I read somewhere (on the fixed gear mailing list??) that the Park tool can be unreliable. Can anyone confirm this? I guess I don't see the point in spending money on a specialized tool when a ruler will work just as well.

As a mechanic at a shop, a calibrated and machined tool is a little quicker and more reliable than a freaking eyeball and ruler. Either the chain is obscenely stretched or it isn't. If the chain doesn't register as stretched at least .75 mm, then we don't replace it. It's pretty simple. Also, calling a Park Tool unreliable (well, maybe those double sided cone wrenches apply) is grounds for hanging.

Ida know if it's that wonderful. It doesn't just fall into the chain, you kind of have to press it. And if it's a close call, you can wedge it in there, and if you wedge it in there, you don't know if you pressed it in or it was supposed to go in.

Though I was trying to spend 9.99 to avoid spending $ on three chains.

Kind of amazed that the 2 year old chain on the impeccablly clean waxed drivetrain is not near replacement, but the two foul weather bikes want a new chain after a couple months for the two. I guess that means I don't ride the mountain bike as much as I thought.

How's that for a crappy complaint about a tool?

Well, if you have to push the tool into the chain, it's probably not stretched .75 mm.

Also, the fact that your couple month old chains need replacement may be attributed to corrosion/rust. Once the pins get to the point where they seize and create stiff links, the chain is shot. If you keep your chain well lubed, no matter whether it's a fixed gear or freewheel, it should last quite awhile..

the Park lockring tool sucks ass.

You didn't need those knuckles anyway.

True. I'm sure there are a few more we're leaving out but Park is the Snap-On of bike tools. I never use anything other than the Hozan Rock Ring anyway...