Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Do I have the right chain tool for 1/2 x 1/8 chain?

So I have a SRAM 1/8 PC-7x chain

I also have a Park CT-3 chain tool

Do I have the correct chain tool or do I need to get the Park CT-7? Someone please enlighten my ass. I'm gonna be pissed if I bought the wrong chain tool.

Park tool's website says you need the CT-7 for "wide 3/16 inch and 1/8 inch chains"

Many online retailers claim it works with "many 1/8 inch and bmx chains"

You already ordered it, just wait and try her out br0!

http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=5&item=CT-3


The CT-3 is intended for derailleur type chain, either 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 speeds. For 11 speed use the CT-4.2.

Are you just shortening?

Some 1/8 chains work with derailleur chain tools and some don't. Have you tried to use the CT-3 tool with your PC-7X chain?

Yeah i believe I will just need it to shorten, so I guess it'll serve it's purpose or..?

I tried it, pushes the pin out ok. But it seems like when I pushed it back in it caused a little bit of the pin or link to shave off a tiny bit of metal. DOes that make sense? Also, the link also became very stiff, which i know sometimes happens.

i have the ct-5 which i guess is the portable version of ct-3. I can push 1/2" pins out but never back in...

I tried it, pushes the pin out ok. But it seems like when I pushed it back in it caused a little bit of the pin or link to shave off a tiny bit of metal. DOes that make sense? Also, the link also became very stiff, which i know sometimes happens.

To loosen the stiff link, place the chain on the spreader part of the chain tool, and push the pin just enough to remove the tightness. If you don't have a spreader on your tool, grab the chain with both hands on either side of the tight link, and flex the chain sideways back and forth.

yeah TT i tried that, didn't work. It's ok I think I'm gonna just remove that link cuz I'm probably going have to shorten the chain anyway.

But for future chain maintenance should I get a different tool?

check bicycletutor.com on how to fix the stiff link. It's really easy. If you can take the link out with that tool then just use that

I have a CT-3 and it works with my SRAM PC-1 1/8" chain, so I'm guessing it will work with a PC-7x chain.

I tried it, pushes the pin out ok. But it seems like when I pushed it back in it caused a little bit of the pin or link to shave off a tiny bit of metal. DOes that make sense? Also, the link also became very stiff, which i know sometimes happens.


IMO, just use the master link. You probably have a weak point (link) on your chain if the pin was forced through the plate. Might be fine, might fail eventually (or tomorrow), I would just take that link out, toss it in the trash and put the master link in.

....especially if you don't run brakes.