Failed chain tool, replacement advice please

[antnee]

I had a chain break on a trip and though had a link to repair it couldn't do it because no chain tool so bought this one and to date its been fine though on the negative side its a heavy old lump to carry about.

 

[Pale Rider]

Park Tools Mini-brute for me.

My local bike shop thrashes a couple in their workshop without any problem which is a good recommendation.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/park-tool-mini-chain-tool-ct-5/rp-prod7843

 

[DCBassman]

I replaced my broken BTwin toolkit one with a Park CT5, haven't yet used it though.

 

[si_c]

Park tool one at home and topeak hexus II on the bike, both work really well.

 

[overmind]

I've been using this one (from Decathlon) for several years. I must have unlinked/linked about 40 chains so far. It's still going strong.

 

[Blue Hills]

I've been using this one (from Decathlon) for several years. I must have unlinked/linked about 40 chains so far. It's still going strong.

View attachment 449426

Looks OK but I note no tight link cradle.

The Topeak one on the multi-tools is the easiest one I have ever used. The design of using a hex key on the other bit of the tool to turn it is the best sort of simple clever design. I have a workshop tool from a major company which is a pig to turn.

 

[Ed no-more-lemons]

BBB Nautilus 2, seems to work nicely.

 

[overmind]

Looks OK but I note no tight link cradle.

The Topeak one on the multi-tools is the easiest one I have ever used. The design of using a hex key on the other bit of the tool to turn it is the best sort of simple clever design. I have a workshop tool from a major company which is a pig to turn.

What is a tight link cradle?

 

[Blue Hills]

What is a tight link cradle?

It's a second cradle.

Now and again (not often but a pain when you do - and it is sometimes the reason for a chain skipping for no obvious reason) you get a tight link. The second cradle allows you to loosen it.

If a link is tight you can see it if you back pedal when the load is off.

 

[overmind]

It's a second cradle.

Now and again (not often but a pain when you do - and it is sometimes the reason for a chain skipping for no obvious reason) you get a tight link. The second cradle allows you to loosen it.

If a link is tight you can see it if you back pedal when the load is off.

How do you use the second cradle (to fix a tight link)? I usually just use a flat head screwdriver and wiggle it between the inner plates of the tight link.

 

[Blue Hills]

Just put the chain on it - slowly slowly gently put pressure on the offending pin, remove and test - repeat if necessary.