Re-use chain link?

[nmfeb70]

Hi all, I've just replaced my nine speed chain on my Trek MTB and I re-used the quick links from the old chain.
I have done this many times with seven speed chains, but this time the links seemed to go on easily - too easily in fact. They needed no pressure to click together and I can pull them apart with my hands. I took the bike out for a short ride and everything seemed ok. Am I over analysing things? Many thanks in advance.

 

[Joffey]

I'd use it

 

[fair weather cyclist]

I'd use too but to be on the cautious side I'd take with me a new link in case the one you have gives up

 

[Blue Hills]

pretty sure most 9 speed ones can be re-used but you are supposed to use a new one with each new chain - they can't be used forever.
Didn't the new chain come with one?

 

[Dogtrousers]

If you have a new one handy, and you suspect there might be something wrong with the one you're re-using (which it seems that you do) then use the new one.

 

[nmfeb70]

pretty sure most 9 speed ones can be re-used but you are supposed to use a new one with each new chain - they can't be used forever.
Didn't the new chain come with one?

Well, I have a habit of dropping small objects never to be found again. So I used the ones from the old chain. I'll look on the floor of my garage tomorrow.

pretty sure most 9 speed ones can be re-used but you are supposed to use a new one with each new chain - they can't be used forever.
Didn't the new chain come with one?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I reuse mine but if you think they are likely to easily come apart then replace. A few chains you buy come with new quick links anyway.

 

[Milkfloat]

I reuse them (including up to 11 speed) until they feel a bit loose, never had a failure.

 

[presta]

I always fit the new link that comes with my PC971 chains, but re-use them in between times. I keep several used links in my toolkit for spares and repairs, but I've never needed one. On the one and only occasion I've had a chain break, I managed to cycle 5 miles back home on a one-sided broken link to avoid getting my hands greasy at the side of the road.

 

[I like Skol]

Use the new one and carry the old one as spare. I have dozens of spare ones....

I have in the past repaired broken chains with an old link and continued to use the chain until it was due for replacement. I cannot imagine a scenario where a loose used link would come undone in use?

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I have never actually used a chain link - but will have to at some point
Is it feasible to replace on on the road without special tools?
my emergency pack is already getting a bit heavy and an extra tool would just be silly

 

[boydj]

I have never actually used a chain link - but will have to at some point
Is it feasible to replace on on the road without special tools?
my emergency pack is already getting a bit heavy and an extra tool would just be silly

A chain tool is hardly an extra burden in your toolkit. A broken chain is a very rare event, but if it does happen, having a chain tool makes for a simple and quick fix, even if you have not been carrying a spare quick link of the correct speed. No chain tool makes for a long walk in cycle shoes.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

A chain tool is hardly an extra burden in your toolkit. A broken chain is a very rare event, but if it does happen, having a chain tool makes for a simple and quick fix, even if you have not been carrying a spare quick link of the correct speed. No chain tool makes for a long walk in cycle shoes.

Hmmm

2 points -
a) I wear trainers so walking is not a problem - see the username - I'm not a 'proper cyclist'" (I also ride in jeans)
b) things like emergency kits kinda grow and the chain tool is just another thing to carry - I could carry the whole bike shed but it just gets silly - I already think it is too much
what next - torque wrench - large allen keys, hammer, cycle stand, spare tyre

actually I did once need a spare tyre - jagged piece of metal sliced into the tyre and inner tube and basically wrecked both
if I had put a new tube in I would have ended up with a big balloon sticking out of the tyre!
Had to walk home that time - lucky I was wearing trainers!

 

[boydj]

Hmmm

2 points -
a) I wear trainers so walking is not a problem - see the username - I'm not a 'proper cyclist'" (I also ride in jeans)
b) things like emergency kits kinda grow and the chain tool is just another thing to carry - I could carry the whole bike shed but it just gets silly - I already think it is too much
what next - torque wrench - large allen keys, hammer, cycle stand, spare tyre

actually I did once need a spare tyre - jagged piece of metal sliced into the tyre and inner tube and basically wrecked both
if I had put a new tube in I would have ended up with a big balloon sticking out of the tyre!
Had to walk home that time - lucky I was wearing trainers!

I have a small pack under my saddle with a multi-tool, which includes a chain tool, a couple of tubes (or a tubeless repair kit and one tube), and tyre levers. I also have a small pump attached to my water bottle holder. You don't need to carry a lot to be able to sort out most issues you'll encounter on a ride.

A gel wrapper, a folded ten pound note, or even a large tube repair patch could be used inside the tyre to cover a gash, if it's not too big, to get you home.

The only time I've had to walk in the last twenty years was when my rear mech broke and trashed my back wheel.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Times I have had to walk are mostly something pretty serious
once when the derailleur decided to pay a visit to the spokes - no idea why but it made one hell of a mess of the gears change system and chain and paint
once when one of the bolts holding the saddle on just snapped - the saddle pitched forward and I nearly fell off!
turns out that standing on the pedals for 10 miles takes more energy than the average ebiker realises - would have loved to have a throttle that day!
Plus the jagged metal thing above - but that was only about 2 miles from home so walking was an OK option