Originally Posted by
Kai Winters
You're fine and so is the chain.
Some don't want you reusing the "master" link because it doesn't hold as securely when removing/reattaching it.
Using a standard link to remove and reattach has no impact on the strength and safety of the chain at that given link. The only problem that can occur is the pin is not seated quite correctly resulting in a stiff link. If this happens just manipulate the link laterally and vertically until the pin seats and pivots easily/smoothly.
Before the "quick" links this is how everyone removed/installed a chain.
He's not saying he wants to reuse a master link. He's saying he broke the chain by pushing out a pin, and then pushing the pin back in -like we used to do in the (very) old days.
With modern chains (anything higher than 8 speed?), pushing the pin back in to reconnect the chain is not a good idea. OP did read up on it so I won't repeat why, but don't do it. Remove a link so a new master link can be used for that connection.