I finally upgraded to a 10 speed drivetrain and am using a SRAM 10 speed chain with a Powerlock link. SRAM says this link is non-reusable but I have read it readily comes apart with Park master link pliers.
That link is held together by a sharp edge, which is damaged when you pop it off. Having seen the crash results of chain failures, why don't you pop for a $5 KMC link, or a re-usable Connex link? You can use the old link to ride down to the bike shop, but I wouldn't stand on it.
Shimano also states to only use their chains with their chainrings. SRAM also states not to use their powerlinks/locks with non SRAM chains. All of that is bullshit if you ask me. It's not a matter of saving cash, it's just that it works.
BTW, I once broke a chain link in two when riding trials. I can't imagine it being more dangerous...
You do what you want, I don't care and I won't come whinning that you should reuse them. People are just sharing their experience, take it or leave it, it's up to you.
Holy cow. This topic needs a sticky, or maybe it's own forum.
I use a single SRAM 10 speed Powerlock link for the life of a chain ~4-6k miles, which might entail removing and replacing the chain 5-10 times during its life. YMMV
Back in 2009 Sram had a recall on some of the 10spd powerlinks.
Correct me if im wrong, but before the recall i don't "recall" them being single use.
Could it have been a cya move after the initial issues they had?
The recall was for specific factory runs only with certain date codes imprinted on the PowerLock.
SRAM designated the 10-speed PowerLock "single-use" from the beginning. Their story was that they could either make a 10-speed re-usable link which was not quite as strong as a regular chain link, or make a non-reusable 10-speed link which was as strong or even stronger than a regular chain link. They blamed the "thinness" of the 10-speed chain. Nice story. What is true that you can easily damage a SRAM PowerLock by removing it incorrectly (excessive force applied in the wrong directions).
As to someone's wondering why people "push the envelope:" People who re-use SRAM PowerLocks don't really think of it that way. They reserve "pushing the envelope" for much more daring pursuits than doubting a manufacturer's partially self-serving claim.
Good valid points.
I can say that I am guilty of excessive/obsessive chain removal/cleaning on my mountain bike.
But when done with care and attention to detail it really helps the drivetrain.
Dry sandy and silty muddy conditions can wear stuff out fast!
But when you get super anal retentive about it it lasts longer, ime.
Of course this doesn't apply to road bikes as much, unless they are ridden in some terrible conditions.
Which is most likely outside of their intended design.
Newb question. Looks like the annual dissasembly & cleaning of my chain (PC1091) and breaking the quick link may damage it, unless i purchase of use the ParK link tool.. Is the cost of the links worth the purchase of the Park tool?
Newb question. Looks like the annual dissasembly & cleaning of my chain (PC1091) and breaking the quick link may damage it, unless i purchase of use the ParK link tool.. Is the cost of the links worth the purchase of the Park tool?
It's worth the $13 alone not to get your hands dirty, KMC and SRAM link comes apart with 1 simple squeeze. (I think wippleman connex links needs careful manipulation so the pliers won't work)
BTW, I am certain some of you think I'm just being an argumentative jerk, but I really don't get off on being hated. This forum is used in large part by newbies who are trying to learn. When a vocal minority make it sound like every warning a manufacturer gives is just legal fluff, that's what will stick in people's minds. Bike company's don't actually warn against all that many things, and when they do warn about things that can break, or issue recalls, it is for a very good reason.
Everyone does stuff they maybe shouldn't, but getting away with something is not the same as proving it is a good and safe practice. People get seriously injured on bicycles all the time. We should be encouraging each other to do things the right way when it comes to safety, not adding to the number of people who ignore warning labels and put themselves at totally unnecessary risk.
I'd post the exact same way about used 10spd chain pins, frayed brake cables, separated fork dropouts, crashed helmets or stripped stem bolts. Don't ride that stuff, and please don't tell other people that it is okay for them.
Install a 10spd SRAM Powerlock on a SRAM 10spd chain, then remove it.
Install a 9spd SRAM Powerlink on a SRAM 9spd chain, then remove it.
Notice the difference? The amount of force required to open the 10spd Powerluck is much greater, because the pins are being FORCED back across the plates and the plates were not designed for this. That is why they call it a PowerLOCK.
Don't ride in front of me with a re-used Powerlock, thanks.
I know what you mean. I will not ride behind someone with a frayed rear brake cable end. It tells me that the rider cares nothing about his or her fellow riders. An unsecured cable strand could go into my eye in case of a mass-crash!
Usually, I talk to a rider about his or her frayed end. The reactions are mixed. Some thank me for pointing out the danger. Others use strong language, including the f-word, to indicate to me their complete disinterest in bicycle safety.
I used to be very active on this forum, but over the last year I've been more active on a different one. I've been trying to come back here more often, but this thread reminds me of why I left.
There's no problem with disagreement, even vociferous disagreement, but at some point you have to accept that you've made your point and move on. Readers can see both sides, and draw on their own experience and draw their own conclusions. Arguing about who can read, and who can't is pointless.
BTW- going back to the original post, it seems we have anecdotal evidence that the links are reusable, vs. the manufacturers statement that they're not. Unfortunately negative evidence is meaningless. It's possible that those who reuse them have been lucky, or that there's a degree of forgiveness if the links are reused with care. What might be more to the point is anecdotal evidence of reused that failed.
So, has anyone here ever had a reused link fail?
Note, even if no one reports a reused link failure, that's still negative evidence because the base is so small.
There's no problem with disagreement, even vociferous disagreement, but at some point you have to accept that you've made your point and move on. Readers can see both sides, and draw on their own experience and draw their own conclusions. Arguing about who can read, and who can't is pointless.
Very well said brother! Not having the same opinions with others is perfectly fine. It's all part of us being mature human beings and all unique in the great country (world) we live in. We're not robots programmed to believe and do the same exact thing and if not, we've malfunctioned. As I added 'mature' earlier, we should have already learned that we should agree to have disagreements like this but it should end there. No where should our goal be to convince the other to accept our opinions or beliefs. If it happens, then fine, if not we move on (not through personal attacks).
But back on topic this is what I gather.
SRAM 'recommends' one-time use on their 'Powerlock'. Whether it was designed for a one-time use only, they're saying, they are not responsible after the first installation.
Can it be re-used? Obviously yes, but SRAM will not be responsible. Have folks re-used it successfully? Again, yes but the folks should be accepting the risk (and warning) from the manufacturer themselves. Operational Risk Management (ORM) is a term/process we use to help decide if the risk is worth or too great to take. For less than $10, that's the individual's choice but that is what's so great--we can and will make our own choices!
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