My trick for installing the quicklink after waxing is hit the quicklink when already in the chain with a lighter to remelt the wax. Then you can easily squeeze it together.

Whipperman Connex links for the win, every single time

I reuse a SRAM quick link 20+ times, on multiple chains. No issues so far. Yes, it clicks easier but it still holds. But then I put a new quick link on my race chain before every important race.

$12-$15 for a Quick Link is insane. If it was $15 for a 10-pack, I wouldnt reuse

KMC makes reusable quick links and they are identified as such right on the packaging. Having said that, the Connex Quick Links, IMO, are the state of the art as they require no tools to disassemble or reassemble.

I tested a 12 speed quick link from Sram. It took around 150 times before it became quite loose.

1000% agree on not waxing the quick links, based on experience. The wax was giving me a much harder time in installing the quick links. I never tried to force it, as this obviously could compromise safety. So, I decided to install new quick links instead and that went smoothly. That made me realize it must have been the wax on the quick links causing issues with installation.

I rewaxed my chain (Shimano CN-HG901 11-Speed) yesterday, 125 C, then 75 C, etc. I let it cool. Then I made 5 passes over the chain. 1) Flex each joint 2-4 times. 2) Scrape the blobs off one side with my thumb nail. 3) Scrape the blobs off the other side. 4) poke a large paper clip through the hollow pin, pushing out a small wax plug. 5) poke a "larger" rod through the hollow pin, pushing out more wax. That left me with a lighter, flexible fresh waxed chain, with much less surface wax. I dreaded connecting the ends with a new Quick-Link. When I put the new (stripped & waxed) chain on in mid May I had to call a bike mechanic friend for suggestions about how to get the Quick-Link to engage. This time, with the ends of the chain cleared of excess surface wax, I got the Quick-Link to engage by pulling the handles of the MLP 1.2 apart. Shocker. Your video makes me think last time the residual surface wax didn't allow the pin notch and tiny shelf to align. I have an event in two weeks and thought a complete re-wax was in order. I touched up the chain a few weeks back with Silca Secret Chain Wax Coating. The chain had 731 mi on it since May 11th. That's about 250 mi/mo of butter smooth noise free riding. Oh, and I made 5 passes over the chain without gloves, hazmat suit, etc. My CC-2 reports .25 for the chain. Waxing agrees with me. Your products and videos are terrific.

I just used a Shimano 11 speed link for 12 Hot Wax’s and it clearly still worked BUT was noticeably a bit lose SO i put in my pack for a rainy day and used a new one A new quick link every 3000 miles in my budget 🎉

So, I am fortunate to have the full Silca setup to hot wax. Quick-link tip… put it through chain ends and get wax out or the link hole. Remove it, clean it and then put back in and assemble. Have found it impossible to get quick link to “click” without cleaning wax off. Hot wax has shifted the paradigm completely! Thanks for sharing @josh

You can’t fool me. I’m double-waxing my quicklinks from here on out

All really good info and food for thought. All our chains on 11 bikes plus spare chains are hot waxed in an old slow cooker. We get many thousands more miles from each chain than we did with "sticky" lube. Our local lanes in Cumbria, NW England are muddy, gritty, wet, and pot holed, even in a good summer. We re-use Quick Links until they go "soft", sometimes seven or eight times. The comments about a good chain tool prompted memories of splitting the chain on my first "real" bike: a 1960's Raleigh Flyer. I used a blunt nail, a ½ inch nut, and a hammer, all found in my Dad's garage. Summer rides of 60 miles after school on a weekday summer evening, a couple of hundred miles on good weekends. Why don't we have time for these now?

I've been using Shimano 11sp quick links for the life of the chain. That's about 10k miles using homemade hot wax with ptfe. They are still tight and require the pliers to the end. I wax the link, but he's right you need to be careful. ONCE I wasn't careful and thought I had linked it, but after about 7 miles of an odd clicking the link broke. I figured I didn't get one end in the slot and the other pin broke with all the force on it only. I now double verify every time I reconnect and never had issues. I'll use a new link with a new chain.

When I built up my current bike many years ago and realized that I'd need a special Campy chain tool that cost over $100 plus a new and costly pin and a very gentle touch every time I broke or reassembled my chain, I quickly decided to get a quick link instead and haven't looked back. And this was way before I started waxing. I started out with the old Superlink, then switched to KMC links, and now am using a mix of KMC, Connex and YBN links depending on the chain. I did break a KMC link so you do have to keep an eye on them and not use them more than 3-5 times. And I actually do wax my quick links, and just make sure that they snap shut properly, which pushes out the soft wax. But it does complicate things so be careful.

