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

Recommend a chain link tool?

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.

Recommend a chain link tool?

Old 03-24-16, 11:40 AM
  #1  
bikerbobbbb
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 586
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 120 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Recommend a chain link tool?

For popping chain links on or off. Any decent ones? I saw two on Amazon but I'm confused about which type I need.

I don't have a chain that uses extra snap on links for sure. Mine is popping the pin out.

I'm going to track down which type of chain I've got. It's in another post.
bikerbobbbb is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 11:43 AM
  #2  
StanSeven
Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Delaware shore
Posts: 13,569

Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX

Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1102 Post(s)
Liked 2,135 Times in 1,440 Posts
They all pretty much work. The chief difference is the larger and more sturdy lasts much longer.
StanSeven is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 11:43 AM
  #3  
bikerbobbbb
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 586
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 120 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Should be it.

My bike.
2009 Raleigh Detour 4.5 - BikePedia

And the chain that came with it. I don't remember having it replaced before. (It will be at some point. I want to get this tool ordered soon, like today probably.)
ChainKMC HG40, 1/2 x 3/32"
bikerbobbbb is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 11:44 AM
  #4  
bikerbobbbb
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 586
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 120 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
This is one I had on my list. I remember seeing a different model though. Maybe it doesn't really matter.

https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-CT-3...A1B7M9EQGNCLQA
[h=1]Park Tool Screw Type Chain Tool - CT-3.2[/h]
bikerbobbbb is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 11:48 AM
  #5  
bikerbobbbb
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 586
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 120 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Yes. Here are some others.



https://www.amazon.com/Master-Chain-T...ark+Tool+chain
Park Tool Master Chain Tool - CT-4.3

https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-Mini...ark+Tool+chain
Park Tool Mini Chain Brute Chain Tool - CT-5

https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-Prof...ark+Tool+chain
Park Tool Screw Type Chain Tool - CT-3


Is a chain link tool a chain link tool then?

My criteria:
Quality. I'm not screwing around with a crappy tool. If I'm repairing my bike it means it doesn't ride and it's probably a stressful time for me because of that. It needs to work again soon if I'm repairing it. I don't want to be limited by the tool. And if I can't repair it and I can't ride it, that means I'm taking it to a shop which I don't want to do. But I'll have to pay the shop. So why not spend more on the tool in the first place?


Thanks for answers here.
bikerbobbbb is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 11:48 AM
  #6  
StanSeven
Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Delaware shore
Posts: 13,569

Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX

Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1102 Post(s)
Liked 2,135 Times in 1,440 Posts
Originally Posted by bikerbobbbb
This is one I had on my list. I remember seeing a different model though. Maybe it doesn't really matter.

Amazon.com : Park Chain Hand Tool : Bike Hand Tools : Sports & Outdoors
[h=1]Park Tool Screw Type Chain Tool - CT-3.2[/h]
This one is excellent. It will last nearly forever

Any of those will work. The difference is the less expensive one you have won't last twenty years of use. A chain needs to be replaced every 2,000 to 5,000 miles of riding. That means you use the tool to press out a pin and push the replacement back in. So you can see unless you put lots of miles on the bike in extreme conditions with by hard riding, the tool doesn't get much use.

Last edited by StanSeven; 03-24-16 at 11:54 AM.
StanSeven is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 12:47 PM
  #7  
fietsbob
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
NB: You can Only "pop" a quick link on and off *.you cannot "Pop" a pin back in a chain , you can only remove it ,

and thus shorten a derailleur chain.

*for that Park Tool makes a Pair of Pliers.

Only the old style chains that are just for 1 speed bikes and not bent to shift can you reliably press a Pin Back in.

(& then Only if you did Not push it all the way Out!!)

Last edited by fietsbob; 03-24-16 at 12:52 PM.
fietsbob is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 01:30 PM
  #8  
Andy_K 
Senior Member
 
Andy_K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,787

Bikes: Yes

Mentioned: 522 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3228 Post(s)
Liked 3,853 Times in 1,436 Posts
I've been using a Park CT-5 for years. It's not as comfortable in the hand as their bigger tools, but it does the job. It's not spec'd for 11-speed chains, but I've used it with a few successfully.

I recently picked up a used Park CT-3 on the cheap. It mangled a plate on the first chain I tried to use it with (an 11-speed SRAM chain). That may be the expected result of using a tool that isn't meant for 11-speed chains on an 11-speed chain, but I also noticed that one of the "fins" on the tool is a bit bent. The CT-5 broke the same chain without a problem. The CT-3 feels much nicer.

I like using "master links" for assembly. It's much easier than trying to push pins in and get them moving freely.

I'm considering dropping the big bucks on a CT-4.3 because I'm about to install an 11-speed Campagnolo group (which requires the "peening" feature), but I'm also considering just getting the CT-3.2 and using a non-Campy master link.
__________________
My Bikes
Andy_K is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 01:37 PM
  #9  
FastJake
Constant tinkerer
 
FastJake's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 7,954
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 185 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 75 Posts
Park CT-5 is fine for carrying on the bike or occasional light duty use.

