If you need to split a 10spd Shimano chain, is it still the case that you shouldn’t remove the dark grey joining pin, but instead remove a ‘normal’ link and rejoin that with a second dark grey pin, or can you remove the joining pin and rejoin with a new one in the same place? (Or is it the case that my recall of what you should and shouldn’t do is out of date?)

Also, is there any difference in strength/function/reliability between the Shimano pin and a KMC Missing Link, because obviously they’re a little quicker.

dzi?kuj?

Shimano connecting links can’t be split…KMC missing links work fine IME but be careful as there are two sorts of KMC links ones which can be reused and ones that can’t.

Yes

Also, is there any difference in strength/function/reliability between the Shimano pin and a KMC Missing Link, because obviously they’re a little quicker.

Not IME

That was easy! Thank you.

I’ve currently got 3 KMC missing links (bought very cheap off ebay) in a Shimano chain, partly due to measuring it a couple of links short when fitting
It’s been fine for a year

Cheers, ordered from CRC.