You still need that tool to break a link in the event the link gets twisted or needs to be removed for what ever reason. And then you would use a power link like that you have in your picture to reconnect the broken chain.

So, carry that tool and a spare power link of the appropriate chain speed.

As for removing the power link, there are power link removal pliers or you can use a string to remove it.

 

there are a few ways to pop a "quick link" apart. the best and easiest way is a chain link plier tool like the Park MLP

Wolftooth makes a really cool portable version with multiple functions.

have had luck with using a regular adjustable plier at an angle at home. you can also use a bit of wire or shoestring in a pinch.

the chain tool you have is for removing excess links on a new chain or removing a chain that does not have one of those quick links.

 

the chain tool you have is for removing excess links on a new chain or removing a chain that does not have one of those quick links.

Just to clarify what some others have been saying, sometimes the "excess link" is the one that snapped during a ride and you'll probably need to remove the wide outer part of the link to insert your new master link, or whatever they're calling it these days.

 

I prefer my "emergency" chain tool to be built into whatever multitool I'm carrying. Those separate pin tools never pack well. They do function better, which is why I keep the better ones in my toolbox at home.

The Wolftooth Pack Pliers DO carry well (they're nice and flat and lightweight), and if nothing else, they carry spare links quite nicely.

 

This ^. If you break a chain out on the trail, you are going to need remove the broke link and it is easy to find a good bike specific multi-tool with a chain tool. Carry a spare Sram Power Link, the special link you are referring to and these can be found at any good bike shop. They do make them for several different size chains, so make sure you get an 11-speed Power Link.

 

I still carry that tool as well as a spare quick-link just in case I snap a chain. I'd hate to ruin a day of biking 5mins into a ride.

 

Dumb question: will an 8 or 9 speed chain breaker work with an 11 or 12 speed chain? or does it not matter... asking for a friend...

but yeah, carry a chain tool with you. I've been known to snap a chain or three in my day, and helped plenty of noobs without fix theirs trailside.

 

I have that Park Tool one the OP has in the pic that I used on 9spd to 11spd without any issues.

 

The park tool is terrible IME, doesn't push the pin out all the way. Almost any multi-tool chain-tool is better IME. I see no reason to disconnect a chain in the field and I have a set of wire-cutter pliers that are exactly spaced for chain links, so that works if I need to disconnect quick links. Quick links may be helpful in the field, but you'll still need to push out bad pins/remove links to install them.

 

I've had older chain breaker tools not work with newer chains ,but they might have been for 7 or 8 speed chains. Yup I've been riding a long time.

 

You don't need any tool until you need it.

I carry a very light but complete tool kit on my bikepacking bike but only a small multi-tool, some tire plugs and a CO2 cartridge on my local trails where I'm never more than a few miles from the trailhead.

But the chain tool will save the day if you are fifty miles from nowhere and have to break chain to replace a few bent links. You can also remove a quick link without the appropriate tool but it is worth the small weight penalty of a dedicated tool to not struggle with the task in the rain, sleet, and growing darkness. The Wolftooth tool is pretty cool, too.

 

chain tool as apart of a multi tool, that also has a spoke wrench feature.

 

yah, carrying a chain tool is a good idea. i carry the Crank Bros M17