Split link nightmare

I decided a new chain (520x112 links) was advisable as the OE one had lengthened a very litle and was incredibly dirty from a few trials. The sprockets looked perfect, even the rear alloy one so I chose, perhaps unwisely, to leave these. Rather, I refitted the OE 15 tooth front sprocket that had done a clean 1500km.

The problem came with the split link. it took numerous attempts with 3 pairs of pliers to get it too seat until all of a sudden it was one. Maybe I was too tired to be messing. Does anyone make a set of pliers for thsi job or perhaps I could grind some down for the job?