I'm changing my road bike chain, and for the life of me, I can't get the darn KMC missing link to lock together.

I looks so easy on this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkqsv...eature=related

but on my chain, the missing link pieces only fit when there's no chain between them. The moment I put the chain in, it seems that the link doesn't quite fit, and I can't "lock" it. Anybody have a suggestion? (It's a brand new chain.)

Connect the chain and missing link at the top of the chainstay. Lock rear brakes with one hand and step on the pedals; this should allow the missing link to engage.

Did your chain come with instructions? I think it clearly states to do the above.

Took it to the LBS - he needed to use pliers to squeeze the missing links together - they were too loose, apparently. He couldn't get it on the first time as well. Didn't expect to have this problem - seems like I'm the only one, as nobody else has mentioned it on the forums.

New chain's on, and I'm good to go!

i can't get my missing link to open. it is stuck so i haven't bothered trying to take the chain off for a thorough cleaning.

You might have the wrong link. Use a feeler gage, or just a piece of paper or pop can aluminum and see if it will easily slip between the inner plates and outer plates of the master link. If not, then you have the wrong link. There should be a side clearance in the .004-.008 inch range and even .012 is tolerable.

If there is no clearance, you could pop the end off one of the pins and the chain will come apart.

Take a piece of wire, like a coat hanger, and pass it thru the link. Twist with a pliers, until it pops free. Then cut the wire with a side cutters, or unwind.

You shouldn't have this problem again. The first time is always the worst.

Cheap, and make it a whole lot easier:
https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-MLP-.../dp/B000AA30BG