Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

tip for emergency chain tool with detachable handle?

Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

tip for emergency chain tool with detachable handle?

Old 02-17-22, 07:02 PM
  #1  
am8117
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 265
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Liked 29 Times in 24 Posts
tip for emergency chain tool with detachable handle?

Anyone has a good tip for occasional use (carry-at-all-times) chain tool that is not flimsy, but also not a tank? Most have either massive handle or nothing much there at all making it difficult to work with. Given the fact most of the time one has allen keys at hand, is there perhaps any chain tool that would have slot for an ordinary allen key for a handle making it space saving for a saddle bag but practical to use?

EDIT: Not something that is permanently part of a massive multi-tool.

Last edited by am8117; 02-17-22 at 07:06 PM.
am8117 is offline  
Old 02-17-22, 07:05 PM
  #2  
LesterOfPuppets
cowboy, steel horse, etc
 
LesterOfPuppets's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,801

Bikes: everywhere

Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12635 Post(s)
Liked 7,528 Times in 3,989 Posts
Someone should come out with a new version of the Cool Tool!

LesterOfPuppets is offline  
Likes For LesterOfPuppets:
Old 02-17-22, 07:07 PM
  #3  
am8117
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 265
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Liked 29 Times in 24 Posts
Originally Posted by LesterOfPuppets
Someone should come out with a new version of the Cool Tool!

I swear I made my edit to the post just before seeing your first reply.
am8117 is offline  
Old 02-17-22, 07:12 PM
  #4  
LesterOfPuppets
cowboy, steel horse, etc
 
LesterOfPuppets's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,801

Bikes: everywhere

Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12635 Post(s)
Liked 7,528 Times in 3,989 Posts
Originally Posted by am8117
I swear I made my edit to the post just before seeing your first reply.
Your mention of using an allen wrench to turn the chain tool just reminded me of the Cool Tool. I still have mine, but I only have one of the original two-sided allen wrenches though, and have stuffed a regular 5mm allen in the missing original's place.
LesterOfPuppets is offline  
Likes For LesterOfPuppets:
Old 02-17-22, 07:28 PM
  #5  
surak
Senior Member
 
surak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,949

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem

Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 871 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times in 436 Posts
I only use the chain tool that comes with my Topeak Hexus X multitool, even at home. I doubt it gets much more compact than that.
surak is offline  
Old 02-17-22, 07:38 PM
  #6  
CliffordK
Senior Member
 
CliffordK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,600
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18320 Post(s)
Liked 4,489 Times in 3,338 Posts
I like the Park CT5.



Not minuscule, but it is a good robust tool for both home and road use.

You could probably remove the cross bar if you wish... but..

I had a portable cheap Chinese Multitool that I was using. I was breaking a Wipperman 9s chain for my nephew, and the chain broke the multitool.

The chain tool is something that I like to be able to count on.
CliffordK is offline  
Likes For CliffordK:
Old 02-17-22, 09:32 PM
  #7  
Russ Roth
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: South Shore of Long Island
Posts: 2,762

Bikes: 2010 Carrera Volans, 2015 C-Dale Trail 2sl, 2017 Raleigh Rush Hour, 2017 Blue Proseccio, 1992 Giant Perigee, 80s Gitane Rallye Tandem

Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1073 Post(s)
Liked 999 Times in 710 Posts
Originally Posted by CliffordK
I like the Park CT5.



Not minuscule, but it is a good robust tool for both home and road use.

You could probably remove the cross bar if you wish... but..

I had a portable cheap Chinese Multitool that I was using. I was breaking a Wipperman 9s chain for my nephew, and the chain broke the multitool.

The chain tool is something that I like to be able to count on.
I've also typically traveled with the park due to its strength, and started doing so after breaking a cheaper one, its what I have in my touring kit. Had a chain where the pins were peened to make it stronger, to break it I had to put a wrench on the park tool for extra leverage and a pair of pliers on the post and it held up fine, but that can be the one upside to some of the bigger multi-tools, they have the leverage for tougher chains. For my other regular use bikes I have the crank bros multi-tools to have less to lose in a more compact space.
Russ Roth is offline  
Likes For Russ Roth:
Old 02-18-22, 07:19 AM
  #8  
JohnDThompson 
Old fart
 
JohnDThompson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,935

Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.

Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3571 Post(s)
Liked 3,367 Times in 1,916 Posts
The old "Chain Pup" is the smallest and lightest chain tool I've used. Not sure if they're still in production, though.

JohnDThompson is offline  
Likes For JohnDThompson:
Old 02-18-22, 07:35 AM
  #9  
am8117
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 265
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Liked 29 Times in 24 Posts
Originally Posted by CliffordK
I like the Park CT5.



