Originally Posted by
JerrySTL
NOT on a newer Shimano 8-, 9-, 10-, or 11-speed chain. If you break the chain to remove it from the bike, you should use a new replacement pin. Also you shouldn't break the chain at the same pin; rather, select a pin that's never been removed before and replace it with a new pin. I've seen a couple of Shimano chains break due to people reusing the old pin. The worse was a guy out of the saddle climbing a steep hill. He went from vertical to horizontal in about a half second - fortunately into a ditch instead of into a road with traffic.
I use KMC links with Shimano chains on my 9- and 10-speed bikes instead of the pins so that I can remove the chain to clean and lube it.
I have always removed/assembled 7/8 speed chains the way I described. Never in my life have I had a chain break on me for any reason. I think two of my bikes have an HG70 chain on right now. Newer 10 speed chains are a different matter. You can use a SRAM 7/8 speed power link on it but I never have nor have I ever used a replacement pin and I fail to see how a pin will weaken just because you push it out then push it back in. Matter of fact, I've had brand new chains (don't remember which brand) that had the pin already in the sideplate sticking out. This is just my experience, I'm not looking for drama like they have in the road section haha. Take it or leave it.