Much debate on this as Shimano says only one remove/replace per link. IME if it is easy to open with your fingers than probably time to replace. If there is still resistance to get it to snap onto the pins, I would use it. I've never had a QL fail in over 100k miles of riding with them from mostly KMC, but a Connex and SRAM thrown in there too and I open/close them usually 30+ times before replacing them when the pins start to show wear inside the links. Connex makes a 12sp that's OK for multiple times but around $30+ from reputable sellers. Cheap fakes of questionable quality are available for less on Amazon, Alibaba,etc.