Not minuscule, but it is a good robust tool for both home and road use.

You could probably remove the cross bar if you wish... but..

I had a portable cheap Chinese Multitool that I was using. I was breaking a Wipperman 9s chain for my nephew, and the chain broke the multitool.

The chain tool is something that I like to be able to count on.
I know ... I was eyeing this one because it looks "standard" but still that the chain won't break the tool (happened to lots of us I guess) ... but I cannot find picture of it anywhere in scale ... as in next to one's hand (not a good scale check ), coin etc. Will that fit in a small saddle bag and stay flat? How thick is the cross bar ... only asking because I have some round handle shaped allen keys and I might just stick them through instead...
am8117 is offline  
Old 02-18-22, 07:44 AM
  #10  
aggiegrads
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Sherwood, OR
Posts: 1,279
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 336 Post(s)
Liked 309 Times in 180 Posts
Because I already carry a bit ratchet and a bit holder, I like the fixit-sticks chain tool.
aggiegrads is offline  
Likes For aggiegrads:
Old 02-18-22, 11:46 AM
  #11  
dsbrantjr
Senior Member
 
dsbrantjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Roswell, GA
Posts: 8,319

Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta

Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1438 Post(s)
Liked 1,092 Times in 723 Posts
Originally Posted by am8117
... I have some round handle shaped allen keys and I might just stick them through instead...
That is exactly what I did, it took longer to get out the angle grinder to cut off the handle than to actually cut it. You can also insert another key (or stick) through the triangular handle for even better leverage.
dsbrantjr is offline  
Likes For dsbrantjr:
Old 02-18-22, 12:29 PM
  #12  
squirtdad
Senior Member
 
squirtdad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,854

Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque

Mentioned: 104 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2304 Post(s)
Liked 2,739 Times in 1,498 Posts
For on the road get a brand name, high quality multi tool like the crank brothers m19 that has a chain tool

get a good tool for the shop....i used a cheapo for years and was amazed at how much nice the park one was
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)



squirtdad is offline  
Likes For squirtdad:
Old 02-18-22, 01:28 PM
  #13  
bboy314
Senior Member
 
bboy314's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Pioneer Valley
Posts: 881
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 281 Post(s)
Liked 640 Times in 329 Posts
Originally Posted by CliffordK
I like the Park CT5.



Not minuscule, but it is a good robust tool for both home and road use.

You could probably remove the cross bar if you wish... but..

I had a portable cheap Chinese Multitool that I was using. I was breaking a Wipperman 9s chain for my nephew, and the chain broke the multitool.

The chain tool is something that I like to be able to count on.
I second this - definitely small enough for a saddle bag or tool pouch but decent enough to get the job done.
bboy314 is offline  
Likes For bboy314:
Old 02-18-22, 01:51 PM
  #14  
Riveting
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
Posts: 1,221

Bikes: '13 Diamondback Hybrid Commuter, '17 Spec Roubaix Di2, '17 Spec Camber 29'er, '19 CDale Topstone Gravel

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 590 Post(s)
Liked 445 Times in 260 Posts
Originally Posted by squirtdad
For on the road get a brand name, high quality multi tool like the crank brothers m19 that has a chain tool

get a good tool for the shop....i used a cheapo for years and was amazed at how much nice the park one was
+1 for the M19 on the road, and a Park at home.
Riveting is offline  
Old 02-18-22, 06:57 PM
  #15  
veganbikes
Clark W. Griswold
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,278

Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4252 Post(s)
Liked 3,866 Times in 2,579 Posts
I would just swap to quick links and get the Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers It is a neat tool, it has your chain link pliers plus a chainring bolt (holding it together and room for some spare links. They also make the 8 bit Pack Pliers and you can carry quick links separately.

The CT-5 would be what I carry with me if I really wanted a full on chain tool that is not so crazy but in the end I would probably just have my Topeak multitool with the chain tool on it and just suffer through that as I have in the past at home but beyond that I really don't feel the need to carry a chain tool much.

At home I really love my Abbey Decade but that is not a practical tool to own, it is very very very smooth and super nice but it is expensive on the verge of a little much. For the average person I would probably go Park CT 3.3 or if I wanted to go a bit more extra but still save $50 the Pedro's Tutto is really nice. Shimano also made a nice wood handled one but I don't think they make it any longer.
veganbikes is offline  
Old 02-18-22, 07:35 PM
  #16  
am8117
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 265
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Liked 29 Times in 24 Posts
Originally Posted by veganbikes
I would just swap to quick links and get the Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers It is a neat tool, it has your chain link pliers plus a chainring bolt (holding it together and room for some spare links.
I do have quick links, but the real world use cases for chain tool: (it happened)
- broken chainlink ... can't rip it just out, need to shorten it
- broken RD hanger / busted RD etc when the chain needs to go short for "single-speed"
- someone else you ride with does not use them and decided to ruin your ride because they do not carry their chain tool