Pre quick link technology I once made a trail side repair of a broken chain after it broke during a long ride. To this day I remember fondly getting the chain tool to work and successfully getting the fiddly rivet in (with no kinks). I ride with a quick link in my kit now. First time waxing I ended up with too much wax on the QL and twisted the chain enough to have to buy a new one. Bought lessons.

My thumbs up is for your explanation and experience at 9:22 that quick links CAN be reused until you FEEL them go bad. That has been my experience as well and it was well explained and why most of use watched this :). Super happy with Silca wax and the Super Secret lube for top-ups. Thanks!

I have found if you use a reversible quick link tool that lets you also reconnect the link, if you do that in a slow controlled manner you get more uses out of the quick link than the spin link to the top and bang on the crank method.

As a final step after installing a quick link on a hot potted waxed chain I use a hair dryer to re-melt residual wax (Josh’s method larger cog to flex the chain) to further drive the liquified wax into the links. This also waxes the quick link. It takes about 5 minutes slowly rotating the chain and insures the best possible wax distribution throughout the internals of the chain links. I re-apply wax via the drip method periodically by repeating the above.

Still have a Rivoli chain tool kicking around the shop somewhere. As is my 1985 Silca floor pump. Poor thing needs some TLC! The skidding tires were FUNNY! Thanks for the laugh.

Nicely done! The magnification segments are very good. Keep on!

It’s so much easier to not wax the quick link, I’m glad you back that up haha.

I have been waxing for at least a decade. I wax multiple chains at a time with the quick link on so it is waxed and easier to connect. I change chains weekly very often so my links get a lot of action. I've never had an issue.

Quick links can be reused 20-30 times. I’ve never had one come apart. Dura ace and Record chains have hollow pins whereas a quick link pins are SOLID!! I always keep a well used link in my bag so that if I need one I can snap it shut without tools ( get me home). When new you do require pliers, well worn they are more forgiving.

First time waxer, Sram 12 speed chain. Removed quick link, cleaned chain, hot waxed. Put on new quick link. Got weird skipping at quick link. Tried everything, eventually took the bike to a pro. I knew the quick link looked off but I’ve never removed my own chain before. Anyway, in the removal process, the rollers had come out. I was told 12 speed chains aren’t as tight as 10 or 11 speeds so be mindful. Not sure if the rollers are on my garage floor or in the wax. Felt kinda dumb but a heads up for the 12 speed folks.

Crap I've been waxing the quick links ever since is started deep immersion waxing! I'll stop that right away from now on although I never had a problem.......... so far! Good educational video about quick links!

Great info on quicklinks... I hope silca will make their own soon, and TPU tubes too!

Here is my input(this is not an advice but my experience, I don't take responsibility :) ). I have converted all my chains to wax. One of them has a kmc 11 speed chain and I have been reusing the "non-reusable" quick link it came with and after 25 or so reuses it is still in great shape and I can't unlock it with my hands. I still keep several resuable new ones at hand but I will keep on using a QL as long as I can not open it with my hands. I think the most important part is using a tool when unlocking it and when locking it back in making sure that the grove on one side and the plate on the other is aligned properly before pushing it back in. We are on the same page here. I actually do the exact opposite of what you suggest. When the wax is cooling down I dip the ql quickly to build up a lot of wax on it. It is true that this makes a lot of excess wax but you can simply rotate each side of the ql before trying to lock it in and clean up the excess. The worst case is you can still easily remove the excess by hand. After that before I lock it I make sure that the grove on one side and the plate on the other is properly aligned (when aligned they semi-lock) then I press on the pedal to lock it. You are right about excess wax making it a bit harder to align but you can always clean it up a bit with your fingers. There were two times I missed it and one side locked in while the other side was sitting on top. The link didn't bend, I opened it with teh tool and locked it back properly. Still I double check the link for these kinds of mistakes. I also check the link, jiggle it a bit to see if the connection is secure. Now I believe the excessive wax, when the two sides are aligned properly, is helping the quick link not to wear out while locking it back in hence prolonging the life of it. Again after around 25 cycles the non-reusable one came with the link still works great, impossible to open by hand. Since you have a microscope why don't you try it both ways and see the wear after locking and unlocking them several times(say 10-20 -30)? Clean QL vs QL with wax build-up? keep up the great products and videos, Best

The first time I waxed my chain, I didn't install the quick link properly. One of the quick link pins sheared off on an uphill about 20 minutes into my ride. Now I'm more careful when installing the quick links. Pressing out the wax between the plates is key to getting enough of the pin exposed to attach to the other link.

