I use a hunk of hardwood with a groove cut in it. Drill a hole on one end of the grove. Position plunger in grove with roll pin over the hole. Grab a hammer and roll pin punch - do the obvious - whack hell out of it. I like to drive the pin out enough so the link comes out, then install new link and pound the roll pin back in.

LTG : )

I modified an old bicycle chain removal tool. Ground down the ridges in the center to accept the plunger and use a hex wrench to turn the screw. Putting the new pin in the plunger, I have to tap the pin in a bit with a hammer and then use the tool to drive it the rest of the way.
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Yes. It's basically used to drive out a pin that holds the chain together. The diameter might be a bit too big and may need modified. It works much better than a hammer and punch.

Yes. Those ridges in the center need to be removed as they're there to hold a chain.

In the shop I use a vise. Open jaws 1/4" and use a punch to drive the roll pin out enough to remove the link. Squeeze the roll pin back using the vise. When I worked on a route, my channel locks worked great as the slightly open vise jaws. Set on the cabinet corner joint with the lock bar removed. Use a punch and hammer as usual. To reinstall, the Channel Locks worked great to push the roll pin back in.