Bicycle Mechanics - How to reassemble chain without seizing link

I have an SRAM PC48 chain that I need to add a few links to now that I have a new, larger rear derailleur. I have the links that I originally removed from this chain recently, and thought it wouldn't be a big deal to add them back on - I've done such a thing in the past to other chains and it wasn't challenging. Today, as I'm trying to add the links, they're going on too tight/pinched such that it's seizing. I've removed and re-added a couple of times now, and just can't seem to get it right. I tried connecting two extra links off of my main chain to practice, and got them on 'normally' just once, after 3 tries, and I can't tell what I did different. Is there some trick?

Don't worry, this is completely normal for many brands of chains, and it is easy to fix.

When you press the pin back in, the link will normally stick and seize. To unseize it, simply grab the chain around the offending link, with your thumbs flat on the side plates of the neighboring links. FLEX the chain towards/away from your body a couple times (perpendicular to the direction that the chain links bend).

Flexing the chain in this way a couple times will normally loosen the link, allowing it to roll normally!

You can loosen the link by putting the offending pin back in the chain tool. But this time reverse the tool so it's on the opposite side of the chain and put the link back one set of "teeth" in the tool. This pushes the pin through only the near side of the tool as that 2nd step grabs the inside of the chain, and doesn't compress the link. Just be sure to leave a tiny little nub visible from the outside (ie, don't push the pin through), usually 1/4 to 1/2 turn of the chaintool will suffice.

Many chain tools have two positions for the chain. One for pressing in/out the pin, and one for loosening a stiff link.

Many chain tools have two positions for the chain. One for pressing in/out the pin, and one for loosening a stiff link.

Thanks for the advice moxfyre, but apparently I'm too much of a wussy to push the plates out a bit. Gonzo, there's only one position on the cruddy nashbar chain tool that I have. I ended up just putting the chain back together with a very thin shim between the inner roller and the outer plate - that worked. I wasted a good 2 hours on this thing!

Thanks for the advice moxfyre, but apparently I'm too much of a wussy to push the plates out a bit.
Maybe I'm explaining it wrong... it takes very little force. Can somebody explain it better?

Maybe I'm explaining it wrong... it takes very little force. Can somebody explain it better?

I think I got it, you did a good job, it just wasn't happening for me. Perhaps I was just so frustrated after having at it for so long. I saw this thin piece of metal/foil that I could stick in there while I drove the pin in, then yank it out, and all was good.