I realize this maybe should be in the mechanics section, but I would like recommendations for C+V, talking modern day versions of chain breakers, stout, large handles, good quality. I have a couple, one is a cheapy and works ok if you pay close attention, the other is part of a big kit that does small cam chains in motorcycles up to at least 630 mc chains and works very well but takes wrenches to turn everything and is hard to wrangle on smaller chains. I like the looks of the Park tool big one but not the price , normally that doesn't stop me but I thought I would ask about it here, so what say ye?

I used the cheapie ones for a long time, then finally upgraded to the Park Tool CT-3.2. Very well worth it.

You get what you pay for, for the most part...

The park CT-3(.2) is as close to good as you can get for cheap. The master tool is a step up, but it's still a[n investment] cast tool. The older CT-3 has a link-loosening cradle, a feature that has disappeared from the modern version.

The gold standard vintage tool is Shimano's TL-CN30/31. Wonderful work of art, and functional, too. It's successor is the TL-CN32, with plastic handles instead of rosewood. Both, like the master Park, have the pushing pin running on a ball bearing (so the pin doesn't rotate against the chain pin as you screw the pressure screw in). Unlike the Park, they are cast, then machined. They have a built in chain holder for joining chains, but since they were created after the advent of Shimano's chain pin joining system, they do not have a cradle to loosen stiff links (which is easy enough to do without a tool, anyway...).

Of course, of you need a tool to close those silly Campagnolo chains that need to be peened over, the Campy tools are the way to go...and will likely give you a newfound appreciation for how much the Park/Shimano tools cost.

For those with super deep pockets, the Rohloff revolver is always an option...

I like the Topeak chain tool. Mine has stood up to frequent use and is inexpensive at $10-15. Will handle any 5 to 10 speed chain.

If you happen to need other tools, the Venzo premium bike tool kit includes a very good chain tool. At $65 for the tool kit (sometimes a bit less), it's a good value if it doesn't duplicate your existing set of tools. I have Park and Jagwire tools as well and the Venzo tools compare very favorably in quality. It lacked freewheel tools, a crank wrench and chainring locknut wrench so I bought those separately.

But the chain tool has worked perfectly, including finessing plate tension. However it lacks a replacement pin, which might be a factor for the heavy user.

I only used, and was extremely satisfied with the Park Mini Chain Tool (https://www.parktool.com/product/min...hain-tool-ct-5) for several decades until we added an 11-speed chain in the house. The Mini tool has the feature that turning the pin until it stops would push out an 8-speed pin exactly the right distance. Plus it has the chain loosening cradle. I was disappointed that the fancier Park (3.2, I think) doesn’t have that cradle anymore, but it works on my wife’s 11-speed.

I agree that the older Park tool is better as you can push a tight link but I recently realized that with the CT-3.2 you can drop a 3 or 4 mm hex key between the sliding cradle and the front and that lets you push a link. Rare enough job that it's not such a PIA.

That Topeak tool looks good though......

This is one place where I've found the cheap tools work just fine, Cyclo Rivoli for instance. Topeak as well. I had nothing but problems with the big Park and gave up on it, I kept breaking the replaceable pins.

^ yup, I had the same problem with the Park chainbreaker. Bought the Topeka and have been happy with it.

One tool to rule them all:

The Hum-Vee of chain tools!

I still use the Cyclo Rivoli I bought when I was 13. Was I supposed to get something better???

Seems like it really doesn't matter that much anymore, since chain tools are mostly just used to take off links, not put them back like in the old days. That was always a bit more tricky, back in the dark ages before swaged pins and new generation masterlinks.

Me too ! $5, 35 years or so ago and still works. I use a "quick link" to join chains.

But, I don't work on bikes much these days, so it's good enough.

Hands up, does anyone here besides me salvage links where the pin was inadvertently pushed all the way out, by using a vise and/or other improvised tools to re-insert the pin?

I started with the tiny Rivoli chair tool, way back in college. Always worked well but eventually got lost between moves and the long stints of not working on bikes as other interests came up through the years. A couple of cheaply, no-name chain tools were passed on to me in the last ten or so years, but eventually I decided to get a proper quality chain tool in the form of the Park CT-5 mini chain tool. Not quite shop grade, but has worked flawlessly since I got it some six or seven years ago. I don't think it will ever break on me, so I'll never have an excuse to get anything else......

The Park CT-5 is ok for the home use. you can get a few dozen uses out of it before you see loss in performance. also it is not too forgiving if you are not placing the exactly on the chain pin, the rotating pin will brake. the park CT-3.2 is what i've been using for almost a decade. it just works and works and works. rusty chains or not perfect alignment of pin is fine. A very forgiving tool. its also very strong so if it hits the ground it doesn't bend or brake. I recently tried the Park CT-4.3, and its has a very similar action to the CT-3.2 but the handle is really comfortable to hold, makes it easier to stop before the pin falls out. it's pricey though.if you do 10 chains a year i would go for the CT 3.2. also it's worth mentioning the replacement pins are easy to purchase and relatively affordable and eventually you'll need one.