The invention relates to a chain connecting element (1) which has two link bow sections (4, 5), which can be coupled via their limbs (6), and a connector piece (50), which can be inserted transversally between the limbs (9), one limb (9) of each link bracket (4, 5) having a neck section (7) and a journal (8) that is thicker relative thereto, a neck recess (10) and a journal recess (11) being provided on the other, opposite
lying limb (9) in a corresponding manner, wherein the two link bow sections (5), which are inserted into one another, can be locked by the connector piece (50) and the connector piece (50) is formed by a bolt, a sleeve and a spring journal. The connector piece (50) is of mirror-symmetrical design, an outer-
lying bearing sleeve (51) being provided on each side of said piece for form-locked locking engagement in the link bow sections (4, 5) and an inner-
lying locking bolt (53) has a spring journal (26) on each of its ends, wherein a clamping pin (63) can be inserted or retracted on both sides of the locking bolts (53) and secures each of the spring journals (26) in a respective bearing sleeve (51) in form-locked manner.