Wildwood 

Looking for a new chain break tool as I will be working on several older bikes and replacing more than a couple of chains.

Ease of use is better than light weight

pdlamb

I bought a Park CT-3 a while back and haven't regretted the cost.

I see they have a 3.2 and a 3.3 now. Buy the cheaper one if you're working on older bikes.

AnkleWork

Seven speed and up:
https://www.ebay.com/p/11027060504?i...SABEgIs0PD_BwE

Wildwood 

All of my Park Tools have been excellent.

Yeah, working on 5/6/7 speed and Campy10.
Should I have 2 tools?
edit - duh, forget question about 2 chain tools, as new chains will likely be spec'd as 8sp and work fine on 5/6/7. and probably only 1 Campy10 chain will need replacement.

Wildwood 

'two years in the making' = well it costs so much because the have to recoup 2 years of over-development on what's really a simple process, but we value precision.

Don't think this one is for me.
Never bought a Campagnolo wine cork puller, either.


.

Jonneh

I don't know the Park Tools one, but don't get the IceToolz one. It's crap. Badly machined with a wonky pin.

DOS

Park CT 3 and variants (3.3 e.g.) and the mini version, CT 5 all do the job. They also use the same pin and replacements are readily available.

JohnDThompson 

I'm partial to pliers-type chain tools (e.g. Park CT-2, Gian Robert, VAR #303), but the modern profusion of different width chains with riveted links limits their application now.

AnkleWork

Maybe edit the thread title.

JoeTBM 

Parktool 3.2 is our choice

DOS

Aside from reference on Park website that the CT 3.3 will work with SRAM AXS 12 speed chains and CT-3.2 will not, I cannot discern a difference between the two tools. What exactly did Park change to make 3.3compatible with the SRAM chain.

JoeTBM 

Not really sure, we don't run into 12 speed bikes at our charity shop which is why we were we to purchase the 3.2 models at a discount as long as some are still available.

NHmtb

Here's my personal favorite: Shimano Pro Set HG. Good for up to 10spds, and rather pretty

Novalite

I have had good experience with a Made in Taiwan tool model YC-324SC, costs less than $20.
According to specs it splits 3/16" chains but I succeeded to split a 1/4" too.
I have had bad experience with a $25 IceToolz, also so called heavy duty but a 1/8" internal width with 3/16" - sized plates didn't even fit in it.
If frequently used, it's handy to be able to fix both bottom and pin ranges. First time is turn, take it out to see if pin far enough, back in, continu, and so on. With a limiter screw it can be stored and next time the pin can be turned out in one time. The Taiwan model has both.

Prowler 

I get to use different Park tools at the LBS. Park CT-3 is my favorite. Tough enough, works well and replaceable pins. CT-3.2 and 3.3 are less useful due to the sliding shelf. The CT-3 has a fixed "loosening shelf" that really is handy. Out of production though so watch for used. I donno what Park was thinking.

I never use the CT-4.3 for anything, due the design of the "business end" - you cannot see the far side of the link (concealed within the casting) so you cannot see how far you've pushed the pin, either out or back in. OK for those single use pins but, at the shop, we see very few of those. I don't have those at home. Too specialized a tool.

BTW whatever you get/have, take it apart, clean and relube once in a while. Works consistently if you do. Some folks tend to forget about maintaining their tools.

DaveReading

If needs must, the one on the Crank Bros multitool is perfectly usable.

Carrottwo

I just use a hammer and a punch. Or a vice.

SurferRosa

Be sure to always keep threads of the tool clean and well greased, just like a crank puller. Not only will the tool last a lot longer, but it will actually work with far less required force.

sweeks

I still use my 50-year-old Cyclo chain-breaker.

Ross200

Rohloff....but I can't count to 10

DaveReading

Mine was fine until I managed to bend the pin - now it's useless.

JohnDThompson 

Replacement pins are still available, e.g.:


https://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.c...tem_id=CY-158P

sweeks

That looks like a bag of 5... a lifetime supply... for $3!
I still have the spare that came with the tool; don't ask me how it hasn't been lost.

cjenrick

Cyclo. The best. It's what Eddy Merckx used.

this one has a slightly bent pin which means extra skill and a high frustration index is required for successful usage.

the trick is to develop a sensitive tactile feel as to when the chain pin is going to roll across the garage floor.

if i am sucesful in the usage of the primitive and beat down cyclo chain tool, then i reward myself with heroic portions of blackberry pie and blueberry milkshakes.

OT: does anybody make a light weight chain breaker for saddle bag storage? I thought i remember an alloy version from the 70's.

Clyde1820

For chains, I use the Park 3.2 Chain Tool, and the Park 1.2 Master Link Pliers tool. They're tough and work well. Not the least-expensive units out there, but they work.

https://www.parktool.com/product/chain-tool-ct-3-2

https://www.parktool.com/product/mas...category=Chain