I learned my lesson about not removing and re-installing any link on a hollow pin chain. I do shorten them to fit my gearing out of the box, but use the quick link. I once tried to salvage a damaged chain by inserting a piece of good chain. I used a chain tool, but one of the hollow pins didn't hold fast and the chain fell apart midway through the ride. It didn't break entirely, so I was able to spin the remainder of the ride, finally breaking on the last hill .5 mile from home.