Originally Posted by
ramzilla
This is exactly why I quit buying Shimano chains & started buying KMC quick link chains. Get a Park Tool quick link tool. No more worries.
I don't see the difference. Shimano chains can also be closed with KMC quick links. Of course, there is a difference if links can be reused, but more and more this isn't the case, and the "use only once" rule for links may become universal with the narrower inks.
Depending on the FD, and the OP's mechanical skill, he might grind out the FD cage closure, and replace it with either a pop rivet or screw and nut.
IMO - one of the worst things that ever happened to FDs was the move to closing the cage with a rivet rather than screw and nut.