Found A Decent Chain Tool

I hit 17007 miles (in 14 months of ownership) on my Scrambler 1200CX this past week, and after a careful measurement of the chain determined that it was finally time for a new chain and sprockets. While the chain was stretched to it's maximum recommended length (320mm or 12.6 inches) the sprockets still looked great; no shark-toothing or cupping at all. However, years of hard won experience has taught me to replace everything as a set, so that's what I did.

Anyway, having turned wrenches for a living for the bulk of my adult life, I've learned the value of having the right tool for the job, and tried a new (to me) chain tool; the RK Racing UTC2100. This tool produced the cleanest pressed rivet heads I've ever seen from a chain tool. According to the chain manufacturer, the recommended diameter of the pressed heads should be no greater than 5.5mm, and this tool produced beautiful heads that were exactly 5.5mm. There were no odd deformations or cracks in the edges of the heads either.

Long term durability of the tool remains to be seen, but I have no reason to doubt that it won't meet or exceed my expectations; especially considering that I'll only need it about once every 12-14 months.