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Park Tool Co.

5115 Hadley Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55128 (USA)  www.parktool.com

CT-3 

Heavy Duty 

Screw Type  Chain Tool

The CT-3 removes and installs most 5 to 10-speed chains used on derailleur-

equipped road and mountain bikes.   

   

The procedures for separating and assembling derailleur chains vary 

significantly, depending on the type of connecting system used by the chain 

manufacturer.  One type requires a rivet to be pressed completely out of the 

chain, which is then replaced by a new replacement rivet when the chain is 

assembled.  A second type uses reusable rivets, which are partially pressed 

out to separate the chain and then pressed back in to assemble the chain.  A 

third type uses a special masterlink to separate and assemble the chain (a 

chain tool is not required to separate or assemble the chain—it is only used 

to size the chain).  Detailed explanations of chains and connecting systems 

can be found at www.parktool.com.

   

Below are general instructions for separating and assembling a chain 

and for loosening a tight link that can sometimes develop after a chain is 

assembled.  Always consult the chain manufacturer or a qualified bicycle 

mechanic for instructions specific to the type and model of chain. 

 

Chain Separation:

  

1.

  Place chain link into primary cradle of chain tool (Figure 1).  Note: Use care 

not to place link between primary cradle and tight link cradle (Figure 2). 

   

2.

  Turn handle to press chain rivet. If chain uses a replacement type rivet, 

press rivet completely out of chain.  If chain uses a reusable type rivet, 

only press rivet out enough to separate chain. 

 

Chain Assembly:

  

1.

  Place chain link into primary cradle of chain tool

   

2.

  Turn handle to press replacement rivet or reusable rivet into chain.  When 

properly assembled, an equal amount of rivet should be showing on each 

side of chain.

 

Tight Link Loosening:

  

1.

  Place tight chain link into tight link cradle of chain tool (Figure 3).

   

2.

  Turn handle until chain tool pin just contacts chain rivet, then turn handle 

an additional 1/8 turn to loosen the tight link.

 

Chain Tool Pins

  

To avoid loss and breakage of chain tool pin, periodically inspect to make 

sure it is securely threaded into tool.  Replacement pins are available: 

CTP 

or CTP-C

  

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