Great info as always, thanks Silca. Jumped on the waxing bandwagon about 8 months ago and never going back, it's simply the best solution for the types of rides I do and my climate. Love it!!

Been using KMC reusable quicklinks for years now and work great. One important thing ive learned is to make sure there's no wax/debris in the groove of the quicklinks as they wont connect properly...can happen if you use them to clear the hole of wax in the chain when joining (but im now going to try the other suggestions in comments of waxing chain with quicklink attached). Also, with KMC you can get a joining pliers and removal pliers. I've found brand new quicklinks can be tough to join to waxed chains (although admittedly ive been using the slow cooker method and pulling out at 55 - 60° so a lot more wax on the chain, so maybe not an issue with the Silca method).

Glad you made this Josh. Shimano QuickLinks… supposedly directional but have an arrow on both parts, which means at least one part HAS to go the wrong way! Has anyone else noticed this?

I do wax my chains and also have waxed the quick link. It's on the bike now and I'm going to leave it alone until the next waxing where I'll just wax the chain itself. However, now you got me thinking about the directional issue. I had no idea that there's a direction to some chains AND the quick links. I will now inspect closely to see if I installed them correctly. Thanks much.

Wippermann Connex Link ftw. Hands down the best chain link on the market.

I always rejoin chain and wax it with quick-link on, no problem with the 7 and 9 speed chains I use.

I will continue to wax my quick links. I do it so there is wax on that step and groove. That way there is less friction when connecting the two pieces together, meaning more times you can re-use the quick links. I scrape the wax off the other areas of the quick link.

I have to say that ever since using a wax bath for a brand new 12 speed shimano chain with a quick link and I have not had any issues removing and reinstalling the quickling for at least 8000 kilometers and a rewax every 3-400 kilometers. I have to say it’s the best bike maintenance thing you can do

To stop the rollers falling out use a worn quick link to keep your chain together when waxing. Being a worn quick link you still get plenty of wax into the chain.

great, I will stop waxing the QL. It was always a pain getting the wax off the surfaces. QL re-use times. You said if it does not click on, it does not feel right, then change it... that is my approach, except when I drop half a QL and lose it, then I also get a new QL out. Currently on an 11S chain with 13K Km, I am on the second QL (I lost one side), it is still clicking on, I average 310km per wax. I would rather use the Connex QL but it is seriously expensive if you buy it sans chain. tks for the information.

Great video, I just started waxing my chains this year and made the mistake of waxing my quick links. To say it was difficult to connect would be a understatement. I feel a lot better about not waxing quick links now.

If it weren't for quick-links no-one would be waxing.

My understanding was that the patent on reusable master links stops other manufacturers from claiming theirs are reusable, even if they would be completely fine to.

This is great information. Ultimately, chain manufacturers need to make fully reusable quick links, period. Wipperman has been doing this with the ConnexLink for at least 25 years and there's no excuse for other companies not to have them as well. (Unfortunately, it's my understanding that they don't work with SRAM's flat-top/T-Type chains.) It's now up to riders to tell SRAM, Shimano, and the others that this is a product that is absolutely necessary. If enough riders demand it, they will produce it. It's not just the extra cost for riders, but also the small but real environment impact it would make. It's the right thing for them to do.

key is the tiny round-over on the tip of the quick link pins. A sharp edge will scrape the wax off, while the rounded pin-end entrains the wax between the bore and pin.

The only problem I've had waxing without the quick link installed is I once lost a roller into the wax from the free end. I had checked the chain for wear before waxing

I wax my Sram Quicklinks with the rest of the chain and have done so for years. I also re-use those quick links (and re-wax them) at least a dozen to 20 plus times during the life of the chain. I have only ever had one quicklink fail on me and I keep several spares in the toolbox for that reason.

Thank god, I have never waxed the quick links, for much of the same reasoning that is so well explained here. In fact I clean the quick link with a sharp blade before joining the newly waxed chain. I also have re-used Shimano 11 speed quicklinks at least 8 times before I just chickened out and got new ones from YBN. the Shimano was working fine btw, it's just that I am super-cautious.

