Originally Posted by
Pistard
Interesting answers, two complete opposite's, you cannot reuse a pin removed with a chain tool , and you can do it? my problem is , I need more then 116 links for my derailleur /crankset set up, got a couple of KMC's I want to use one for extra length?
5-6-7-8 speed chains can use the pin again.
9-10 speed chains cannot, they are thinner and each time a pin is removed, you must use a new pin to join it back together. Google this to see more. It's totally different. They are long and get the front broken off, the holes in the side links are different. There is even a recommended travel direction the link should go. The Shimano web pages will have this somewhere. I have Shimano technical books that explain. Also a new Shimano chain will have instructions.
There is a copy of the directions somewhere on the interwbz. The Park tool site may have a good explanation.
One can purchase a master link for all of them. Much easier.