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I know we've done this before but I can't find the post.
Are there any 12 speed chain connectors that can be reused on the same chain?
I normally wax my chains and don't want to have buy a new link every time I re-wax. Happy to replace the link when the chain wears out.
Thanks in advance.
I reuse SRAM eagle ones all the time. No problems yet. Not sure if SRAM lists them a reusable though.
You can reuse so called single use links, SRAM ones seem fine for this. I think a patent prevents most manufacturers calling their 12 speed chain links reusable (unverified, citation needed!)
Fine to reuse them but keep an eye on the pins and try not to put more pressure than necessary on them when opening the link - they can go baggy where they are pressed into the side plates and ultimately fail.
I wax my chain (thanks to TJ) and always reuse the connectors, although most say you can’t.
I’ve occasionally had chains fail, but never at the connector.
I've reused the 11spd one on my cx bike so many times it falls off if you pedal backwards 😁
I reuse mine when using the TJ waxing method. *starts whistling the Putoline song.
I reuse them about 10 times I guess before I think, hmm they’re a bit loose now so best replace. Touch wood no failure so far but I don’t stamp on the pedals ever. 🤷♂️
edit - mine are the Shimano ones.
Is there a knack to getting the 'non reusable' links off? I've always used the pinch and wiggle around a bit method but ones I've bought recently don't want to come off.
Is there a knack to getting the ‘non reusable’ links off?
Yes, use a removal tool
Seriously as above, buy the tool that breaks and joins the links it makes life a lot easier. I got the Park one for about £15
I reuse the shimano 12s ones a few times at least - just make sure I break and join them with a proper tool. As long as they snap into place when I join them and have no excess play I say crack on.
Master link pliers to get them off, too much hassle to do by hand as I'm sure they're tighter fitting than they used to be. I reuse them regardless of what they say, I've not had an issue yet
Wipperman for easiest finger/tool less removal , and reusable.
+1 for each of ‘just reuse the normal links’, ‘buy the pliers’ and ‘I do it to wax the chain’
i reuse the sram ones, broke a chain mid ride a couple of weeks ago, it was the quick link that failed, luckily had a spare.
i don't remove the chain very often but am guessing i had reused that one to many times.
I've reused them a fair few times on every chain, i break the chain using the tool then clean it in an ultrasonic cleaner, this is probably 5 or 6 times in the life of the chain without any worry, and i also keep the old quick release connectors to take with me on rides as a get me home solution if the chain snaps!
I just break it with pliers or plumbers grips, pull the chain into a Z around the quick link and squeeze diagonally. Touch wood I've never had a chain fail at that link, and I'm not careful about keeping the links with the correct chain either, they all just go into a pot and I fish one out when needed.
Connex is the ultimate re-usable link if you can actually find one and dont mind the ridiculous price tag for 12sp version, since going 12sp I've tried and tried to find one but finally gave up, I just re-use a few times, seems a load of bull and wasteful to use just once.
A) Get the proper tool
B) Keep using them as long as they click firmly in place. I’m still on the original 12 speed one and have removed and re-waxed the chain several times.