Chain tool

[rb58]

Out for a ride yesterday. 110km in and going well up a local hill, my chain jammed and I had to unclip really quickly to avoid a cleat moment. Looking at the chain, a link had come loose at one side, so not completely broken, but almost. I managed to get the rivet back in using the chain tool attachment on my multitool. Sufficient to get me most of the way home. I cleaned up everything this morning and fitted a new chain. As far as I can see there's no damage elsewhere and the bike runs ans shifts smoothly. However, what became clear was that the chain tool attachment on the multitool is pretty low quality - the pin is already bent. I now have a chain with quick links and have put a spare link and a couple of spare quick links in the saddle bag. However, I need to get new chain tool.

So, here's the question. Who carries a chain tool and what one do people recommend for the saddle bag?

Thanks all.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I carry a Topeak multi tool in my bag. The tool has a chain tool on it. For workshop use, I have an ancient tool which I bought back in the early seventies when I was cycling because I had no choice, rather than for pleasure. I don't know who made it but I have used it hundreds of times and it is still like new.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I carry a Topeak multi tool in my bag. The tool has a chain tool on it. For workshop use, I have an ancient tool which I bought back in the early seventies when I was cycling because I had no choice, rather than for pleasure. I don't know who made it but I have used it hundreds of times and it is still like new.

Topeak here too.

 

[ACS]

Mini Chain Brute Chain Tool - CT5

 

[youngoldbloke]

Mini Chain Brute Chain Tool - CT5

+1, very compact and accurate. Replaceable pin.

 

[piedwagtail91]

topeak alien for me and a set of plastic tyre levers.

 

[Ste T.]

Multi tool that fits all the screws and bolts
small dumbell spanner
pump
spare innertube
3 tyre levers
puncture repair kit
handfull of cable ties
1pr truetouch plastic gloves
small rag
head torch if it's the winter
mars bar


I don't carry a chain link tool for a day out. I know I should but touch wood.... everything else has been needed several times over the years and for me this is the very minimum for a day ride. On a tour I would expand it to carry quite a bit more, including the link tool.

 

[Davidc]

Just carry cheap ones and some links (SRAM do them, amongst others) and hope you don't need to use them. Have a good one at home for normal use.

 

[jiggerypokery]

Lezeyne CRV20 for me, works a treat. http://www.lezyne.com/products/multi-tools/crv-20

 

[jethro10]

Lezeyne CRV20 for me, works a treat. http://www.lezyne.co...ti-tools/crv-20

I have a Lezeyne 20 also, used the chain tool perhaps a dozen times and it works great.

J

 

[ColinJ]

My Crank Bros. multi-tool has a chain tool on it which I've used it a couple of times at home to shorten new chains.

I used it once out on a ride when I rescued a stranded cyclist who had snapped his chain on a steep hill. He was 30 miles from home so he was pretty pleased that I was able to fix his chain for him. We were doing the same audax ride and did the rest of the route together. He insisted on buying me chocolate cake and coffee at the cafe stop.

The moral of this story is Carry a chain tool if you want free cake!

 

[Amanda P]

I have my tool pouch right here. At the risk of seeming anal, here's what's in it:

• VAR tyre lever (a couple of my bikes have really tight-fitting tyres)
• 6" adjustable spanner (some bikes have nutted axles)
• 2 tyre levers
• folding thingy with 5 allen keys and 2 screwdriver blades
• Spoke key
• Cyclo chain tool
• Y-wrench with 8, 9 and 10mm sockets
• Spare brake cable inner
• Tiny leatherman-style multitool
• Patches, glue and rubber solution from puncture kit
• Small biro nicked from Argos
• Small plastic bag with cable ties, odd nuts and bolts, tying wire, tyre boot cut from old tyre, couple of £1 coins, SRAM quick link, bits of coke can shim, roll of insulting tape

It's surprising how often these bits rescue some other cyclist. I don't seem to use most of this stuff for my own bikes much!

 

[Crankarm]

I have never had a chain break although I have carried a few spare SRAM Quick links and links for many years. I have a Topeak multitool which includes a chain link tool although I have never used it. I also have a more substantial PRO chain tool which dis- assembles like a secret agent's weapon which is well cool. I carry this too as it is so compact and light. I use this occasionally when fitting new chains getting them to the right length, so removing links, then join the new chain with a SRAM Quick link.

 

[ColinJ]

I have never had a chain break although I have carried a few spare SRAM Quick links and links for many years. I have a Topeak multitool which includes a chain link tool although I have never used it. 

I carry SRAM links as well. 

I've spoken to several cyclists who carry quicks links but not a chain tool. They said that they didn't need the tool because they had the spare links! I pointed out to them that they'd have to remove a broken link before they could put a replacement link in and they needed a tool for that... D'oh! 

 

[Roamer]

what became clear was that the chain tool attachment on the multitool is pretty low quality - the pin is already bent.

Can you say what make that multi tool is, so others can avoid it?