Well, I decided to whip an extra link out of my chain today to see if it would sit better in the drops.  Sadly it puts the axle right on the edge of the dropouts, and I can see things going wrong very quickly indeed.

Sooo... how do I put the old link back in?  Ive kept the pin etc, but how do i make sure it doesnt pop out?  Or should I invest in a half link to improve the tension and keep it at a reasonable position in the drops?

You cant put a pin in thats been pushed all the way out. So if you dont have some extra chain where you can grab a couple links with the pin pushed, but not separated, youre up the crick w/o a paddle.

Quote from: maximusotterYou cant put a pin in thats been pushed all the way out. So if you dont have some extra chain where you can grab a couple links with the pin pushed, but not separated, youre up the crick w/o a paddle.

Got a 10 link length that I didnt use.  That ok?

Quote from: maximusotterYou cant put a pin in thats been pushed all the way out. So if you dont have some extra chain where you can grab a couple links with the pin pushed, but not separated, youre up the crick w/o a paddle.

This is something i did time and time again... its an easy mistake to make, but as youve said, once its done, its done!

Quote from: funkychicken9000

Quote from: maximusotterYou cant put a pin in thats been pushed all the way out. So if you dont have some extra chain where you can grab a couple links with the pin pushed, but not separated, youre up the crick w/o a paddle.

Got a 10 link length that I didnt use.  That ok?

Long as its the same brand. Make sure you get the pin to stick out exactly the same on both sides. Flex laterally till its not sticky anymore. Ride.

Ive re-used links that Ive popped all the way out.
Its all gravy

So have I but its preferable not to if you can. Some bike chains dont like it at all.

I wouldnt think about reusing a pin on a fixie for example. :shock:

Got me a half-link for 75p at the LBS.  Its all gravy  

I cant believe they charged you for one

why would they order specialist parts in to give them away for free?  better than a fiver which is what they go for on ebay

Check this out.