For today's modern chains with rivets that are tough to break, get a CT-3 (or 3.2) and be done with it.
FastJake is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 01:38 PM
  #10  
DiabloScott
It's MY mountain
 
DiabloScott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 9,991

Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek

Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4310 Post(s)
Liked 2,953 Times in 1,601 Posts
Originally Posted by fietsbob

Only the old style chains that are just for 1 speed bikes and not bent to shift can you reliably press a Pin Back in.

(& then Only if you did Not push it all the way Out!!)
What? I remember doing this at least until 9-speed chains came along. Even a few times when I got the pin out all the way by mistake.
DiabloScott is offline  
Likes For DiabloScott:
Old 03-24-16, 01:54 PM
  #11  
fietsbob
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
Goo you can go over there and help that guy out in person ..


I did close the Loop on Sedisport chains in the 80s , before any quick links were Invented ..

But I'm realistic on the capabilities of people posting stuff in this forum and shopping at Amazon .. they may not Know ,

How to do stuff old guys learned over the past 50 years ..
fietsbob is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 03:02 PM
  #12  
bikerbobbbb
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 586
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 120 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Do I need to order pins too if I'm replacing the cable?
bikerbobbbb is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 03:33 PM
  #13  
HillRider
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656

Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!

Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,095 Times in 741 Posts
Originally Posted by bikerbobbbb
Do I need to order pins too if I'm replacing the cable?
????
HillRider is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 03:40 PM
  #14  
bikerbobbbb
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 586
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 120 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
The last chain I replaced years ago on a different bike was the snap on kind.

It looks like chains come longer than you need so it's always removing, except at the end you'd have to push a pin in to connect the last one.

And I'm concerned about my current chain. (It's worn and should be replaced, yes.) If it breaks, I could use a chain tool to push pins back in to make it last a little longer. So maybe there are extra chain pins I can get.... (Are there?) I'm going to get a few snap on links to have on hand.
bikerbobbbb is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 03:53 PM
  #15  
rmfnla
Senior Member
 
rmfnla's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: La La Land (We love it!)
Posts: 6,301

Bikes: Gilmour road, Curtlo road; both steel (of course)

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 9 Posts
Use the tool to trim the chain to size but then add a connecting link for easy removal for cleaning and repairs...
__________________
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
rmfnla is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 04:00 PM
  #16  
bikerbobbbb
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 586
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 120 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Where does that connecting link come from though? The other pins? It doesn't damage them when you use a chain tool to push them out? I can reuse that link? If they sell extras I wouldn't mind having a few around.
bikerbobbbb is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 04:02 PM
  #17  
fietsbob
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
KMC and whipperman have a special Link that uses a Key hole lock to secure it in use then when you squeeze the rollers together it will Open

Now derailleur chains are made with such design tolerances that you remove a few links to shorten it, save that section .
because if you break the chain You have to remove the damaged section making it even shorter , then with the saved length and a couple More quick links you restore the length.
'
side plate holes have to stretch to push the riveted pin head out the hole will always be loose ever after . so pushing the pin back in expect it to break ther again because it is loose .

and to fit more "speeds" the chains got thinner and the riveted pin is flush with the widest link of the chain so very little remains retaining it in a Loose hole.
fietsbob is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 04:03 PM
  #18  
HillRider
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656

Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!

Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,095 Times in 741 Posts
Once chains got narrower than 5/6-speed width the ability to safely push out and reuse a standard pin to rejoin the chain was lost. With newer chains (6/7/8-speed and above) you must use a special manufacturer supplied joining pin to connect them (Shimano or Campy) or a supplied master link (SRAM, KMC and Wipperman). The master links can be used to join Shimano and Campy chains if you buy them as aftermarket parts.

A chain tool is still needed to size new chain to the correct length and to install the specific Shimano and Campy joining pins. Master links can usually be installed without any tools but a special pair of pliers can be useful to remove them.
HillRider is offline  
Old 03-24-16, 05:53 PM
  #19  
cyccommute 
Mad bike riding scientist
 
cyccommute's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,274

Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones

Mentioned: 150 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6147 Post(s)
Liked 4,092 Times in 2,325 Posts
Originally Posted by bikerbobbbb
For popping chain links on or off. Any decent ones? I saw two on Amazon but I'm confused about which type I need.

I don't have a chain that uses extra snap on links for sure. Mine is popping the pin out.

I'm going to track down which type of chain I've got. It's in another post.
Before you go taking a tool to the chain, look for a quick link. It will look different from the other links. KMC links should look like the ones you find here. I see people take chain tools to chains with quick links all the time at my local co-op. It just makes for more work. Look first.

Originally Posted by HillRider
Once chains got narrower than 5/6-speed width the ability to safely push out and reuse a standard pin to rejoin the chain was lost. With newer chains (6/7/8-speed and above) you must use a special manufacturer supplied joining pin to connect them (Shimano or Campy) or a supplied master link (SRAM, KMC and Wipperman). The master links can be used to join Shimano and Campy chains if you buy them as aftermarket parts.

