have two pairs of pliers, though.
(the highly detailed schematic below depicts a 9sp link for illustration purposes)
Using this method on a 9sp/multi-use link will render it useless, as it will score the indentations where the pins should sit.
[img] 
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A proper link close/split tool is only about £5 anyway. Definitely worth buying one.
Can anyone recommend a good split/close tool that works for both 9 and 11 speed?
I have a Park one (it was on offer IIRC) but they should all work fine.
Just use a normal pair of pliers; FFS, how do you think people managed before split link pliers were invented!?!
If you've got a spare couple of hours of an evening, it's worth practicing the technique on an old bit of chain.
Yeah, but it's TOOLS, innit!
What sort of a man are you?
The [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/bbb-open-link-closing-link-tool-btl77/rp-prod47439 ]BBB[/url] one has worked fine for me
+1 on the BBB tool
scotroutes - Member
Yeah, but it's TOOLS, innit!What sort of a man are you?
Heh; not much of one; not even got a drill or a log store!
I normally use a pair of pliers and am getting bored of the faff. For a few quid, a tool is worth it.
I ask because there are reviews of the BBB one that say it's a bit too tight for 11 speed links and needs attacking with a file. So I'm wondering if they're all like this, or whether an alternative is better.
My bbb one works fine on 11sp
Just use a normal pair of pliers; FFS, how do you think people managed before split link pliers were invented!?!
We were all running 9sp which comes apart much easier, we also believed people that said they were not reusable (in reality they just hold a lot tighter)
Think I have these ones
http://pedros.com/products/tools/cassette-and-chain/quick-link-pliers/
mikewsmith - MemberWe were all running 9sp which comes apart much easier, we also believed people that said they were not reusable (in reality they just hold a lot tighter)
LOL, yeah. Spot on on both counts.