It’s always great to be able to accomplish something on your own, even though it might seem minor at the time. A bike will need to get its chain replaced, and with the correct bike chain tool, you can easily do it on your own, even if you’ve never done it before.
In this article, we are going to highlight key features you want in your bike chain tools and a list of the best bike chain tools you can choose from.
After that, we’ve also included a simple how-to, so that you can use your bike chain tool, or at least know what else to learn before using them.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick For Bike Chain tool
We recommend the Park Tool CT 5 Mini Bicycle Chain Tool.
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 20:33 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features You Need To Consider
Are you familiar with a bike chain tool? A bike chain tool is a simple mechanism that functions to punch into the pin holding the chains together until it is pushed out and the chain is broken.
The tool also works to connect two chains together. That’s it, that’s what it essentially is.
Most of the time, this tool is used when you want to replace your old chain with a new one. But it can also help you shorten your chain, or join two pieces of chain together to make a longer chain
A bike chain tool serves as an easier tool to use on bike chains compared to screwdrivers and Allen keys.
Here are some features that are important to have in a standard bike chain tool.
Design
The key feature to consider is the design. Is the design compatible with your chains? Some bike chain tools are compatible with all speed chains, while others can only work for 7, 8, 9, and 10 speed chains.
Then there’s the function. Is your bike chain tool meant to break chains? Or attach chains? Or can it actually do both?
The most common design is the twist and screw. It can easily remove and replace your bike chain. Another option for you is the plier design. It looks like a plier, and you need both hands to operate it properly.
Budget
Consider how much you’re spending on your bike chain tool. You want a long-lasting tool you can rely on. This doesn’t mean that you have to get the most expensive one out there.
Make sure that the price is worth the quality you’re getting. That being said bike chain tools are very affordable.
Are All The Parts Available In Your Set?
Different tools will have different parts. Check out this list of parts that you might see on your bike chain tool.
Chain tool pin: Used to push the pin on a chain link to join or break the chain.
Normal cradle: Again, used to join or break chain links.
Tight link cradle: Used for smaller bike chains (or bike chains which are designed uncommonly).
Bottom handle: This will hold the tool in place as you work to screw or unscrew your chain tool pin.
Screwing handle: This is what you use to move the chain tool pin towards the pin on your chain links. All you need to do is turn it.
The Best Bike Chain Tools Reviewed
A bike chain tool is not a simple accessory. You need to get the best for the maintenance of your bike. Getting a quality bike chain tool will make it seem like your bike has been handled by professionals.
Here is the list for you to choose from.
1. Oumers Universal Bike Chain Tool
Key Features:
- Durable
- Easily assembled
- Universal
- Accurate
- Equipped with rubber grip
The Oumers Universal Bike Chain Tool works with most bicycle speed. It can work 7, 8, 9, and 10 speed chains. It is durable and handy. The original frame is metal, which is then layered with a rubber coat for a firm grip. It also has an integrated chain hook which will help hold links during assembly. The design is compact, it’s nice and portable, easy for you to store and carry.
This bike chain tool can be trusted to quickly and accurately remove and install chain pins. This tool can help you remove the toughest chain pin. It also has a “loosening shelf” which can fix stiff links once reassembled. Not just that, the tools are really comfortable to use.
We all know how important bike chain maintenance is. This tool will make breaking and reattaching that much easier. No more exhaustion struggling to take those chain pins off your bikes.
Pros:
- Easily remove and repair link
- Outstanding quality for price
- Comes with a spare pin
- Comfortable to use
Cons:
- Made of softer metal that bends
- Can break
- Result in chains bending if used improperly
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 20:33 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Park Tool CT-5 Mini Bicycle Chain Tool
Key Features:
- Compact size
- Compatible with 5 to 12 speed chains
- Weighs 2.7 oz
- High-quality metal
- Driving pin is replaceable
- Easy to use
The Park Tool CT 5 Mini Bicycle Chain Tool is very lightweight and compact, the perfect size for you to carry, store, and transport. It is compatible with almost all speed chains, 5 to 12. It is made with high-quality durable metal. Improper use may break the teeth and the tool entirely. Because of its smaller size, you may hurt your finger when you’re using it.
If you know how, this tool is great at doing its job. It can easily loosen, tighten, remove, and break chains. The integrated shelf in the design is very useful to loosen tight or older links. The special V shaped handle and strong replaceable pin make it that much easier for you to replace a chain.
You can use this tool in a professional garage, at home, or even on the road. The option is endless. You want to stay safe and make sure you follow or read a manual before attempting to use the tool. Every cyclist needs a bike chain tool.
