rec.bicycles.tech | Google Groups

Re: Chain pins

Werehatrack <raul...@earthweedslink.net>

On Sun, 11 May 2008 18:59:33 -0700 (PDT), Owen <xem...@gmail.com> may
have said:

>Bought a new chain and it came with two pins (
>http://members.pcug.org.au/~rcook/images/Chain_pins.jpg )

>I can't get pin B back in (though I haven't tried a bit more force)

>Pin A seems to be a Pin B with an insertion guide which can be broken
>off after insertion. This seems to be a 'use once' system and wonder
>if I am right on that score?

>Seems to be an unsatisfactory means of joining chains and ask if this
>some kind of cheapy connection method

Pin B is a used pin that was pushed out with a chainbreaker; both ends
appear peened. It should have been discarded before the chain was
sold to you. Pin B is a Shimano use-once pin, and yes, you insert it
and break it off. Trying to re-use B will likely damage the chain;
don't do it.

Although there are premature wear issues with some of them, I prefer
to use snaplinks instead of Shimano's pins precisely because they
usually can be reused. Since my preferred method of cleaning a chain
is to remove it and solvent-wash it in a 2 liter plastic bottle,
having to buy a new pin each time seems like an unnecessary waste.
The snaplink manufacturers all say that their links work only with
specific models of their own chains, but I have enjoyed wide lack of
symptoms of any compatibility issues as long as I have kept to the
appropriate width of link for the chain. Apparently, there's a great
deal more standardization than is admitted.

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