Review on Park Tool CT 5 Chain Brute by Adrian Allen

I've been cycling for years, but I don't know much about bike care. Well, now that I've read it, I know, and it seems I've missed a lot over the past few thousand miles. I think that speaks volumes for Trek's build quality. However. I underwent quite a major overhaul last month, replacing almost all of the critical components: shift and brake cables, cassette, chain and perhaps most importantly, the handlebars. I make the tools to assemble the bike myself as I plan on riding it for years to come. I bought a Shimano chain that needs this type of chain tool. Some chains use a master link that can be installed/removed with pliers; However, Shimano uses a "master pin" which means they supply the chain as an open loop (just a piece of chain) and to close the loop you use this tool to push the pin to release the bringing ends together. The tool is excellent for this purpose; It's small, durable, easy to use, and comes with instructions. My only minor complaint is that the tool has no notch or leverage to break the remaining chain link plate which MUST be removed before the chain can be used. It would be quite difficult to fix the chain on a trip without an extra tool in your pocket. But overall I'm very happy with it.