How to Connect a Custom MCP Server to Claude Desktop | Tool Chaining Guide

How do you connect a custom MCP server to the Claude Desktop app — and what is Tool Chaining? In Part 3 of this Model Context Protocol series, we go beyond testing and take our server live inside Claude Desktop. You'll see your custom tools appear directly in the Claude UI, watch Claude chain multiple tools together to handle complex requests, and learn how to troubleshoot when the desktop app can't find your server.

▶ What you'll learn in this video:
• What Tool Chaining is — and how to structure MCP tools so Claude uses them in sequence (e.g., search a customer → update their project status automatically) • How to edit the claude_desktop_config.json file to register your local MCP server with Claude Desktop • Live demo: custom tools appearing in the Claude UI + watching Claude's full thought process as it chains tools • Troubleshooting guide: the most common reasons Claude Desktop fails to detect your MCP server
By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a fully working integration where you can query and update your ERP or CRM data directly through Claude Desktop — no extra steps.
💻 Source Code: https://github.com/muhammadchhota/MCP-demo/tree/video3-claude-desktop-mcp-test

📺 Full MCP Series:

• Part 1 — Intro to MCP & PMS Demo: https://youtu.be/SimYVl78G0A
• Part 2 — Stdio Protocol & MCP Inspector: https://youtu.be/8jVIlSQOc6Q
• Part 3 — Claude Desktop & Tool Chaining: (you're here)
• Part 4 — HTTP Protocol & VS Code Debugging: [coming soon]

About Accucia Softwares

Accucia Softwares is a technology company focused on building innovative digital solutions that help businesses grow and operate more efficiently. We specialize in developing modern software products, mobile applications, and business automation platforms designed to simplify operations and improve productivity.

Our solutions are used by businesses across multiple industries to streamline workflows, manage operations, and strengthen their digital presence. From custom software development to powerful SaaS platforms, Accucia Softwares aims to deliver reliable, scalable, and user-friendly technology.

One of our flagship platforms, ElevatorPlus, is designed specifically for the elevator service industry, helping companies manage service operations, technician dispatch, maintenance contracts, and customer communication in one centralized system.

At Accucia Softwares, our mission is to empower businesses with smart technology that drives efficiency, transparency, and sustainable growth.

Timestamps
0:00 – Intro & recap of previous video
0:20 – What is tool chaining & connecting MCP with Claude Desktop
0:45 – Downloading Claude Desktop (Mac & Windows)
1:00 – Overview of existing tools: List Tasks & Create Task
1:20 – New tool added: List Projects
1:45 – PocketBase token setup & documentation
2:10 – NPM run build
2:30 – Adding MCP config in Claude Desktop
3:00 – Reopening Claude Desktop & verifying MCP connection
3:20 – Testing: "Show me my tasks"
3:45 – stdio vs HTTP protocol explained
4:10 – Testing: Create a new task
4:30 – Issue: Create Task needs Project ID not name
4:50 – Claude calls List Projects first to fetch IDs
5:15 – Tool chaining in action
5:35 – Claude auto-translates "next Friday" to actual date
5:50 – Wrap-up & next video preview
6:11 – End

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Видео How to Connect a Custom MCP Server to Claude Desktop | Tool Chaining Guide канала Accucia Softwares | Apps, ERP, CRM & AI Automation