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OiLoikBoiks

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
My old chain tool is getting on a bit, time for a new one.

I'd like a workshop type one, not a little one for carrying with me. I'm not a massive fan of the Park one, quite like the Pedros one. It needs to be 12spd compatible, and I would consider going all out on something like Abbey if I'd really notice the difference. There's 8 bikes in our house, so it's a tool that'd get used a fair bit per year.

What are some recommendations that people on here like?
 
#2 ·
Do you need the abbey or is it easy to justify? Likely not, but it’s a dream to use! I love their tools, have never been let down by any! Sure they cost a lot of money, but I like nice tools!


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#5 ·
I have this BikeHand Chain Tool and have found to work great on every chain I've used it on including AXS T-Type chains. I tried my cheap Park mini chain tool on the T-Type and it just ended up mangling the chain without pushing out the pin every time I tried it so I upgraded. The design has a round anvil that threads out to contact the back of chain so the area around the hole in the outer plate is fully supported when pressing out the pin. Super easy to use, well built and doesn't cost an arm a leg.
 
#6 ·
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#9 ·
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#10 ·
I have 2 of the old Park ones. I'm wondering what the apprehension is with them. Maybe they're not the most awesomest thing evah or blingy like Abbey, but mine have worked fine since the days of 8spd.
 
#13 ·
My ancient thing died a few years ago and I took a chance with the ‘pro bike tools’ for $30. Has good cradle and a long lever, it’s more than good enough - i like it. I’ve used the park and Pedro’s and I think the protools is better. It’s very luxurious to have so much leverage when setting the pin on old 6 speed chains.

never seen an abbey but it’s price is offensive.
 
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#14 ·
noapathy said:
I have 2 of the old Park ones. I'm wondering what the apprehension is with them. Maybe they're not the most awesomest thing evah or blingy like Abbey, but mine have worked fine since the days of 8spd.
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You've used this on modern 11/12 speed chains? I tried and it doesn't work. It DID work for those 8/9 and 10 chains. I have a variety of mini-tool ones and they all work better. I just use those.
 
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Discussion starter · #15 ·
A workshop owner I know said that he thinks the Pedros one (with the pin sleeve) is by far the best value for money one you can buy. He's offered me one at trade price, can't turn that down and seeing as I've used it and liked it, seems silly not to go for that
 
#16 ·
Jayem said:
You've used this on modern 11/12 speed chains? I tried and it doesn't work. It DID work for those 8/9 and 10 chains. I have a variety of mini-tool ones and they all work better. I just use those.
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Yep. I've used it to break both of those with no issues (never tried to join b/c quick links). I keep seeing pics of what looks to be a replaceable/adjustable silver shelf where it holds the chain on some of the newer models. Neither of mine have that, but are one solid piece of metal. I wonder if that's the difference?
 
#17 ·
noapathy said:
Yep. I've used it to break both of those with no issues (never tried to join b/c quick links). I keep seeing pics of what looks to be a replaceable/adjustable silver shelf where it holds the chain on some of the newer models. Neither of mine have that, but are one solid piece of metal. I wonder if that's the difference?
Click to expand...
There was a modification to address the issue AFAIK, but Park took WAY too long to come out with it, as in way way after the compatibility issue was known. That's why it says "The CT-5 Chain Tool performs like a shop-quality tool, in a lightweight compact size that easily fits in a saddle bag or mobile mechanic's tool roll. The CT-5 removes and installs pins on all 5-to-12-speed derailleur chains, including newer SRAM® 12-speed designs. " I have the older one and there's a width issue trying to push pins out, as far as I can remember, the chain doesn't "sit right" to push the pin out without damaging the link. Plus, the "leverage" arms on the CT-5 are pathetic, for any chain, and it wouldn't take much more to fix the issue. But the mini-tools you can insert a hex wrench into are infinitely better IME.

Some park tools are good, but working in a shop, I quickly realized there are areas where their competitor makes a better tool, sometimes by a wide margin. The expensive shimano chain tool was an absolute dream to use, compared to the park shop version. Some pedros tools are better than the park version, etc.
 
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#18 ·
Obviously I'm biased to the Abbey chain tool, if you pick one up and give the handle a spin you'll realize it's leaps and bounds above nearly everything else out there. The versatility of the swappable plates is kind of nice to know it's as future proof as can be. It comes at a price though and that keeps it from being a tool for everyone. If you enjoy things that are genuinely well built, you won't regret putting down your hard earned pounds for it. I will say the Shimano and Pedros chain tools are pretty good values and would likely serve you well.
 
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