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Park Tool CT6.2 Folding Chain Tool

9
£19.99

VERDICT:

9
10
If you want a portable chain tool you can rely on, then look no further. Unless you're on 11spd
Weight: 
131g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Joy of joys! the Park CT6 chain tool is back, updated to version 6.2. Park stopped making it for a while because of the cost of stainless steel, but now you can once again own one for the princely sum of £20 (a bit less if you shop around). And I'd suggest that you seek one out, because it's a gem.

Comparing the new 6.2 to the original 6, which I've been using as my workshop chain tool for many years, there's not that much different. There's a rubber O-ring to stop the two parts binding together - come to think of it, the original might have had one back in the day - and the threaded section is a bit longer, but aside from that it's business as usual. The CT6.2 folds down into a very neat - if heavy - 75x22x20mm package, easy to stash for riding duties. Open it up and you can marvel at its chain-splitting aplomb.

This is a great chain tool. The two handles are fitted nice and snug so they don't flap about when it's open, and the mechanism is tightly machined and uses the same high quality replaceable pin that Park use in their workshop-standard tools. It'll make mincemeat of any 5- to 10-speed chain you throw at it; it's as good as most workshop chain splitters and in a different league to anything I've found on a multi-tool, good though some of them are. And it won't rust, obviously. If you like to have tools that really work when you're out and about, whatever you're riding, then the CT6.2 is one to add to your list. Unless you're an 11spd kind of a guy, or gal.

Verdict

If you want a portable chain tool you can rely on, then look no further. Unless you're on 11spd.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Park CT6.2 Folding Chain Tool

Size tested: Silver

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The CT-6.2 works like a shop chain tool but folds compactly for taking on the road or trail. The fold-out handles provide superior leverage to push chain rivets in and out easily.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

* Cast steel body with stainless steel case

* Replaceable pin (part # 985-1C)

* Loosening shelf for tight links

* Works on 5 to 10-speed derailleur chains

* Weight 4.4 ounces (125 grams)

* Dimensions 2.8" x 0.8" x 0.85" (72mm x 20mm x 22mm)

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10

My original is still like new after about 6 years

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Not quite workshop performance, but not far off

Rate the product for durability:
 
10/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
6/10

okay, it's pretty hefty

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

£20 is a lot, but you'll only need to buy it once

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Flawlessly

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Form and function

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

erm, it's a bit heavy?

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 190cm  Weight: 98kg

I usually ride: whatever I'm testing...  My best bike is: Genesis Equilibrium with SRAM Apex

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track

Dave is a founding father of road.cc, having previously worked on Cycling Plus and What Mountain Bike magazines back in the day. He also writes about e-bikes for our sister publication ebiketips. He's won three mountain bike bog snorkelling World Championships, and races at the back of the third cats.

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