Tried a cheap chain tool versus a Park Tool and here's what happened after 6 months

Back in March I needed a chain tool for a quick fix on my commuter bike. The Park Tool CT-5 was $45 at the local shop. The generic brand on Amazon was $12. I figured a chain tool is a simple thing, how bad could it be. Well 6 months later the cheap one's pin is already bent and it struggles to push through a chain link. The Park Tool I finally bought feels solid and works smooth every time. I should have just spent the extra money upfront. Has anyone else had a cheap tool fail on them mid repair and regret it?

2 comments

2 Comments

morganj8120d ago

Bought a cheap chain tool once and same thing happened to me, bent pin on the third use.

jennifer_west5220d ago

Mine bent the pin too but what got me was the handle snapped off on the 5th chain I tried. Those cheap $8 tools are made from pot metal or something, they just can't handle the pressure. I ended up going with a Park Tool one that cost $25 and it's been solid for 3 years now. Not saying you need the expensive shop grade stuff but there's a middle ground between junk and pro tools that actually works.