lineinthewater

I've decided to bring along an extra powerlink on my rides. Does this necessitate bringing along a chain tool also? I've never broken a chain before (knocking on wood) - is it possible to use the powerlink for a temporary fix without the tool (in most cases)? I guess I'm asking what is the most common condition of chains after they break.

joejack951

You'll need a chain tool to remove other links from the chain to allow you to reconnect the chain without using the failed bits.

lineinthewater

Can you recommend any ultra-compact chain tools? My tool is kind of a bulky item to bring along.

mp123

I carry one of the Wipperman chain tools. It's quite small and has a handly compartment to hold the spare link.

You pretty much need some sort of chain tool. Without one the only breaks you could fix would be if a reuseable link opened and went flying away (which can happen) or if a chain pin cleanly popped all the way out of the chain leaving the links in good shape (not likely).

lineinthewater

I googled "wipperman chain tool". I think I see the model to which you are referring. Called "pocket-friendly". It provides no reference in the pic to judge the size - but it does look compact. How big is it?

CORRECTION: 3x4cm. Much smaller than my current tool. Thanks, I'll pick it up once I find it locally.

HillRider

Many multi-tools include a chain tool and Ritchey made a very tiny chain tool that used a 4 mm allen wrench (also part of any multi-tool) to rotate the screw press. Park also makes a light take-along chain tool CT-5). Almost any of these will work to press out a pin on any type of chain. They aren't the best choice for joining a chain.

You will need a chain tool in the event of a chain breakage. You will have to remove the damaged link and possibly remove one more pin to get "male" links at both ends so the master link can be installed.

mp123

Yes, it about 1.5 x 2 x 3/4 inches. Really small, it doesn't give you a lot of leverage to break the chain with but it's adequate...

lineinthewater

Yeah, I just realized that chain tools are on several multi-tools. I was browsing amazon to get an idea of what is out there. I found the "Topeak Hexus 16-Function Bicycle Tool" - it sounds like it has everything I need in a compact package. Anyone have any experience with this tool? It gets good reviews on Amazon. It would allow me to consolidate my tire levers into the tool - a big plus if you ask me. I get so tired of everything floating around in my bag and trying to find space for food/phone/other.

Metaluna

I haven't used that particular Topeak tool, however in general I'm a little leery of multitools that have too many gizmos on them. Not because they're necessarily unreliable or anything like that, but because it makes the tool bigger and bulkier, which makes it harder to use the hex wrenches (really the main reason to carry a multitool in the first place). It's annoying when you can only turn a fastener 1/4 turn at a time because the body of the tool keeps bumping into something (I have a Crank Bros Multi-19 that is like that, though it's a good tool otherwise). Something like a Park CT-5 lays flat and won't take up much space in a seat bag.

operator

This is the lezyne one I carry. Has the chain tool and standared hex keys. It's also stainless and fairly light as well:

lineinthewater

Yeah, I hear what you're saying about the hex wrenches. Fortunately, the tool is mainly for on-the-road issues, and I rarely have to break it out (I use a topeak mini right now).

waldowales

I've been using the Topeak Hexus for about three years. Nice little tool. Only problem is the tendency for the handles to fall off while being carried in my bag. Fixed that with a rubber band cut from an inner tube. Chain tool works very well.

Panthers007

Yes - the Topeak chain-tools on their multi's do work very well indeed. That Lezyne looks more than promising, too.

lineinthewater

Thanks for the feedback! The price of this model is about right for me.