Chain tools earn their place in the toolbox through repetition. Every chain replacement, every sizing cut on a new drivetrain, every quick link installation where you need to remove a pin—the CT-3.3 handles all of it. Park Tool built this one around a forged steel body that won't flex under pressure, which matters because a chain tool that deflects even slightly under load pushes pins at an angle instead of straight through. That's how you end up with stiff links or damaged plates.

The CT-3.3 works with all single-speed and multi-speed chains up through 12-speed, including the narrower plates that modern drivetrains require. A replaceable driving pin threads into the handle assembly, and Park Tool sells replacement pins separately when you eventually wear one out. The rotating cradle design supports the chain from multiple angles, keeping everything aligned during pin extraction or installation. For Shimano chains with their connecting pins, this tool drives those flush without the wobble that cheaper tools introduce.

One detail worth mentioning: this is a bench tool, not a trailside repair. The steel construction and comfortable handle make it ideal for shop work or home mechanics who want something that'll last decades, but it's too heavy and bulky for a saddle bag. Park Tool makes lighter options for ride-along emergency use. The CT-3.3 belongs in a drawer or mounted on a pegboard where you can apply real leverage without worrying about weight.... Read More