Originally Posted by
Lakerat
So as chains narrowed more than 8 speed, you have to use the quick link connector? Or does it just kind of depend on the way the chain is made? I don't own anything with more than 7 cogs on the cluster and the chain I'm most likely to use is the SRAM PC870. I'm been running one of these for thousands of miles put together with a chain tool.
Flush riveted chains require a connector link or special pin. Ideally you'd also use new outside links with new pins so the holes haven't opened up.
Shimano switched with the move to 7 cogs. Campagnolo did it with 10.
Campagnolo sells short lengths of C10 chain ending in outer links for re-joining 10 speed chains. Campagnolo 11 speed joining pins must be peened with a special tool.
When you cut such chains the peened over part of the pin shears off, so when you reinstall the pin there's nothing holding the side plate in place and it can spring open when you're riding. That can cause a crash if you're out of the saddle when the chain separates.
Connector links are harder to lose than the special small pins, avoid the problem of outer link holes which have grown, and should be more secure than special joining pins which aren't peened on both sides.
They're even available for other chain brands - KMC makes Campagnolo 10 speed missing links although Campagnolo themselves don't sell master links.