you will never completely get you chain to the desired tension just by removing links, jsu near to that tension thats why you will need the tensioning device. A sprung tensioner is just something to go wrong and cause more bodging days where a fixed tensioner just sits there with the exact tension you have applied by hand the you screw it tight ( not too tight that you strip threads n stuff). and it is better as its secured by the wheel axle bolts and mech hanger bolts supplied