Originally Posted by
margoC
ETA: my chain is the kmc 8 speed. My cassette is the shimano 7. Apparently kmc makes a 7.1 link and 7.3 link. The ones that came with my pliers are 7.1. I think I need the 7.3.
KMC's older Z-series chains were a mixed bag in terms of pin (and MissingLink) sizes. Some used 7.1mm pins (and MLs) and some used 7.3mm pins (and MLs). Here are some KMC website links for each size:
7.3mm MissingLink (CL-573R) (models X8, Z8, Z7, Z50, and Z33)
7.1mm MissingLink (CL-571R) (models Z51, Z51RB, and Z72)
Both found here:
KMC Connectors
If your chain is an X8, then it almost certainly needs the 7.3m ML.