richard4993

Wondering what chain tool everybody here uses. I've been using the Park 3.2 and haven't been so happy with it.

bargainguy

I have the Pedro's Pro 2.0 and I like it. Big beefy handles that don't get slippery when my hands have grease.

HillRider

I've been using a Park CT-3 for decades and it's been perfectly satisfactory on chains from 5/6 up to 10-speed and about every different make except Campy (which I never use). Why don't you like yours?

SkyDog75

I'm in the same boat as HillRider, using a Park Tool CT-3 mini tool for everything from kids' BMX bikes up through 10-speed chains. Being a mini tool, it's not the most ergonomic thing ever, but it gets the job done reliably.

Phloom

I use the Park Tool CT-4.3 Master Chain Tool w/Peening Anvil. Works great and works on Campagnolo 11 speed chains which I have.

HillRider

The CT-3 is anything but "mini", it's as full size as chain tools get. You may be thinking of Park's CT-5, which is their small chain tool.

DrIsotope

Another for the Park CT-3. I've had it for ages.

Andy_K 

I got by for years with a CT-5. Even when I started needing to use it on 11-speed chains, which Park doesn't claim it supports. I finally stepped up and bought the CT-4.3 when I wanted to try peening a Campganolo chain. I tried peening exactly once (and failed) before installing a quick link, and I haven't considered doing it since even though I have installed another Campy chain. I will say that compared to the CT-5 mini tool the CT-4.3 is a frickin' Cadillac! It's so nice to use.

I also have a slightly damaged CT-3 that I picked up at an local shop's retirement/going-out-of-business sale. I use it whenever I need to work on a chain that for some reason makes me think I'm likely to bend something on the chain tool -- mostly breaking bulky and corroded old chains for disposal.

2cam16

I forgot what brand I bought but it's been my trusty chain tool for almost 8 years now and does a great job.

SkyDog75

You're right. Thanks for the correction!

AnkleWork

This might be best:
KCNC International

SJX426 

After using one of those "pocket" ones for years (decades) I bought an Avenir Pro chain tool. What a difference!

Avenir Pro Chain Tool > Accessories > Tools > Chain Tools | Jenson USA

leob1

I've been using a CT-5 for years, for a small tool it works well. Since quick links came along the chain tool gets much less use. It's used mostly now to shorten new chains, rarely do I use it to put a chain back together.

rydabent

Except for making chain stock shorter, are not chain tools pretty much useless now that we has swagged chain pins? Shorten to proper length and then use a quick link.

fietsbob

'Best' would be for what? BITD, of Sedis Sport Chains , venerable the Cyclo Rivoli was fine, you did have to know what you were doing with the tool of course.

I have several..

Top of the market, you can get a Premium tool made to re rivet the pin ends to re join your 11 speed Campagnolo chains, to re join them without a quick link.

But as said above, largely you only shorten the chain. so measure carefully to do it right, or you have to use a 2nd quick link, and some of the new chain you removed.

Rohloff, Who used to supply chain to Campag, makes a Re Riveting Tool, and so does Park.. Now..



...

HillRider

That's correct for some chains (KMC, SRAM, Wipperman). All you need it for is the initial sizing. You do need a chain tool if you use Shimano's joining pins but they don't put much stress on the chain tool either.

superstring

I don't know if this qualifies as "the best" but it sure is sexy! And expensive!! (That's why I don't own one )

The Rohloff Revolver 3 Chain Tool:

richard4993

It could me doing something wrong but I keep bending the pins and now even a new pin won't thread into the tool straight. Thinking maybe I should try a Pedros tool.

ridelikeaturtle

I'll second the Park CT-4.3. Nice big handle and smooth operation. Even has a built-in peening tool for 11 spd Campy, if you ever need it.

HillRider

Actually it sounds like you should pay more attention to keeping the screwpress pin accurately perpendictular to the pin you are pressing out. None of the other maker's pins are any larger in diameter or stronger than the Park's and none will tolerate much off-center pressure.

Gresp15C

Don't know about ease of use, but for durability, a Cyclo Rivoli has been my friend for nearly 35 years. I think it might be my first real bike tool purchase. Thanks to KMC Missing Links, I only use the chain tool for getting new chains down to the correct length any more, not for reassembly.

PeaceByJesus

I had the small issue with cheap ($2.00 to $3.00) Chinese (Ebay) chain tools, which work fine with most chains (in the low income inner city) but certain chains (mainly half link) would be too much.

So I was able to get a motorcycle chain tool for about $6.50, and ground the end of the pin down somewhat to use for tough bike chains, and it has worked so far, but it does not come with the notches which are handy.

If it will help, I see Pedros tool for $33.70 ++ likely 7.00 shipping) at Niagara,


And the Park Tool Mini Chain Brute Chain Tool - CT-5 for 14.29 & FREE Shipping at Amazon


And the CT-3 $24.87 & FREE Shipping at excelcycle,

And the Rohloff Revolver 3 Chain Tool for 136.95$ at starbike.com (Germany)




And many more at Jensons

drlogik 

I use the Hozan C-371 in my home shop. One of my favorite tools. The quality is just unbelievably good.

LiquorLad

Does it really matter? Sure some are more robust than others & turn smoother in operation...

I had a Axiom that I paid a pretty penny for way back when. I broke it taking out a pin on a Shadow Conspiracy V chain. Bought a $6 breaker off of eBay & used a little pen. fluid on the pin & popped the chain apart.

Moral of the story is unless you're trying to break a motorcycle chain then it doesn't really matter what you pick. However, if you want to spend beyond diminishing return then spend away.

BikeLite

He who has the best chain tool wins.