Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
My concern is the rust that we can't see from the outside -- if there is corrosion between the side plates and the pins, the chain may "let go" in another place. As I do a lot of standing when climbing or starting from a stop, there's no way in hell I'd keep using this chain.
The chain failed via the basic plate pushed off the pin mechanism, not due to rust. IME I've never seen a chain break because of rust (wear faster, yes, break no) except where the rust was severe enough to weaken plates to the point of failure (cracking, not being pushed off).
Rust shouldn't be the main concern, plates pushed out elsewhere on the chain should be. That and preventing the problem by not shifting under load.