Customer Reviews

Park Tool Mini Chain Brute Chain Tool - CT-5C

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

After reading many reviews on Chain Tools I was unsure whether or not this little guy would do the job. However, I am happy to report that this tool worked perfectly to break two separate chains that I needed to break down. It is well made and very sturdy. My only complaint is that, being so small, it is hard to gain leverage necessary to easily break the chain. I was still able to break the chains without much issue, but I can imagine this would be a bit easier on a tool with a long handle which can be had for 2-6 times the price of this one. I'll stick with the Park CT-5 at this price and function.

This is a very good small take along tool... small is the operative word. Very good steel and precision fabrication, used properly it gets the job done. 1) don't push the pin all the way out, unless it's a shimano chain and you have the replacement break off pin ( you need a pliers to break the scored pin ) 2 you may need to put a screw driver through the tool grip for more leverage with a tight or corroded pin ( I don't let my chains get rusty ). 3) expect to work slower with this tool than a big shop tool with lot's of leverage and grip... then you'll do fine, Park tools are usually excellent.

This is not a GREAT tool. This will help you in a bind and will effectively break a chain. It will not replace a pin to fix a chain though. The slot for the tool is just too small. Thats what I get for spending under ten dollars on a park tool. To be honest with you, Park Tools are really great tools, you can tell they really put the extra effort in their tools. Their bottom of the barrel tools are really lacking though. They just lack complete functionality. Sadly, I would not recommend this to a friend. I find this not completely useful and will end up buying another chain breaker.

****3 months later****

So I ended up finding out it was my own ignorance that lead me to rate this chain breaker lower than it should have been. The first few times I used the tool, I was using it improperly which lead me to have problems pushing the pin back in once I shortened the chain. I assumed it was the tool's fault after I saw another person's feedback with a similar problem. A few weeks ago though, I found this link: [...]

In the video, this guy uses this exact tool and shows that you can successful replace a chain if you are doing it correctly. Chain breaking and replacement is difficult and is often the frustation to many beginners like my self that are trying to do bike maintenance. You must remember to only push the pin out just far enough to break the chain. If it is pushed out too far you are going to have problems regardless of the tool. Also, READ and WATCH as much instruction before you go off and do your maintenance. It will help with getting over any roadblocks you run into along the way.

I am changing the rating of this tool from a 2 to a 4. It doesn't get 5 starts even though it does everything any other breaker does because it is still a small tool. Other tools are more expensive because they are easier to grip and easier to use. I would recommend this to friend now that I know how to properly use the tool.

The Park Tool CT-5 Mini Chain Brute Tool worked fine to remove my old chain but it did not work to install my new chain. I was installing a Shimano CN-HG93 9 speed narrow chain which uses a reinforced connector pin with a break-off adapter extension to facilitate assembly. The length of this pin exceeds the available throw of this chain tool and it was of no value in installing the new chain. I ended up taking my bike to my local Trek bike shop where they installed the new chain for no charge.

I have used this tool so many times and still holds up perfectly fine. It is small enough to carry with me on each ride. As with all of Park Tool's products, this thing will definitely last a lifetime and even if it does break, it has replaceable pins.

Everyone needs a chain breaker tool and this is the perfect tool for most people.

. I bought this for future use, but I did try it out to make sure it worked as advertised. The instructions are detailed, but I had previously seen a video on the internet as to how to use the tool. The tool has two brackets to support the chain link while being worked on. One for pushing the pin out and pushing it back in and one for if the chain link is stiff after the pin is pushed back in and it has to be adjusted a little bit. The tool worked fine and I had no troubles at all. This is the only chain tool I've ever owned so I am unable to fairly compare it to others. I also took into consideration that it was manufactured by Park Tool.

It's small and light enough that I don't hesitated to take it on rides even if the odds of a broken chain are slim. Being small has the disadvantage of requiring quite a bit of force to press out a rivet but it's not unacceptably difficult. If you're like most of us and rarely need to break a chain, it's an ideal tool.

Great small chainbreaker. Not something I care for short rides,,, but saves space in the toolbox at home.

This is a small tool. It's intended to be small to fit into a small, portable toolkit.

I have no problems with it. It works exactly as it's supposed to.

The advantage of Park's larger chain tool is it's easier to apply pressure and thus easier to use. If that is your objective get the large tool. If you are looking to save space in a portable toolkit get this smaller one... but expect to have to work a little harder.

Now that we understand the difference between the large and small tools, choose accordingly. If your decision is to choose the small one then I highly recommend it. It works perfectly.

I ordered a chain (not Shimano) and it removes the pins just fine. I'm new at this so I will give all the other new people some advice... if you plan to put the pins back in the holes, don't remove them all the way! Such a pain to get them back in.