Variations and Alternatives
Most chain tools are designed for chains where the links have flat plates. For chains with complicated shaped plates designed to facilitate smooth shifting, specific chain tools are available which are identical in design and operation, but have the ears protruding into the chain shaped in cross section to fit the links of the particular chain in question precisely, so as to hold the pin in the all-important vertical alignment with the screw of the tool.
Some chain tools are better at removing pins than they are at inserting them. It is a fact that once completely removed, chain pins are almost impossible to insert unless the tool has been specifically designed to do so. Users get round this limitation of some tools by never completely removing a pin that they intend to replace. They push the pin so that the chain can be broken, to shorten it for example, but so that it is firmly retained in the furthest plate. This way, even simple chain tools can press the pin back into place. Sadly, the instructions that are supplied with such tools fail to point out the best ways to proceed.
While a chain tool is required to shorten simple chains on a bicycle, and as described above, can often be used to reconnect them, there are fast-release chain links that allow repeated making and breaking of a chain. They are connected by hand pressure but often need a pair of needle-nosed pliers for removal. These links invariably replace a pair of outside plates on a chain, so joining two sets of inside plates. Bicycles with a single front chainring and rear sprocket (for example bicycles with hub gears or coaster brake hubs) may have a master link on the chain which holds the pin in place with an easily removable c-clip. Some master links are bevelled on top, and can interfere with the smooth operation of a derailleur system. Some derailleur suppliers have produced a chain with a fast-release link, made with straight plates to suit their derailleur products.
A chain tool is usually needed to shorten a chain, even when a fast-release link is being used, unless the combined number of links plus the connection link just happens to be the length required. Consider the following example.
Assume that an old derailleur chain is to be replaced with a new chain containing a suitable fast release link, supplied with it. The old chain is broken with a chain tool to remove it, and counting the links it is noted that there were 112 in total. The new chain should have the same length, but counting its links concludes that including the fast-release link there are 116 of them. (The chain link count on a new chain will not necessarily agree with the number given on its packaging.) A chain of this type is provided with inner plates at both ends for this purpose. Bearing in mind that the chain must end up with two sets of inner plate ends after the shortening, then the chain tool can be used to completely remove four links. The fast-release link plates are installed by hand as if they were a set of outer plates, and can be fixed in place by hand pressure alone. There are variations of the method in use, but in each case a chain tool will usually be needed.
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