On the ride chain tool problem

[SwissVan]

I've got one of those portable multitool tool thingys (Crank brothers M17) that I carry with me on rides, so far I have never had to use the chain tool so I thought I would try it out (on an old chain!!) to make sure it works and to see if I can remember how to use it.

It worked but I found it very difficult. I also used it to insert a new shimano chain pin and this was slightly easier but still quite difficult.

 

The problem was holding the damn thing in one hand while trying to turn the pin driving handle with the other hand. There is not enough leverage to hold onto to counter the turning force from the hand turning the drive pin part.

Luckily I was using a chain that was not installed on a bike so I could move around (read as: perform like a circus contortionist), if the chain was still on a bike I imagine it would be just about impossible to hold it tight enough.

 

So the question is, has anyone else encountered this problem and even better come up with a solution, other than carrying a small pair of pliers (to hold the tool) or carrying a bigger chain tool?

 

 

[stewie911]

I've used this one a couple of times at home. Never needed to on the road and although other types are easier with leverage, it's not that difficult.

 

I think if you have a glove on, it might give you better grip

[Guest]

 

So the question is, has anyone else encountered this problem and even better come up with a solution, other than carrying a small pair of pliers (to hold the tool) or carrying a bigger chain tool?

 

solution is: eat your porridge in the morning

[Wyatt Earp]

Besides the sarcastic snarky remark about the porridge.

What you could try is to ease up both hands for the tool only.

I always carry a hook with me, I cut a spoke and bend the two ends, with these I hook one link on the right and one on the left with the piece to be connected hanging in the middle so there is no tension on the area where you insert the pin.

This should make life a lot easier, and I use a tool smaller than the CB one you have.

Notice the hook in the bottom of the picture.

 

 

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/bikes-and-gear/tools/multi-tool/1281347486566-tymza87opcrc-670-75.jpg

[Guest Big H]

Use a SRAM link but if you really have to use the chain tool take as small piece of pipe the same width as the ear and slot it accurately as deep as the purchase area of the ear is. This extra bit of leverage should do the trick.

 

Tandem cyclists use proper chain tools when the ride. I use a Topeak Super Chain Breaker that has a allen key lever and also nifty holders for Shimano chain pins. O ja and it also has a chain hook as the one above included.

 

Look here...... http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2924

Edited March 15, 2011 by Big H

[Slowbee]

I carry a multi tool and a seperate chain breaker. Seems to make things easier and doesnt seem to add much weight. I bought a toppeak one that comes with the hook that dangle showed, and it is mighty easy to use!

[leeu52]

Used mine 4 times so far. Luckily only on broken chains which made removing the pin easy.

[SwissVan]

@Dangle - Thanks for reminding me about that I used to have one in my garage many moons ago in SA.

 

@BigH - I prefer not to have any quick links on my chain (only in an emergency). And if I need to put one on while out on a ride then I will have to push out the original chain pin anyway which brings me to my original problem. A small piece of pipe with a decent slot could work and will be light and easy to carry.

 

@Slowbee - A proper chain tool will be easier to use but size and weight is an issue....got to carry it around on a 8 day tour of the Cape soon.