Robert,

First, I didn't ask for help. I asked if anyone had a similar experience. Secondly, I have learned a lesson in the course of this little discussion, albeit not the one I think you'd have liked. There is no "correct" or "incorrect" in this. It was the implication that there was that I found mildly abrasive when nothing more than a difference in preferences is all that is involved. I'm sure your methods have worked well for you, and you'll just have to take my word that up to this point, mine have also given me the results I want. Now that I know that I was using the product improperly, I know how to prevent re-occurrences.

FWIW, in my experience, I've been able to get nearly twice the mileage out of a chain for a given amount of properly measured "stretch" by dissembling and cleaning in an US cleaner every few hundred miles. Were I using cheaper chains or if KMC links were more expensive (they can be had for much less than $10 each) or non-reusable then the calculus of this practice would be different. However, in my case, this has proven an effective strategy to contain the cost of consumables that does not carry a significant risk when using proper tools and techniques. It will be interesting to see if that remains true in view of the non-reusable nature of the 11 speed links. If not, I may very well incorporate some of your methods to supplement my own.

Thanks for both your contribution and understanding.