 Rohloff Revolver:
Probably the best chain tool in the world. The one in this picture is my workshop tool - 4 years old and still going strong. The Revolver has a bunch of very clever features: - It properly rivets the chain - it produces a LOT of force and has a clamping backplate so it actually rivets over the head of the pin.
- Every part is individually replaceable (though after 4 years, I haven’t replaced any part of mine yet...)
- It eliminates sticky links. Because it pushes against the clamped backplate, the joint is not compressed, so the links are always free.
- Automatic stops. Just turn the pin all the way in to extract the rivet just the right amount, and when you push the pin back in it stops when it hits the backplate (though you give the tool anohter half turn to rivet the head)
Now you can look at the price ;-) It’s £90...    Shimano Professional:
Shimano’s top-of-the-range chain tool. The handles are real wood, so they’re very comfortable and tough as well as looking really good. The tool itself is a very beefed-up version of the traditional Cyclo type, with a large solid body and replaceable pin. A spare pin is stored inside the hollow handle. One feature I really like is the extra side plates - this is really good at holding the two ends of the chain together as you join it. In operation, it is really smooth, but you do need to be slightly more careful when pushing the pin - it doesn’t stop automatically the way the Rohloff does, and occasionally it produces sticky links. I guess I’m spoiled by the Rohloff! But it is cheaper... £50  Park Lever-Type:
The fastest chain tool in the West! (sorry!) Just put the chain in the jaws and push the arms together to push the pin out perfectly. To rejoin the chain, you adjust the back nut to limit the travel, and do the same thing to push the pin back in. This tool is very quick - but adjusting the back nut properly is a trick to learn, and it often produces sticky links. These are easy to remove by flexing the chain a couple of times, so overall the whole process is very quick. £50 | 
