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I've just taken a link out of a SRAM chain and then decided I was better off with it as it was, so I've rejoined it by just pushing back the original pin. Is this okay? I know that with Shimano chains, splitting widens the hole and rejoining requires a special pin.
Generally speaking it's a 'no'. A bit risky as the pins are a factory riveted fit.
You're better off rejoining with a SRAM Powerlink. If it's 8 speed I've got some spare, otherwise they're very affordable via CRC.
Nice build by the way. Great colour scheme and bar ends are just fine by me. **** the fashion police!
Thanks for the kind words about the build.
The SRAM instructions do show an option for closing the chain with a pin, but don't mention rejoining. I do have a spare Powerlink (it's 9 speed) but would I be better sticking with the current pin join - will taking the link out again just weaken/widen the hole in the plates.
I have rejoined SRAM chains this way once before without issue but maybe that was just luck.
I can't see that removing it again should cause any problems whatsoever, as long as it comes out straight. I, like you, have refitted previously removed links and got away with it but only as a temporary measure.
My background is motorcycles and what works for a motorcycle, is good enough for a bicycle is my philosophy! With motorcycle chains there are two types of link, the spring clip type link (typically found on 1/8" chain and the riveted link, the latter being the most secure, especially at high rpm!
With motorcycles, closing the chain with a previously removed link/pin was never an option I have to say. Shimano offer a variation of this 'riveted link' but I can't find any reference to a SRAM version.
Personally, I'd use the Powerlink but that's just my humble opinion!!
As far as I'm aware, it's a 'yes' for SRAM and a 'no' for Shimano. I Am Not An Expert, though I'm reasonably practiced at field-repairing donkeyed chains. (-:
These days I always carry a couple of Powerlinks anyway, just much less faff.
I have always done it on SRAM and Shimano, SS, never had a problem. But then maybe I'm just lucky 😛
I've done it successfully on both SRAM and Shimano. Powerlinks are easier though.
Thanks guys, like I said I have done this previously without issue but that might have been luck. I'll give it a ride and see how it goes.
Sram powerlinks are a pretty recent invention, prior to them we always had to rejoin the chain using the original pin. Never had a problem with it myself, still happily doing it now.
I do it all the time, and in the last couple of months the chain has broken three times; the final time sending over me the handlebars on a climb. Just bought some power-links....,