Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Impossible to remove chain pin with chain tool…

I've got a (new) KMC chain (KMC 1/2" x 1/8" x 114 L HV410) which I need to shorten in order to make it fit. The problem is that it's impossible to remove the chain pins with my chain tool… I've practically broken my hands trying to remove these things.

According to the KMC website I should be able to remove the pins with any regular chain tool so I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. It does seem to push out the pin a little but then it just seems stuck and, try as I might, I cannot push them out fully.

Does anyone have any ideas? Am I doing something stupidly wrong? (bear in mind, this is my first time fixing up a bike so I'm fully prepared to hear that I've overlooked something basic :rolleyes: )

Thanks in advance!

Crappy chain tool? Also, belongs in mechanics (if that).

Crappy chain tool? Also, belongs in mechanics (if that).
Ah sorry, first time here so I wasn't quite sure where to post this. Is there any way to move the topic?

Try pushing it out from the other side.

Try pushing it out from the other side.

The chain pin, not the topic.

You shouldn't have to push the pin entirely out to break the chain. Just push it out until it has almost cleared the inner roller, then flex the chain sideways.

What kind of chain tool are you using? Is it perhaps one designed to narrow road chains that you're using on a 1/8" wide track chain?

Not sure why it can't be posted here. It is a track chain after all.

What tool are you using? I know from experience some tools won't work with an 1/8" chain.

You could be using the wrong part of the chain tool. I know on the Park Tool breakers there is a slot for fixing a stiff link and a slot for removing a pin. Or you have a bent pin on the breaker.

I feel as if chain pin tools are mostly cut and dry. Make sure the pin part of the tool is flush with the pin in the chain.

I feel as if chain pin tools are mostly cut and dry. Make sure the pin part of the tool is flush with the pin in the chain.

Yes, but (as Platts just pointed out) most chain tools have two different shelves - one for removing/installing a pin and one for loosening up a stiff link. I've seen plenty of people use the wrong one and wonder why it's not working.

using a crappy chain tool, and i just bent an outer plate on a brand-new chain. ugh. as always w/ bikes, learning the hard way...

I've tried all the suggestions posted here to no avail. It looks like I'm stuck with a crappy chain tool.
Thanks for the feedback guys!