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Just went to fit a new chain (9 speed) - KMC X9.93 and the missing link that came with it doesn't want to play.
I've tried the link on the old chain without any problem. I've also tried a SRAM powerlink and have exactly the same issue.
It seems that the new chain is slightly thicker than the old one so I can't get the groove on the pin to show through to the other side for the plate to connect to.
Any collective knowledge out there to show what the issue is....or more likely, what I'm doing wrong!
I have found this lately with 2 new kmc chains, ended up having to press them together while forcing the link ends with a pair of pliers to get them to slide into place. (if this makes any sense!)
Start with the obvious - are you sure it's a 9spd chain?
If it's OEM rather than boxed they get them mixed up sometimes.
It'll say "X9" or something on the links and the joining link will have "9S" or similar on it.
You can get narrow KMC pliers that help you force joing links together but I've never needed to use them. Don't think they'd help here though coz you're not actually able to get them together in the first place are you?
I guess, like ruscle said, you could squeeze the ends of the links. If you're sure that the bits are all compatible then you could put the chain in the freezer and the link in boiling water prior to fitting.
Definitely bith 9 speed...ordered boxed from [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-x9-93-9-speed-chain/ ]Wiggle[/url].
New chain on the left with half a power-link in, old chain on the right. For me there doesn't seem to be enough of the pin showing through and the links seem thicker....(or is it me being thicker??)
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Could be a 9 speed, and 10 speed mix up link?, it does not look right....
It's all marked up as 9 speed (chains and links) and I still have the same problem with other links I bought separately. No probs on the old chain with any of the powerlinks.
Think I'll have to get in touch with Wiggle to see if they've had any dodgy batches of chains through.