am8117 is offline  
Old 02-18-22, 07:42 PM
  #17  
am8117
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 265
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Liked 29 Times in 24 Posts
Originally Posted by Riveting
+1 for the M19 on the road, and a Park at home.
I just never need anything from a multi-tool and find the handles clumsy. I am good with two allen keys and tiny pliers ... no multi tool is that small and provides long/short arm like a regular allen key without any bulge.
am8117 is offline  
Old 02-18-22, 07:46 PM
  #18  
veganbikes
Clark W. Griswold
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,278

Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4252 Post(s)
Liked 3,866 Times in 2,579 Posts
Originally Posted by am8117
I do have quick links, but the real world use cases for chain tool: (it happened)
- broken chainlink ... can't rip it just out, need to shorten it
- broken RD hanger / busted RD etc when the chain needs to go short for "single-speed"
- someone else you ride with does not use them and decided to ruin your ride because they do not carry their chain tool

Ok fair dinkum. I probably wouldn't ride with those people though.
veganbikes is offline  
Old 02-18-22, 07:46 PM
  #19  
am8117
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 265
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Liked 29 Times in 24 Posts
Originally Posted by dsbrantjr
That is exactly what I did, it took longer to get out the angle grinder to cut off the handle than to actually cut it. You can also insert another key (or stick) through the triangular handle for even better leverage.
This brings me to reach a point when I would go for the simplest chaintool with the hexagonal outer shape, saw off the fixed handle, ditch the lever and carry an allen key and adjustable spanner (wait that's not much useful these days) / mini water pump pliers to grab it with. While at that I might ditch the mini pliers that I used to carry.
am8117 is offline  
Old 02-18-22, 07:49 PM
  #20  
fooferdoggie 
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 2,343
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 679 Post(s)
Liked 945 Times in 552 Posts
something a little different its also a quick link tool.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1.
fooferdoggie is online now  
Old 02-18-22, 08:55 PM
  #21  
Bug Shield
Full Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: The White Mountains of AZ
Posts: 289
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 13 Posts
I carry the Topeak chain tool for the Ratchet Rocket RX: https://www.freedombikeshop.com/prod...rx-62916-1.htm

I use the Ratchet Rocket with a 5mm bit as the driver and a separate 5mm allen key as the handle. It works.
Bug Shield is offline  
Old 02-18-22, 08:58 PM
  #22  
fooferdoggie 
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 2,343
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 679 Post(s)
Liked 945 Times in 552 Posts
this is my tool kit though so far I have not and to use it.


fooferdoggie is online now  
Likes For fooferdoggie:
Old 02-19-22, 09:57 AM
  #23  
KerryIrons
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 962
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 497 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 622 Times in 346 Posts
Originally Posted by am8117
Anyone has a good tip for occasional use (carry-at-all-times) chain tool that is not flimsy, but also not a tank? Most have either massive handle or nothing much there at all making it difficult to work with. Given the fact most of the time one has allen keys at hand, is there perhaps any chain tool that would have slot for an ordinary allen key for a handle making it space saving for a saddle bag but practical to use?

EDIT: Not something that is permanently part of a massive multi-tool.
I am always confused by this question. In over 450,000 miles of road riding over 50+ years, I have NEVER needed a chain tool. I must be doing something wrong?
KerryIrons is offline  
Old 02-19-22, 10:05 AM
  #24  
am8117
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 265
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Liked 29 Times in 24 Posts
Originally Posted by KerryIrons
I am always confused by this question. In over 450,000 miles of road riding over 50+ years, I have NEVER needed a chain tool. I must be doing something wrong?
Well, I did. On unknown but much lower mileage, but then I don’t have a support vehicle behind.
am8117 is offline  
Old 02-19-22, 10:44 AM
  #25  
drlogik 
Senior Member
 
drlogik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,763

Bikes: '87-ish Pinarello Montello; '89 Nishiki Ariel; '85 Raleigh Wyoming, '16 Wabi Special, '16 Wabi Classic, '14 Kona Cinder Cone

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 698 Post(s)
Liked 405 Times in 251 Posts
In over 45 years of riding I have never broken a chain on the road either but the little Park chain tool remains in my small under-seat pouch. It keeps company with a spare tube, a Park self-sticky patch kit and my trusty PB Swiss Tools multitool (pictured above). For shop use I have a Hozan C371 chain tool that was made in Japan. Just a crazy great quality tool, like what Dura Ace is to bike components.
drlogik is offline  
Likes For drlogik:

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.