Chain tools- who carries one?
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Chain tools- who carries one?
I currently don't have one, but if I ever get around to acquiring a SS, I think that I should get one.
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#2
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I keep one on me, along with a spare master link. It is a part of my multi-tool.

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I carry one, except if I switch bikes and forget to grab it, which increases the likelihood of having some sort of chain issue.
Mine is part of a multi-tool as well:

It's not as complete as the Park but it's adequate for most stuff. Along with a chain tool, it has a 5mm hex key for adjusting brakes and derailleurs. It also has a spoke wrench, and a standard screw driver which works on derailleur limit screws.
In addition I carry an emergency spoke kit and another mini-tool with more hex keys/screw drivers which I already had.
Note: An extra master link is a good thing to have too since it'll save you from having to run a chain that's too short.
Mine is part of a multi-tool as well:
It's not as complete as the Park but it's adequate for most stuff. Along with a chain tool, it has a 5mm hex key for adjusting brakes and derailleurs. It also has a spoke wrench, and a standard screw driver which works on derailleur limit screws.
In addition I carry an emergency spoke kit and another mini-tool with more hex keys/screw drivers which I already had.
Note: An extra master link is a good thing to have too since it'll save you from having to run a chain that's too short.
Last edited by tjspiel; 05-15-11 at 08:58 PM.
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I carry one though I've never used it on the road. I've used one at home because the chains come a bit too long and I take out two full links.
If I ever buy a new multitool I'll get one that has a chain tool, but I've been riding for the last 6 years with a $10 department store multitool and a $5 dept store chain tool which are separate. The $5 chain tool has worked fine for me when I've used it at home, IMO unless you're a mechanic and will use the thing a few hundred times, it's all most people would need.
If I ever buy a new multitool I'll get one that has a chain tool, but I've been riding for the last 6 years with a $10 department store multitool and a $5 dept store chain tool which are separate. The $5 chain tool has worked fine for me when I've used it at home, IMO unless you're a mechanic and will use the thing a few hundred times, it's all most people would need.
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the parktool IB3 has one but there is not many times that I had to use it =)
#6
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Always carry a proper chain tool... the combination tool and spoke wrench one is quite nice
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The last two times I was on the trail I came upon a rider in need of a chain tool. So I bring my along from now on whenever I'm on the trail. Don't feel I need it on my daily commute to work cause its pretty much a non-issue. But I do carry some twist ties just in case.
#8
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I carry one. I haven't even opened the package.
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I always carry a little cheapo one. Only used it once on the road, to fix some guys chain he had rejoined incorrectly at home with his chain tool he was not carrying.
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I just got one today. I bought it so I could get the old (and very rusty) chain off a $15 bike I want to rebuild. I assume I should get one (or more) master links because getting the pin back in the old chain was a Royal pain. I'm not going to use the old chain, I just don't like small parts floating around my shop unattended.
#11
Str*t*gic *quivoc*tor
I carry an old Ritchey CPR-14, which has a chain tool. It is my talisman to ward off chain failures. And a spare SRAM link.
I needed one, once, and had it with me, was glad I did, still carry it even though chain failure was a once in two decades experience.
I needed one, once, and had it with me, was glad I did, still carry it even though chain failure was a once in two decades experience.
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I have the Park MTB3 tools on my MTB. For my commuter and roadie bike, I use a Spindoctor by Performance bicycle. I recall getting it on sale for a really low price something like under $15.

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Right on about the SRAM quick link. Definite ride saver. I have an Alien tool that has a chain tool too. But have not needed it ever. I'm afraid if I took it out of my road kit, I would need it...
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I carry one just in case, and I actually had to use it once too. I was hammering up a steep hill, and shifted, resulting in chain suck, and a couple of very bent links. I was lucky that I had the chain tool and an extra piece of chain that day!
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i have one i use all the time.
don't carry it on the road though.
haven't needed one while riding in 30 years.
huey
don't carry it on the road though.
haven't needed one while riding in 30 years.
huey
Last edited by hueyhoolihan; 05-16-11 at 12:08 AM. Reason: bad grammer
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I carry a Park CT-6, and have never used it for a road side emergency. I have, however, used it to change a worn chain during a four month tour. It's well made and folds beautifully, but is heavy as hell.

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#19
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I always carry a small chain tool on me plus few extra chain links.
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I have a Topeak multitool with chain breaker. I've only ever used it once, at home, when putting on a new chain. Every now and then I use my saddlebag tools for routine bike maintenance at home, just to make sure they work (and I know how to work with them) if/when needed on the road.
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My multitools have chain tools, but I have never had to use them (two different bags depending on the day so two different multitools so I don't have to remember to move it back and forth). Wouldn't know how to use the chain tool if I needed to, although I'm sure I would figure it out if I was stuck on the side of the trail.
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I have one on my multitool, and I have had to use it a couple times on my commute. Also used at home on occasion as well. Like others who have posted, I carry a Powerlink as well.