For me, the handiest trick for removing the quick links for is a 8 inch long wire (coat hanger??) with a hook on each to grab a chain link. With this hook I just grab enough chain to leave a loop of slack at the quick link. Much easier to do with all the tension off. I also keep a round eye lash brush handy to swap out the quick link and the two adjacent links so no grit, gravel or spooge prevents the halves of the quick link from sliding together. Bit of MS on the eye lash brush helps swap the links clean.