Originally Posted by
ClarkinHawaii
I believe what you are describing is the action of the link-removal pliers (black handles). I am asking about the link installation pliers (red handles).
The ones with the red handles do push the links apart - but aren't usually needed since just putting pressure on the bike pedals will pull the chain tight anyway. Note that on this tool the handle on the left goes to the tool tip on the left as opposed to normal pliers (and the removal tool) where the handle on the left goes to the tool tip on the right.