Personally I just wax the whole lot with the quick link fitted / connected. Split the chain when cooled and have little issue getting it back together on the bike - especially if using a hook to hold the ends of the chain in place and allow the link to be fitted without being under tension.

I waxed the chains assembled with the quicklink, this way it is possible to wax the entire chain and avoid the problem with installing the quicklink and it remains lubricated and with extra protection against oxidation from the environment.

Really appreciate these guys. Provide great products and so helpful knowledge on using them.

Still use the tool on motorcycles and my older bikes. It can be fiddly, but thats anything you need practice for.

I wax the quick link with each end in the chain so the coating is the same as all other links.

So I’m not clear on Josh’s recommendation on dealing with the thick layer of wax on the end links of the chain I’ll be honest m, I’ve not read quite all 360 comments. He did quickly touch on it “get that wax off” I think. I’ve found you need to scrape the wax with a fingernail to get the QL to go through properly. Do you approve that Josh? Good idea above too about heating it I guess. Thanks. Love that wax.

Yes it was, _such_ a pain in the ass... But when you got good at "feeling it" - that (literally) pivotal moment where the pin cleared but didn't pop out completely - you felt like a god among mechanics. 🙂

"A little crack baggie" makes me chuckle every time.

Adam Kerin's approach is the wisest thus far (Zero Friction Cycling Australia) .

I have reused my shimano 12 speed quick link at least 30 times and would think it's good for 20 more times, still feels fine. Same as my old 11 speed shimano ones, I went about a year on one link which I would disconnect weekly.

Short and to the point, thank you

I appreciate the reminder that quick-links can be a safety risk!

Easy to "feel" and "hear" when a quick link has done its job. 5 times+ before changing is normal for me. Shimano quick links are not cheap - but if you several times before changing its not an issue imho. I do think that sloppy re-mounting is by far the primary cause of chain "breaks". Its very easy to visually confirm its sitting correct - just do it.

I've heard "rumors" of a 12spd Connex quick link, but have never found it for sale. If you can get that available, DO IT!

haha interesting, thanks for the info! Relieved to discover KMC X8s are not directional, as never paid attention to that. Likewise the YBN 7-8 doesn't appear to be directional. Have used a KMC link ?10 times before it came undone going over a bump! It was sloppy as beforehand. I have been using the same link on multiple chains several times, and will stop doing so eventually (e.g. when changing all chains 000s of kms from now)

The manufacturers say don't reuse for liability reasons. However, i had to remove my freshly, but improperly, installed chain. No issues with the QL popping. Would i reuse a six month old QL? Only for emergencies, and only until i could get a new chain.

This is a good video and it shows that you listen. Use of the microscope is a smart move as people react to being shown visually better than just being told. The Connex links have to be fitted with the slots making a frown shape on the bottom chain span. You get a clicking sound if you fit them the other way up as shown in kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r9uhmNKYyN3Feac.html .

So I’m not clear on Josh’s recommendation I’d dealing with the thick layer of wax on the end links of the chain I’ll be honest I’ve not read all 360 comments. He did quickly touch on it “get that wax off” I think. I’ve found. You need to scrape the wax with a fingernail to get the QL to go through properly. Do you approve that Josh? Thanks. Love that wax.

Phil Anderson leading the bunch - nice pic!

I’ve always waxed my quick links attached to the chain, never had a problem linking them together…

I have had the quicklink rust when I have not waxed it. I usually just pop it down the hot wax with the chain and then scrape off some of the wax that would make it hard to connect

I've started putting the quick link in the chain and waxing the whole thing. Then it is waxed exactly like every other link. You don't push too much out when assembling it.

Great video with useful info. Thank you!

Yes I wax my quick links. It prolongs the life of the step snap. All I do is just put a binder clip on the quick link to hold it snug and then heat it up with a lighter. In melts in place and then you just snap it in. The only downside is the possibility of condensation contamination. Moisture may become immersed and not evaporate.

I always wax the chain with the quick link installed. Not because it's required for lubrication but because it makes re-installation much easier. Also, in that case the wax in there won't be a double-thick layer, but rather you will have a similar amount as between the other links of the chain *of course this requires closing and opening the quick link before installing the chain which manufacturers don't recommend. I still re-use the quick links multiple times though, never had any problem, but that's just anecdotal evidence I guess.*

Just do the hot wax with the QL installed no concern over wax coverage or needing to push out the wax plug, removed it to install on the bike .. I re-wax twice a month at around 600-800km and reuse my QL for around 6months before replacing and even at 6 months I would say they are still good.

