Questions about SRAM (and other) quick links Fix it, repair it, how do I do it, what's the best part to use, and now: how do I get there?

[ethan]

First of all: I've heard conflicting stories on whether they're weaker . as strong . or stronger than connecting a chain with the actual pin and chain tool. One of you even went so far as to tell me "you could make an entire chain out of quick links and it'd be fine." Not sure if I'd go that far :) , but I'd venture to vote in the "as strong" category. (??)

Also: should quick links be retired when a chain is retired, or can they be re-used again and again? I've heard conflicting stories on this as well (up till now tho, have only asked bike shops). I try to keep one or two sets in my repair kit, for my, or others', chain failures … and obviously, old ones are fine for emergencies, to get you home, but am wondering if it's OK to use an old quick link for the full lifespan of another chain(s).

And the reason I'm giving this shit so much thought: I just recently had to replace, for the first time, the chain on my LHT. And wouldn't you know it, unlike every other bike I've had that required a shortening of the chain, the 56 cm LHT requires another frikkn half link. (116 pins, as opposed to the 114 pins which most if not all SRAM 9-speed chains have). So, I used an extra half-link and two quick links. Thoughts?

[Milx]

[Alex]

[zuvembi]

[mork the delayer]

[Milx]

[mcrawfor]