I fitted a KMC chain and it's broken twice, presumably where I shortened, then re-joined the chain with a chain tool. The chain came with a quick link, but I didn't use it and instead I just used a chain breaker tool as normal.
Is this a no-no with KMC chains, should you always use the special link?
Comparing the chain to a Campagnolo chain I have, the KMC seems lighter, with thinner side plates, and the pins don't sit as proud of the side plates. The Campag chain pins are also flat on the end, whereas the KMC chain pins have a dimple in the end, they are also much harder to push out than the Campag pins, which makes me wonder whether you shouldn't push them out and then back in again, but only out, to shorten the chain, then use the special link.
Is this a no-no with KMC chains, should you always use the special link?
Comparing the chain to a Campagnolo chain I have, the KMC seems lighter, with thinner side plates, and the pins don't sit as proud of the side plates. The Campag chain pins are also flat on the end, whereas the KMC chain pins have a dimple in the end, they are also much harder to push out than the Campag pins, which makes me wonder whether you shouldn't push them out and then back in again, but only out, to shorten the chain, then use the special link.