Pros:
- Easy to remove chain pins
- Compact and easy to carry
- Made of quality metal
- Well engineered
Cons:
- The tool can break
- Be warned, it may harm your fingers
- The teeth can snap off
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 20:33 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. ATLIN Bicycle Chain Breaker Splitter Tool
Key Features:
- Designed for 7, 8, 9, 10 and single speed bike chains
- Includes a built in hook
- Instructions included
- Portable
- Durable
The Atlin Bicycle Bike Chain Breaker Splitter Tool is another great tool compatible with 7, 8, 9, 10, and single speed bike chains. The tool has a built-in hook, that can help hold the bike chain in place while you are working to fix it. If you don’t know how to use it, they also include tool instructions that you can learn from and follow. Remember to be confident in order to avoid harm to yourself or your bike.
The chain tool is portable and small, however it’s not the lightest if you want to bring it along on your ride. Know that it’s made from strong, durable materials that will make sure the chain tool lasts for a long time.
The Atlin Bicycle Tool has a spare push bolt and has an ergonomic handle so you won’t hurt your fingers. This chain tool has a long pin receiver screw, not many chain bike tools do. Beware, do not use it on rusty chains. You want to clean the rust off before using this tool. And you also need to make sure that the push pin is aligned properly, otherwise you might just ruin it.
Pros:
- Nice finish and feel
- Works well removing chains
- Clear directions
- Pin receiver screw is far enough
Cons:
- Tool is heavy
- Metal is prone to bending
- Fastener has no opening
- Can break
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 20:33 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Topeak Universal Chain Tool
Key Features:
- Do it all chain tool
- Extra chain pins included
- Comfortable to use
- Integrated Chain hooks
- Compatible with Allen wrench to provide extra leverage
The Topeak Universal Chain Tool is a do-it-all chain tool. It is comfortable to use and you will not hurt your fingers using it. In addition to that, it has a hollow handle that can be removed and replaced with a small Allen wrench. This will then provide extra leverage.
With your purchase, you will get extra chain pins. The tool also has integrated chain hooks to support the chains while you do what you need to do. The tool has a chain pin breaker which is great at breaking chains. It also has a chain pin compartment. It weighs 82 g and measures 8.3 x 4.3 x 1.5 cm or 3.3” x 1.7” x 0.6”.
This tool is compatible with most speed chains, it’s just not compatible with 11 speed chains.
Pros:
- Separates a sizeable amount of chain links
- Sturdy construction
- Good leverage
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Small
- Pin can break
- Tool can break
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 16:05 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. BIKEHAND Bike Chain Tool
Key Features:
- Made in Taiwan
- Handy
- Open and closes links
- Non slip
- Easy to use
The Bikehand Bike Chain Tool is made in Taiwan for you to remove or replace master links in your bike chains. It’s a great tool to help you deal with aged chains that might be compromised by conditions which makes it difficult to separate by hand. It’s in the shape of a plier. It can easily open master links and is compatible with 9, 10, 11, and 12 chain speeds.
The plier is covered with rubber to give it that non-slip feature. It has a quality spring that will not break over the years. If you are ever confused on what to do with this tool. Feel free to check out the video instruction manual to guide you through your maintenance process.
The Bikehand BIke Chain Tool is another kind of tool, it doesn’t look like the other options, but it’s still capable of getting the job done.
Pros:
- Does not hurt your fingers
- Easy
- Works great
- Functional
Cons:
- Tool is small
- Repair will take a lot of time
- Difficulties locking pins
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 14:04 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top Pick
The best bike chain tool we can recommend for you is the Park Tool CT 5 Mini Bicycle Chain Tool. It’s compatible with 5 to 12 speed chains, it’s made of high quality metal, easy to use, compact and truly very light. It has everything you’re looking for in a chain tool.
Each chain tool has its own pros and cons. All chain tools can break if used improperly. What you need to check is whether you’ve followed the instruction manual. If you have, and it still breaks, maybe that tool is not the one for you. Either way, we hope you find one that can help you maintain your bike over the years.
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 20:33 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Learning To Use Your Bike Chain Tool
Now that you have your own chain tool, using it might be a new challenge. Don’t worry, we can help you out.
If you want to know how to change your bike chains, this is not the tutorial for you. This tutorial is meant to give you an overview before you use your bike chain tool.
Remember, the bike chain tool is made for two things. Breaking a chain, or joining a chain.
Breaking a chain is really easy. You just need to position the tool to the chain you want to unlink. Screw it to push the pin off the chain link, and you get a detached link. Be careful, because you don’t want to lose the chain pin.
If your chain is stiff or rusty, you need to oil it or bend it so that it’s more flexible. Do this before using your bike chain tool.
Connecting two chains is a bit more complicated.
First you want to position the two chain ends you want to connect properly. Position it so that they make a ‘C’ shape. Then you want to align the chains together so that you can easily punch the pin in. Then you want to screw the pin in, and well, there you have it. A connected chain.
You want to check and make sure that the connected chain is not stiff. There’s more that goes into this, but this is a good start for you to understand the basics of using a bike chain tool.
