I have a chain tool and know how to use it that said I have grown to hate chains that use the old pin method, I have been using SRAM 8 speed chains with quick links for about a decade and haven't looked back. I believe Sheldon Brown may have said something about Chains and FWs should be replaced at the same time but I am not sure how hard and fast that rule is. I have used new chains on Vintage FWs without things imploding on me

Good luck OP and post pictures when you can