Reinforced Shimano pin snapped before connecting chain - how to resolve? My previous chain snapped weeks ago and only got a new one sorted.

I've cut the chain to the right size, fed it through the derailleurs and onto the bike correctly.

The last step was to use the reinforced Shimano pin to connect the new chain together.  Unfortunately the reinforced pin snapped as it was being put into its slot.

My wife was doing it so I'm not 100% sure what happened but she said it snapped very easily and unexpectedly. My only guess is that the chain tool wasn't going straight?

Anyway, the actual link that you'd want to stay in and connected, wasn't far enough in yet so it fell out, the 'snapping' bit is now stuck pertruding out of the chain.

I've never replaced a chain like this before so I'm slightly weary of doing damage.  It'll be tricky, but should I be able to use the already snapped pin to connect the chain and hopefully it'll help push out the snappable portion?

Should I attempt to get another reinforced pin instead of attempting the above and start again?

I could attempt to pull out the 'snappable' portion with pliers but again slightly worried about causing damage!
You can often use the chain tool to drive the half-way inserted pin back out from the chain. I do not think it is advisable to attempt pressing it in again. It is certainly possible, I did re-pressed regular roller pins a couple of times when I or someone else accidentally pressed them out too far so that they fell off. It is not the most enjoyable experience, especially as the roadside repair.

You can get another reinforced pin and try again. Alternatively, you could get a so-called master link which replaces one of the half-links on the chain (presumably one at the end of your chain with the broken pin sticking out of it). The master link allows to close the chain using no tools at all, and often to open the chain using special pliers (or just bare hands, with enough swearing).



Several companies manufacture such links for chains of different widths (for cassettes from 8 to 12 speeds). They are generally compatible with chains of all vendors, e.g. you can use a KMC master link on a Shimano or SRAM chain with no issues.