Straight to the point, always bringing us the science we want to hear so I can share it in the local bike store here with us!

Hi, I remember Josh talking about the tungsten disulfite working itself into the surface of the metal with time and with the heat (sometime, long ago in the podcast). With that making the surface a bit harder and less friction. So wouldnt it be advantageous to wax it? I allways waxed mine but i made shure that they sit right by twisting them in in the chain before engaging them.

I wax my chains (dura ace 12sp, shimano quicklink) with the quicklink installed, fully connected chain. Well I have to assemble it 2 times, but no problems so far regarding the stability of the q.l. or the assembly

Thanks Josh 👍 What about the quick link on quick link contact surfaces? Thanks.

I leave the quick link on my chain when I wax it. BAM!

If you put the Q link on the stripped chain first and then put the whole loop in the hot wax, the link snaps together without added pressure or special attention.

9:00 the most important question for me

Thank you so much for this! I keep hearing so much from both sides. You’ve definitely helped this make more sense to me. By the way, where did the name Silca come from? I’ve researched the history of the company but can’t find any info on the history of the name.

Great, quick and succinct video. Quick question, what's the best place to send questions for AJA? I'm three and ought on the text format.

What about using a “Connex” tool-less link? I was sold one by my local salesman when i asked about reusable links. O you got there. Thanks.

I thought about going submersive wax, but the SRAM T-type links are $5 each and it says one use only! I figured they could go more but the "one use" statement is CYA. Ended up deciding to go drip wax for now, but maybe submersive next time.

Shimano states very clearly the link is "single use". I take that to mean you get a new one with every chain so you change the link when you change the chain. You DONOT open and close the link multiple times , its common sense.

When I put my new chains on, I just hit the quick link spot with a lighter quick, insert the link, push it together and flex it with my fingers. 'Clunk' connection good every time.

thanks for the advice on the quick link being re-usable.

Excellent as always

Wax the chain with the quick link connected, it makes re-joining the chain much easier... No need to push excess wax out of the way

Afaik, Connex officially says it can be reused with no limit. I can attest to this, having reused the same ones for 2+ years now

I'm still 1990s cycling. Mechanical shifting, rim brakes, inner tubes.......the only thing I've upgraded to because not only looks cool but I needed a new pair..........50mm carbon wheelset, but other than that? Nothing. And I ain't waxing nothing! Pure old good lube.

The Shimano 11s links have a little dent pointing to the hole. I think this might be made to deform during mounting. Can this be the cause for the single-use recommendation?

the connex link will last the lifetime of the chain. after 6500km on a powerful ebike, the KMC X10EL chain broke apart, the connex link in perfectly good shape. Failure wasn't due to wear (0.3% stretch), but rather an unhappy inner plate breaking in 2 pieces.

My 11sp link from Decathlon has no direction arrow. Blank sides. Never had any problem with them (Shimano compatible).

The "bearings" in the chain are already covered in wax. Clicking the link back in place with a tool rather than just drive forcing it adds to longevity in my experience.

I've been waxing my chain for the last couple of years fully assembled (quick link installed) no worries then about excess wax getting in the way

> Josh covers Shimano, YBN, Connex, and SRAM chains, offering his suggestions and best practices for each. I couldn't find any mention of SRAM chains and best practices for them. (I know that YBN 12-speed quick-links don't work with SRAM flat-top chains, for example) But are SRAM's quick-links any different to Shimano from a reuse perspective?

Great that I no longer need to wax the quick link! I buy gold links so they are easy to spot on my chain.

Question: Should I use a magnet to remove any metal bits from my chain pot, or is there something important in the wax blend that will be pulled out? After maybe two or three dozen waxings I stuck the magnet from my internal cable routing kit into the put (covered in a rubber glove tip) and a decent amount of gunk stuck to it. Repeating hoovered up far less. I'd rather not re-wax with any worn off metal bits from previous waxings, but also don't want to remove any important additives from the wax.

I wax my quicklink because it prevents me from losing it. Oh, and I probably use my quick links many more times than i should. 🙂

What about waxing chain and quicklin so that quicklink is also attached? Same way as it goes on the bike.