I looked at the chain checking tools and was seriously considering buying one, I read several tech articles and some threads here at BF that said they were inaccurate and to just use a tape or rule to measure a given number of links. Anyone have any thoughts or information about this? Just taking my tape and laying the chain on the work bench is simple enough, or even leaving the chain in the bike, both are no sweat.

I'm a confirmed connex/quick link fan, getting a pin in place correctly is something my old eyes don't like to do. The fresh, new Shimano pins are easier though. Tri-flow here, also, I use a needle applicator attachment I made to get the lubricant in the pins and rollers, where it is supposed to be, then I wipe the chain down with a lint free rag.

Bill