Capable chain repair tool? Does one exist that can be carried on the bike?
#27
rebmeM roineS
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I started carrying a Park CT-5 a few years ago and have used it twice on club rides. Once to help another rider by removing the mangled part of a dropped chain and then joining the non-mangled ends back together. Got my hands dirty but she was able to finish the ride. Second time I let a stranded rider use it to fix his chain. Can't remember his problem but he was able to fix it and finish the ride. Kept my hands clean that time.
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Modern bushing-less flush rivet head derailleur chains are never lengthened,
only shortened and joined with a quick link.
to effect repairs you bring a section of the same chain and more quick links...
So for pressing out the rivet pin, the chain tool can be simple , though it needs to be reliable..
gave a trusty, but not the lightest one, to a friend , he found a lighter, more aluminum one , brought it instead ..
and somewhere in the southern Argentine Andes foothills he had to find a nail and use a rock ,
when the lighter chain tool broke.......
only shortened and joined with a quick link.
to effect repairs you bring a section of the same chain and more quick links...
So for pressing out the rivet pin, the chain tool can be simple , though it needs to be reliable..
gave a trusty, but not the lightest one, to a friend , he found a lighter, more aluminum one , brought it instead ..
and somewhere in the southern Argentine Andes foothills he had to find a nail and use a rock ,
when the lighter chain tool broke.......
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AndrewRStewart
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#30
Banned
We deal with them , Andy.. specialist recumbent shops buy 100 foot reels of chain ..
out in the Goondocks we use more quick links and join together the boxed chains for single bikes..
out in the Goondocks we use more quick links and join together the boxed chains for single bikes..
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#32
Junior Member
Check out Topeak multi tools. It’s the only thing o use how installing links and repairing chains. It works that well!
#33
Senior Member
I use a Top-end Hozan C-371 chain tool in my home shop; however, I keep a Park CT-5 in each of my bike saddle bags. I have rarely had any trouble using this tool.
This tip is a good one and spot on:
Another tip is make sure the pin on the tool is straight to start with and go slowly and carefully until you are sure the pin is being driven out straight. A mistake some folks make is going too fast. Slow and steady is the way to go.
Working in shops years ago I figured that out by myself as do most mechanics. This tip is good for all chain tools btw.
This tip is a good one and spot on:
But I'll add a tip. Once the chain is positioned in the tool, the pin is screwed onto the chain's rivet and it begins to move slightly. Then back off the tool's pin and restart the screwing in. What this does is let the tool's pin better center on the chain's rivet before plunging into the chain's holes.
Working in shops years ago I figured that out by myself as do most mechanics. This tip is good for all chain tools btw.
#34
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And some recumbent/tandem owners purchase chain by the foot. But joining sections with quick links as needed is fine.
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
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#36
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Thanks for the info All.
As far as having a durable tool and using it a lot - I have not had any luck with the one I do have, not that I have used it very often, but found it worthless when I did try to use it. So I don't anticipate needing to use it "a lot", but I need something that I can trust will work when I do need to use it. To that point is why I want a durable tool - something nice that will last and be reliable.
The hydraulic press I have is a 20t floor mount. I use it for pressing truck parts - ball joints, bearings, seals, etc. One tool with a bazillion uses. I've fixed chains before with it too - with a bit of finesse, chainsaw chains not bike chains.
As far as having a durable tool and using it a lot - I have not had any luck with the one I do have, not that I have used it very often, but found it worthless when I did try to use it. So I don't anticipate needing to use it "a lot", but I need something that I can trust will work when I do need to use it. To that point is why I want a durable tool - something nice that will last and be reliable.
The hydraulic press I have is a 20t floor mount. I use it for pressing truck parts - ball joints, bearings, seals, etc. One tool with a bazillion uses. I've fixed chains before with it too - with a bit of finesse, chainsaw chains not bike chains.
#37
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What are everyones thoughts on the CT-3.3 and CT-3.2 tools? I'm not sure what the difference is, maybe the anvil?
