Shimano quick (?) link fitting

[JohnC60]

Hi all,
Just spent the last hour and a half trying to fit a new Shimano HG40 chain to one of my bikes. First time I've come across their (not so ) quick link system. Have been following the instructions but just can't get it to line up with the second pin to secure it. Anyone else had problems, any tips to get the job done would be appreciated. One of those jobs that's simple in theory but but quite so simple in reality.
Thanks in anticipation.....

 

[BimblingBee]

Use a small piece of wire coat hanger to take the tension of the chain. Then you can fiddle away lining things up.

 

[I like Skol]

I break all the rules and join/rejoin my Shimano chains like any other old fashioned chain without any regard for special joining links/pins and have never had any trouble. Having said that, there is a knack to it and you do have to 'feel' your way as the pin is pushed back in.

 

[JohnC60]

I break all the rules and join/rejoin my Shimano chains like any other old fashioned chain without any regard for special joining links/pins and have never had any trouble. Having said that, there is a knack to it and you do have to 'feel' your way as the pin is pushed back in.

I was just thinking about going down that route when I managed to apply sufficient brute force and ignorance to get it to fit. 2 hours to do a 10 minute job, wife not impressed!

 

[lpretro1]

Just get a KMC or SRAM quicklink of appropriate speed and fit it makes it easy to get chain off for future maintenance!

 

[the_mikey]

Just use a KMC quicklink and save all the messing about.

 

[JohnC60]

Just get a KMC or SRAM quicklink of appropriate speed and fit it makes it easy to get chain off for future maintenance!

Good advice. That's what I will do in the future. This is the first Shimano product I've used that didn't do what it said on the tin.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I used a quick link for the first time last year: a Wipperman Connex. It was the first time I'd ever replaced a chain, let alone put a quick link on one, and I was surprised by how easy it was. Love those Connex links .