DYAKOV Posted September 21, 2022 Report Share Posted September 21, 2022 (edited) I’m sure that’s been asked before but times change and products change.. What’s a good chain tool which doesn’t cost too much? I’ve been using a Parktool CT5 mini chain tool and I’ve found that the chain doesn’t sit in properly, so even though the pin is nice and centralised it doesn’t fall into place. Last time I used it it damaged the chain link, so after a slight modification which didn’t work according to plan, I’ve completely ruined it and I’m looking to buy a new one. Ideally, I want to spend up to £20 but I’m open to suggestions. Going by the reviews online, the one I have is meant to be great and it’s not (or at least not for trials chains), so I’m interested in a product which has been tested and compatible with kmc z1ehx or similar (not sure about chain types, sizes and standards). Edited September 22, 2022 by DYAKOV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thousandwords Posted September 21, 2022 Report Share Posted September 21, 2022 This will not answer your question fully as the tools below are not inexpensive, but this is my experience. I had this as my only chain breaker for many years (over ten) and I have serviced a lot of chains with it. It is a very high quality chain tool, never having skipped a beat. https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/master-chain-tool-ct-4-2 However, the first chain that seems to be trial specific (used for my ongoing build for my first trial bike) had too wide plates for that tool, so it was useless. Here's the chain I was trying to break. https://www.tartybikes.co.uk/chains/kmc_z1ehx/c7p10508.html I called Park Tool and they told me this (which is really the improved version of my old tool) will fit almost every single chain in the market (if not ALL). https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/chain-tool-ct-3-3?category=Chain I ordered it and it came yesterday so I put it through it paces. It worked very well, although I did manage to use it incorrectly for a minute or so until I figured it out (you are supposed to insert the two "teeth" that I mistook for base plate into the chain just as a sprocket teeth would sit. However, let me tell you, in terms of sheer craftsmanship, my old breaker is on another league. Would survive a nuclear blast. The new one, while still hefty enough and showing quality, feels like a toy by comparison. I would still buy it again though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DYAKOV Posted September 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2022 (edited) 8 hours ago, thousandwords said: This will not answer your question fully as the tools below are not inexpensive, but this is my experience. I had this as my only chain breaker for many years (over ten) and I have serviced a lot of chains with it. It is a very high quality chain tool, never having skipped a beat. https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/master-chain-tool-ct-4-2 However, the first chain that seems to be trial specific (used for my ongoing build for my first trial bike) had too wide plates for that tool, so it was useless. Here's the chain I was trying to break. https://www.tartybikes.co.uk/chains/kmc_z1ehx/c7p10508.html I called Park Tool and they told me this (which is really the improved version of my old tool) will fit almost every single chain in the market (if not ALL). https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/chain-tool-ct-3-3?category=Chain I ordered it and it came yesterday so I put it through it paces. It worked very well, although I did manage to use it incorrectly for a minute or so until I figured it out (you are supposed to insert the two "teeth" that I mistook for base plate into the chain just as a sprocket teeth would sit. However, let me tell you, in terms of sheer craftsmanship, my old breaker is on another league. Would survive a nuclear blast. The new one, while still hefty enough and showing quality, feels like a toy by comparison. I would still buy it again though. Thanks buddy, I did some research on the topic and the CT-3.3 seems to be the optimal choice in terms of price vs quality but at £38 it’s still slightly out of my budget. I realised that £15 would get me to nowhere, so I added another tenner to the target price. I’m a bit weird like that, if I decide in my head that a certain product shouldn’t cost more than a certain amount even though I have the money, I would still look for alternatives. Eventually I ended up buying the BBB proficonnect btl55 for £25 delivered on Amazon. It is compatible with most chains (especially single speed chains which is what I need) and I liked the adjustable bolt at the base which looks much sturdier than other similar tools. I’ll update the topic with my first impression once I receive it. Nas Edited September 22, 2022 by DYAKOV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark W Posted September 22, 2022 Report Share Posted September 22, 2022 I was about to recommend that BBB tool - I've used one for ages now and it's really good. Not as 'fancy' as some others out there, but it just works which is ultimately all I really want/need from a chain tool! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Target Posted September 22, 2022 Report Share Posted September 22, 2022 Interesting topic. I have also bought a Parktool CT-5 for using with KMC Z1eHX chain. I found an info that it's compatible with 3/32" chains, so I gave it a go. It would be nice to have such a lightweight yet sturdy steel chain tool to carry it with me on a ride. Unfortunately, it turned out this tool is not compatible with Z1eHX chain. I was almost ready to cut the chain shelf slightly to make it fit. And had some ideas about installing more longer handles on it to improve the leverage. But I've decided that it's not worth the effort. Ended up with the KMC chain tool. It bigger and heavier, but doesn't seem to have compatibility issues with single-speed chains. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DYAKOV Posted September 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2022 1 hour ago, Target said: Interesting topic. I have also bought a Parktool CT-5 for using with KMC Z1eHX chain. I found an info that it's compatible with 3/32" chains, so I gave it a go. It would be nice to have such a lightweight yet sturdy steel chain tool to carry it with me on a ride. Unfortunately, it turned out this tool is not compatible with Z1eHX chain. I was almost ready to cut the chain shelf slightly to make it fit. And had some ideas about installing more longer handles on it to improve the leverage. But I've decided that it's not worth the effort. Ended up with the KMC chain tool. It bigger and heavier, but doesn't seem to have compatibility issues with single-speed chains. That’s exactly what my plan was - cut in a deeper slot at the bottom (although I was too lazy for the hacksaw and used an angle grinder instead). Not like it won’t work if I’m desperate to break a chain but the metal disc I have was too thick and it’s formed a bigger gap between the base and the wee bracket which holds the chain in place… Since I like diy, I might think of a way of further modding it to make it work but I’ll leave that for another day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DYAKOV Posted September 23, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2022 Quick update - the bbb chain tool arrives today and I’m pretty happy with it! Nice and sturdy, chain alignment all good, the larger handle makes it easy to turn. If anything, I’d say that having to screw and unscrew the bottom part all the time could be a bit annoying as opposed to the standard design (in this case the parktool is probably handier once set to the chain type you have) but realistically, how often do you get to break a chain. If anyone is looking for a cheapish and reliable chain tool - go for that. Nas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.