Push the bushing pin out only until you can get the link out. The bushing stays with the outer plate. That way you can (very carefully) push it back in. Be fanatical about the alignment of your chain in the chain tool, and make sure, if your chain tool has more than one tooth, you know what each is for.


I ran a SRAM chain with a master link for a while. When it was time to get a new chain and Shimano chains were cheap, I started using the SRAM quick link the Shimano chain with no issues or binding or sticky links. Still use the same link to this day. Sooner or later it will probably break, but it sure makes taking the chain off easier.

Soaking it in degreaser, by the way, in my experience won't do a whole lot. The important parts to get clean will only get clean (between the plates, around the pins) with agitation. I use an ultrasonic bath, either the big one at work or a little jewler's sized one I found... on Amazon I think. With mild degreaser in it. Good luck, maintenance is fun once you get the hang of it. Most of the time.