Great questions Alyoisus,
Quick Links:
It must be a ‘multi use’ quick link. Beware some are meant for one use only.
Most manufacturers put a limit on reuse of about 5 times. I am using the same Shimano Quick Link and have re-used it 19 times (26 time as of June 2022). The Quick link shows no signs of wear or “looseness”,it still clicks together nicely. I have spare quick links for when this stops happening or other signs appear. The 5 limit may be litigation issue I do not know.
I am advised that the Connex Quick Link is both the easiest to use will last the life of the chain, but they are expensive. The Connex link does not need a tool to put on or take off, the Shimano and all other non Connex links I have seen need a quick link removal/application tool. If you buy a new Connex chain, it comes with one of their quick links (note so do the Shimano chains of late).
Where to Break the Chain:
Obviously it still needs to be the right length for your gear set, that is up to you to measure. I have never seen a new chain in a box that was continuous. AS long as you have two male inner links on the chain ends and it is the right length, you are fine; the Quick link joins two inner links not outer links. If your chain on the bike is actually continuous and does not have a quick link, pick any where but make sure you take off the outer plates completely at that point, leaving two inners. See the diagrams in the entries above to work out what is an inner and outer link. Maybe just buy a new chain to start.
Cleaning Before Re-Wax:
When one is about to re-wax a previously waxed chain. 2 Step cleaning. Never use solvents or soaps.
Step 1: I take the chain off, put it in hot water and scrub with a clean hard bristle brush, I do not use solvents or any cleaners as that may harm the wax-metal interface. This takes off the ‘litter’ from the chains, small bits of stuff and is not in any of the waxing advice from OZ Cycles. I do this step as it seems to keep the wax mixture clean longer. If you have mud on the chain, this is imperative as one must get all the muck off.
Step 2: I take kettle of boiling water and rinse the chain with this entire kettle; put chain in a sieve. This takes off all the old wax from the outside of the plates and hopefully from the inner parts too; the heat. This done well will likely remove the litter but I still found tiny flakes of used black PTFE on the chain if I do not remove the litter first.
Use gloves to protect your hands from the boiling water. Dry the chain before immersion in hot wax.
hope this helps.
Ray of Sunshine…