For what it is worth, the main bike I have is a 2014 Disk Trucker. I am not sure what chain is on it but the new models on their website show KMC x10 chain. The other bike I have is a Dahon Mariner D8 folder. No ideal what the chain is on it, either. I don't think any of the chain pins have the divots in them with the outer edges peened. They are flat pins, but not sure how much of a flange there is on them, if any, after being pressed in? Will that affect tool selection any?
For what it is worth, the main bike I have is a 2014 Disk Trucker. I am not sure what chain is on it but the new models on their website show KMC x10 chain. The other bike I have is a Dahon Mariner D8 folder. No ideal what the chain is on it, either. I don't think any of the chain pins have the divots in them with the outer edges peened. They are flat pins, but not sure how much of a flange there is on them, if any, after being pressed in? Will that affect tool selection any?
#38
Banned
https://www.parktool.com/product/min...category=Chain
I had this on my last bike tour.. in my tool bag, in a pannier.. CT-5
I had this on my last bike tour.. in my tool bag, in a pannier.. CT-5
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Thanks for the info All.
As far as having a durable tool and using it a lot - I have not had any luck with the one I do have, not that I have used it very often, but found it worthless when I did try to use it. So I don't anticipate needing to use it "a lot", but I need something that I can trust will work when I do need to use it. To that point is why I want a durable tool - something nice that will last and be reliable.
The hydraulic press I have is a 20t floor mount. I use it for pressing truck parts - ball joints, bearings, seals, etc. One tool with a bazillion uses. I've fixed chains before with it too - with a bit of finesse, chainsaw chains not bike chains.
As far as having a durable tool and using it a lot - I have not had any luck with the one I do have, not that I have used it very often, but found it worthless when I did try to use it. So I don't anticipate needing to use it "a lot", but I need something that I can trust will work when I do need to use it. To that point is why I want a durable tool - something nice that will last and be reliable.
The hydraulic press I have is a 20t floor mount. I use it for pressing truck parts - ball joints, bearings, seals, etc. One tool with a bazillion uses. I've fixed chains before with it too - with a bit of finesse, chainsaw chains not bike chains.
#40
Banned
when chains had to be narrower to fit in smaller spaces,, (9+ speeds)
the pin/rivets had to no longer be proud above the side plates..
...
the pin/rivets had to no longer be proud above the side plates..
...
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That looks like it would work pretty well. When I went looking for a chain tool I ended up with one like Fietsbob posted. Right now it serves double duty for both work in the garage and getting tossed in a bike bag when I remember it.
#44
Senior Member
KC, consider getting a really good quality multi tool, Mine has a chain breaker and its what I use to size chains when I put on new ones, and it works great.
I have a couple of old crappy ones that have busted pins or whatever and cant use them anymore but my Lezyne multi tool chain tool works wonderfully.
I know you are looking into touring, and I highly recommend getting a lezyne or other good quality multitool that has one in it. yes, they are more expensive than cheap multitools, but totally worth it, and small and compact.
https://ride.lezyne.com/collections/multi-tools
I dont recall whtich one I have, but they all appear to have the same chain tool.
and a good multitool is worth it in the long run anyway.
I have a couple of old crappy ones that have busted pins or whatever and cant use them anymore but my Lezyne multi tool chain tool works wonderfully.
I know you are looking into touring, and I highly recommend getting a lezyne or other good quality multitool that has one in it. yes, they are more expensive than cheap multitools, but totally worth it, and small and compact.
https://ride.lezyne.com/collections/multi-tools
I dont recall whtich one I have, but they all appear to have the same chain tool.
and a good multitool is worth it in the long run anyway.
#45
Junior Member
I carry a Topeak Hexus II and it has worked great on a few chains including one that broke my dedicated chain breaker I’d had for a while.
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#47
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In the world of today with quick links I think it would be pretty good to have a chain tool that’s only designed to push the pin out. The links could be held more securely since there’s only one position and the pin could be a tiny bit larger. Only on a multi tool, let the traditional tools stay versatile