Since no one else has an answer for my question, I may have just found one. The manual states that the link "must be inserted from behind", but no reason is given.

I will offer one.

The rivet can only be positioned in one way. The rivet being pressed must face outward. I can think of no physical reson why the rivet must be placed in this position.

__________________
Michael LaFleur

'05 E320 CDI - 86,000 miles
'86 300SDL - 360,000 miles
'85 300SD - 150,000 miles (sold)
'89 190D - 120,000 miles (sold)
'85 300SD - 317,000 miles (sold)
'98 ML320 - 270,000 miles (sold)
'75 300D - 170,000 miles (sold)
'83 Harley Davidson FLTC (Broken again) :-(
'61 Plymouth Valiant - 60k mikes
2004 Papillon (Oliver)
2005 Tzitzu (Griffon)
2009 Welsh Corgi (Buba)