I used one of these for many years, until I lost it. I had no issues with it.
Recently I picked up one of these, and the chain tool is acceptable.
2010-03-14 03:09:36
10
Really basic chain tool question
So I need to buy a chain tool and I've come to figure out that they all pretty much function in the exact same way, some just are made better than others, some can hold allen keys to them, but some specify they're good for certain-speed chains. I know that a different speed specification on a chain just indicates the width of the chain, but does it really matter what size tool I buy or do they just mean "It'll handle a 9 speed link really well, and do everything else fairy well".
2010-03-14 01:39:06
i would suggest getting one with three chambers (with two inside walls) that the pin passes through as opposed to two (with only one inside wall)... and one with a replaceable pin
the park tools version works very well and meets both of these specifications, lots of other ones do too though.
2010-03-14 03:15:31
I have a really basic one that I bought at K-Mart when I was in high school. High school was more than ten years ago and I was into different kinds of bikes back then, but the point is the one I bought still works.
2010-03-14 15:03:58
I think if you have a 9 or 10 speed chain it's helpful to have a newer one designed for the narrower plates. (If you have a Campy 9 or 10 speed chain either use the bike shop, or buy the Campy tool for $$)
However, for other chains probably any one you find will work well. If you break a lot of chains you'll find a "shop quality" tool easier to
turn the handle on, but that's about it. I'm a lot happier with my Park CT-3 than I was with other chain tools, but only because it's easier to push out the pin.
(As an aside, if you are breaking a 9 or 10 speed Shimano chain, remember you have to reassemble it with new sub-pin, you can't just drive the old pin back in the other way.)
2010-03-15 12:52:00
Thanks for the tips guys, the CT-3 looks to be the winner.
2010-03-15 22:00:55
don't forget 10years from now that if the pin breaks you can just get a new pin!
2010-03-16 02:14:46
if you are running a shimano 8 or 9 speed chain do yourself a favor and replace it with a sram powerlink chain (or kmc's generic version) the width and spacing is the same and its sooooooo much nicer to deal with a powerlink chain and not have to use those stupid break off links shimano uses.
2010-03-16 20:18:58
+1
They also make them for 10 as well. I really cannot recall the last time I had a chain with a pin connector in it. Those things are a pain.
(If you have a fixed gear you'll want a pin though)
2010-03-16 20:31:08
for fixed gear get a bmx chain w/master link. if you have any sort of flathead screwdriver in your tool kit its damn near as easy to remove as a power link. unless i break my chains riding i only use the chain tool when i initially size a new chain. and i always carry a spare powerlink or two with me along with short chunks of chain for easy repair on rides.
2010-03-16 20:39:47