No, a missing link attaches two inner links together, so in your case you remove two outer links (3 links total, 2 links net after you install the missing link, for a 1" difference), or if one is shortening more, remove the last outer link that still gives you a long enough chain. BUT if you already have a reusable missing link installed then you open it, cut an even number of links, and reinstall. Again, you don't need to remove any at all.