Installing a quick link should not require any tools. You can insert it in the top run of the chain and then step on a pedal to tension the chain and close the link. Removing them is another story. Some, like the Wipperman Connex links, can be removed by hand. Most (KMC, SRAM) do require a specific tool for removal, at least the first couple of times.

I made my own removal tool from a pair of cheap ("Anything in the bin $2") needle nose pliers by filing the width of the jaws narrow enough to fit between the chain links and then filing a round notch across the jaws to grip the chain rollers.