Chain tools: what do you use?

[cheesewotsit]

Due to various reasons, I've not ridden my bike in a year or so. Happy to give it a service before I ride again, but want to take the chain off to give it a proper soak. Alas - I don't own a chain tool. I naturally go to park tools (CT3.2) but there seems some cheaper alternatives. If you have one, which brand it is, and is it any good?

eta: I have an (shimano) 11 speed chain with no ambition for 12 speed anything for the foreseeable.

[Harpoon]

I've got a Park CT-5 in my toolbox which is many, many years old and still does the occasional job fine. Fair bit cheaper than the bigger version.

If you use a missing link, the special pliers to open / close save a lot of faffing. I did see somebody the other day close a missing link by putting the link on the top "corner" of the front chainring, then stamp on the pedal.

[yellowjack]

The chain splitting tool i have is from Decathlon. It's pleasingly well made, and nice to use. Great in a workshop environment but not much use for taking out on a ride with you. I have a couple of Park Tools CT-5s for that.



https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/900-bike-chain-tool/...


Also have a chain link pliers, but while it opens a link well it just isn't designed for closing a link, so I end up "stomping" on the pedals to tighten the links too.

[Barchettaman]

Exactly the same set up for me, but I use reusable quick links from Wippermann. They cost a little more but are miles better.