Quick Chain Link??'s

[!TREK4ME!]

Hey  Guys,

Was MTBing the other day and was about 9 miles in, a 16 mile ride, and a couple hours of daylight left, when the 9 speed KMC quick link broke on my chain. As soon as I saw what happened, I started to think, "This is going to be a long walk back!". I calmed down some and thought, "I believe I put a extra quick link in my backpack." Sure enough, I did. Whew!... I had a single speed link and a 6,7 and 8 speed quick link. I then relized I was riding a 9 speed MTB. Well, to make a long story short, I tried the 6,7 and 8 speed quick link and it seemed to work fine and got me back.
I know they make quick links for 6,7 and 8 speed chains and quick links for 9 speed chains... Is there a difference??
Also, why do you think the 9 speed quick link broke??... Is this common with the KMC quick links??

Thanks!!

[nfmisso]

Breakage is extraordinarily rare unless it was bent.

There is a fraction of a mm difference between 8 and 9 speed chains, just enough that 9 speed will not work with 8 speed.  As you found out, in a pinch 8 speed quick links will work with 9 speed chains, but will be a little too loose, which may or may not cause a problem.

[GeorgeET]

Just make sure when you put in a quick link that the close end of the clip is facing direction of rotation. As per break did it break or did the clip fall off. On my motorcycle I used to safety wire the clip.

[nfmisso]

Hi George;

Quick links for derailleur chains are symmetrical, there are no open ends.  It sounds like  you are describing a master link for single speed (and IGH) chains.

[GeorgeET]

I am just dating myself. Did not have those in my days. :-))