Did you even look at the link above? http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201107050.pdf Seriously, we all go through a learning curve on some things. Since this has been such a frustrating challenge for you, you can probably look forward to NEVER forgetting the solution and you will someday provide an answer to a newby here. I run nothing but SRAM on all chains but don't bother with trying to remove by hand. If you maneuver the chain into the shape of an upside down U with the quick link at the top, you can take any old household pliers and apply them diagonally across the link. No strength at all is required. just give a little click and it's off. The link above would be helpful for roadside repairs so I will have to rehears that one.