A chain tool is still needed to size new chain to the correct length and to install the specific Shimano and Campy joining pins. Master links can usually be installed without any tools but a special pair of pliers can be useful to remove them.
I agree except that many 6, 7 and even 8 speed chains could still be used in the "old" way, i.e. pressing out the pin part way and pressing it back. Certainly with 6 speed. That said, I went to quick links long ago and haven't looked back. About a thousand times easier to use.

My very favorite shop chain tool (which I don't use that often) is the Topeak ChainBOT. Mine is actually a "Droid" but LucasFilms sue Topeak over that name. It's not superior to other chain tools...just way cooler
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!



cyccommute is offline  
Old 03-25-16, 02:24 AM
  #20  
RoadGuy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,334

Bikes: 89 Schwinn 754, 90 Trek 1100, 93 Trek 2300, 94 Trek 1400 (under construction), 94 Trek 930, 97 Trek 1400

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Get a Park CT-3.2 for shortening new chains and removing damaged links.

And get a get of the Park Chain Pliers to make installing and removing master links much easier. Some companies make separate tools for installing and removing the master links (KMC), and some companies (like Park) have a single tool used for installing and removing links. You don't really need the tool to install/lock master links (you can position the master link on the top length of chain over the chainstay, hold the rear wheel and spin the cranks forward to lock the master link without the tool). The tool makes unlocking the master link to remove it much easier.
RoadGuy is offline  
Old 03-25-16, 08:53 AM
  #21  
mstateglfr 
Sunshine
 
mstateglfr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,531

Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo

Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10897 Post(s)
Liked 7,384 Times in 4,144 Posts
Originally Posted by fietsbob
NB: You can Only "pop" a quick link on and off *.you cannot "Pop" a pin back in a chain , you can only remove it ,

and thus shorten a derailleur chain.

*for that Park Tool makes a Pair of Pliers.

Only the old style chains that are just for 1 speed bikes and not bent to shift can you reliably press a Pin Back in.

(& then Only if you did Not push it all the way Out!!)
What? A 7speed chain can have a pin pushed out to allow the chain to come off for cleaning. Route the chain back on and push the pin back in. Wiggle it to make sure its not stuck, and go ride.
Maybe thats ghetto, maybe that isnt recommended, but its absolutely doable and is consistent too.


Its tough going to get a pin back in, but one can be set in too if its completely removed. The magic of patience.
mstateglfr is offline  
Old 03-25-16, 08:57 AM
  #22  
Marcus_Ti
FLIR Kitten to 0.05C
 
Marcus_Ti's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 5,331

Bikes: Roadie: Seven Axiom Race Ti w/Chorus 11s. CX/Adventure: Carver Gravel Grinder w/ Di2

Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2349 Post(s)
Liked 406 Times in 254 Posts
Originally Posted by mstateglfr
What? A 7speed chain can have a pin pushed out to allow the chain to come off for cleaning. Route the chain back on and push the pin back in. Wiggle it to make sure its not stuck, and go ride.
Maybe thats ghetto, maybe that isnt recommended, but its absolutely doable and is consistent too.


Its tough going to get a pin back in, but one can be set in too if its completely removed. The magic of patience.
A 7spd chain is very different than an 11spd one.

Do that on a 10s or 11spd and you'll snap the chain apart on your first hill climbed in anger.
Marcus_Ti is offline  
Likes For Marcus_Ti:
Old 03-25-16, 09:03 AM
  #23  
mstateglfr 
Sunshine
 
mstateglfr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,531

Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo

Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10897 Post(s)
Liked 7,384 Times in 4,144 Posts
Originally Posted by Marcus_Ti
A 7spd chain is very different than an 11spd one.

Do that on a 10s or 11spd and you'll snap the chain apart on your first hill climbed in anger.
I agree that it shouldnt be done with high # of speed chains. But I was responding to the statement that it can only be done on single speed bikes. I have found it can safely be done on 5, 6, and 7 speed bikes without a second thought.
mstateglfr is offline  
Old 03-25-16, 08:52 PM
  #24  
FastJake
Constant tinkerer
 
FastJake's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 7,954
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 185 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 75 Posts
Originally Posted by mstateglfr
I agree that it shouldnt be done with high # of speed chains. But I was responding to the statement that it can only be done on single speed bikes. I have found it can safely be done on 5, 6, and 7 speed bikes without a second thought.
Depends on the chain. Many 6/7/8 speed chains, including the ones that give you a master link to use (KMC, SRAM) are not meant to have pins pushed out and reinserted, hence the master link.
FastJake is offline  
Likes For FastJake:
Old 03-25-16, 10:31 PM
  #25  
Lil Bear
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: NW Montana
Posts: 81

Bikes: '02 Kona Lava Dome, '15 Origami Crane8... the rest are top secret :)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by mstateglfr
What? A 7speed chain can have a pin pushed out to allow the chain to come off for cleaning. Route the chain back on and push the pin back in. Wiggle it to make sure its not stuck, and go ride.
Maybe thats ghetto, maybe that isnt recommended, but its absolutely doable and is consistent too.


Its tough going to get a pin back in, but one can be set in too if its completely removed. The magic of patience.
Yep, broke the chain on my old Trek 930.. bike shop repaired it and evermore I had a black chain with 2 gold links.
Lil Bear is offline  

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.