Cheap Park Chain Hand Tool

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This Park Tools CT-3.2 is the 2012 update to the classic CT-3 that is found in thousands of bike shops across the world. What makes this chain breaker a great buy is the adjustable shelf that slides to accommodate everything from single speed chains to eleven speed Dura Ace chains. However, this tool will not peen Campagnolo 11 speed chains (it will break them though for use with a Master Link). I am a bit of a collector for vintage bike tools and really prefer this tool over the following:

Shimano TL-CN32 Pro This is the 'master' chain tool from Shimano with the rosewood handles and $155 price tag. This tool is good but it will not break 11 speed chains (it needs to be updated). While I enjoy this tool, its handle is a bit large and harder to grasp than CT-3.2

Campagnolo 11 Speed Chain Tool No flaws, and works great (even for all Shimano and SRAM chains) if you can afford its $300 price tag. This is the only tool I am mentioning here that I dont own but I will ask Bill Gates how his is working out for him, next time we meet.

Park Tools CT-4.3 This is the 'master' chain tool from Park Tool which sells for about $49. Even though this is the deluxe model from Park, I actually prefer the adjustable chain plate of the CT-3.2. If the chain is larger (say, a seven speed chain), the 4.3 holds it well in its chamber, but if the chain is 11 speed, then it does not hold it as well. I also find that the vinyl coating of the 3.2 to be easier to grasp and turn than the plastic enlarged handles of the 4.2. The one upside it holds over the CT-3.2 is that it will break and peen Campagnolo 11 speed chains.

Pedros Pro Chain Tool 2.0 Really enjoyed this $45 tool when I first owned it, but the pins have a nasty habit of bending. The upper handles also are weak on mine and are wearing away.

So far, after hundreds of chain repairs with the CT 3.2 or its older brother, the CT-3, no broken chain tool pins. The size and weight of the CT-3.2 also mean that it can easily fit in a Camelback or repair pouch. A final added bonus is that except for the replaceable chain pin, the rest of this model is actually manufactured by Park in Minnesota. For these reasons, the CT-3.2 is my daily go to chain breaker or maker.

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This is my first chain tool, but I think I picked a good one. This thing is beefy, and easily removed a rusted chain from a mountain bike I'm rehabbing.

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Unlike earlier Park chain tools, this model (3.2) does not have a feature for loosening the link after the pin is pressed in, which is always required. Park suggests in their online help that you can loosen a tight link by bending the chain a bit. I have never been able to make that work. Unfortunately, I would consider this model useless for installing a chain due to the lack of a tight link repair feature.

Honest reviews on Park Chain Hand Tool

Take it out of the box, you'll be confident it's a great product. It feels good in the hands the way a tool should. That is, until you try to use it. Went to break a chain with it, within two turns of the handle the pin bent and broke off.