buy several chains so you can add sections and new quick links to join them ,
since there is no good way to make a damaged chain longer with out shortening it and adding a new section.
Older full bushing chains when freewheels had Only 5 or wide 6 speeds had pins longer than the chain is wide, were able to be lengthened and shortened.
but the need to sell 7,8,9,10&11 speed cassettes , chains the pins were flush with the outer plate, were required , and only the chain making machine starts out with
the pin being riveted over an un altered link plate.
the link plate hole gets stretched as it comes off the pin, so has to be removed.. discarded.