I purchased a HG-93 chain at CRC, and got an OEM one. It did not come with a reinforced connecting pin, but had a "normal" pin already halfway inserted in the end link.

Am I supposed to just use this preinstalled pin? I will need to cut the length of the chain, so in theory I could cut away the link with the preinstalled pin, and use a reinforced connecting pin instead. The problem is that it is recommended to do this from the "inner plate"-side, not from the "outer plate"-side.

Could I use a chain tool to push the preinstalled pin away and use a reinforced connecting pin, or will this damage the plates?

Any suggestions? Anybody know what kind of pin this preinstalled is?

Use the preinstalled pin.

Just installed the chain now. Worked as a charm. I think the preinstalled pin is just like a guided one, except for the guide. The guide is not needed when it is already guided in place...

Got a little bit tight link, but my Park CT-3 resolved that with charm.

That's exactly what it is.

Look closely in the chain package and there should be a second, guided pin in there. Shimano usually gives you a spare to use if you want to remove and reinstall the chain later or, if you accidently shorten it from the wrong end. (Guess how I know about that.)

There were no extra pin in the package. The chain came in a see-through plastic OEM-wrapping, with no extra goodies...

OK, I do recommend you buy one or two spares for possible field repairs or for future R&R use. Any LBS has them.

Yes, I did buy one just in case I screwed up when installing :-)

Should just recommend the SRAM masterlinks. **** the pins.