Hey! Try to put on a half-link, if you are absolutely sure that you can't fit the chain taking of a whole link, even if you use violence... sometimes it's needed Or try to buy a new chain.. because a chain is stretchable in the beginning, using an old chain, that won't stretch is hard to fit when it's to short, a newer one, will stretch within time. And also, if you're buying a new one, make sure it isn't cheap crap, try kmc or any of shimano's more expensive models. Good luck to you