The Park CT-5 will fit almost any chain an average cyclist will encounter, from 8-speed up to 11-speed. It's maneuverable, surprisingly comfortable to use, and light enough to carry with you for emergencies.
There's an idea that inserting the pin from the frame side of the chain will make the link stronger. The CT-5 is small and light enough for you to be able to do just that.
The CT-5 is suitable with chain sizes from 8-speed up o 11-speed, for every brand except Campagnolo parts (which isn't unusual, since nearly all Campagnolo parts are non-standard).
The CT-5 weighs only about 78 grams, so it's both light and small enough to easily fit into your bag to take with you, to be used in case of emergency.
If you're planning to work on any and all bikes you might encounter Campagnolos (or "campys"). Their chains are non standard, and this tool isn't won't fit them.
This chain tool has a wide, wing shaped handle that feels very comfortable in your hands, and it's easy to turn when pushing pins in and out of the chain links. The Birzman Damselfly is the only chain tool with a handle design like this, and it would be appreciated by those who break chains often.
The Damselfly Universal weighs 242g (about 3 times as much as the Park Tool mini), so it feels very solid in your hand. There's a spare pin included for replacing the first one, but it's likely to take a few years before you need to replace it, even with daily use.
The Damselfly can be used with BMX, single-speed, 9, 10 and 11-speed chains, as well as older 6, 7 and 8-speed chains. The only chain it won't fit is 11-speed Campagnolo, which requires peening. This versatility is achieved by having a spring-loaded chain guide, which can be adjusted to the thickness of your chain's plates.
For a tool that most cyclists will use about once a year, it's definitely too expensive. However, if you're someone who likes their tools to be as comfortable as possible, and if you don't plan on working on Campagnolo parts, you might consider getting the Damselfly Universal.
The Pedro's Pro chain tool is a heavy-duty tool, suitable for 99% of chains, it can even handle Campagnolo parts (an Italian manufacturer of bike parts). It's not the best pick for the average cyclist, who might need to use it only about once a year. For serious mechanics, however, the comfort, durability and versatility of this chain tool would be a great investment.
The plastic fels very solid, and the metal parts are made of heat-treated steel, and it comes with 2 replacement pins. It's durable, and is likely to last for a long time. Like all Pedro's tools, it has a lifetime warranty.
The ergonomic thermoplast handles will keep your hands comfortable and injury free on your daily chain breaking. They're easy to grip and easy to turn, which will matter a lot after you've pushed out several pins in one day.
This chain tool has a replaceable bridge design, which fits chains from single-speed up to 11-speed, and can even handle Campagnolo chains. This will cover the vast majority of bike chains out there.
While it's certainly a very comfortable and trustworthy chain tool, it might be too much for the average cyclist, who would likely only need it about once a year. It's worth the money if you're going to use it every day, otherwise it's overkill.
Add to Chrome
Add to Edge
Add to Firefox
Add to Opera
Add to Brave
Add to Safari