Ok, I haven't had a broken chain yet, but since I commute to work, I want to be prepared and knowledgeable in case it does. I have a chain repair tool already, and I think I understand how it works...Here's what I'd like input on:

1. Do I need to carry an extra pin, or link, or anything, or can I simply remove the broken parts, and connect two non-broken links on the road.

2. If I do this and remove a link, the chain will obviously be shorter, but the tension in the rear derailleur will make up for this to get me home, right?

3. If I do this, and get home on the shorter chain, do I need to go get a new chain of proper length as soon as possible, or is a shorter chain no big deal?

thanks!
-Andy