Ice Toolz 62D1 All-in-1 Master Link Tool Review

As a long time master link user, Campagnolo peen chain hater, and an S&S coupled frame owner, I was really excited to get my hands on a set of these.  In my eyes it was a way to reduce the amount to tools I needed to have and also pack when I go on trips with my S&S bike (this is because I remove the chain every time). 

The Ice Toolz 62D1 All-in-1 Master Link or Missing Link Tool

DESIGN

The design of the tool is simple, and the unit is well constructed.  The hand grips are soft and feel great in the hand.  The tool is smooth and changes from "Open" to "Close" modes with ease and precision.  Overall it really seemed like a great tool.  However, there is a significant design flaw.  Ice Toolz must have not tested 11 speed Master Links, because this tool will not work in "Close" mode with them.  The end of the tool is not narrow enough to fit in between the rollers.  This resulted in me not using the tool as intended to install my KMC 11 speed chain.  It still works but it's a lot more effort to pull the master link into position that squeeze it as intended.  On the flip side the "Open" function works great, but due to the struggle on the "Close" end of things, I would recommend looking for a different tool. 

The 62D1 opens the links no problem.

The 62D1 does not fit in the 11s to lock it into place.   The chain opening is too narrow for both tips to fit

Below is the work around I used to close the chain.  You can move each tip to outside of the Missing Link and instead of squeezing to lock the link into place, you pull the handles apart.  This works pretty good, but it does take some extra effort as squeezing is far easier that pulling.  Also, you have to be careful as the tips can slip out due to the lack of grooves for the rollers on the chain to sit in.  

The 62D1 Work Around.  Does not work that well because the tips can slip out easy since there aren't cavities

PRICE

Because the design flaw, it doesn't really how much you buy these for, it's still too high.  I was able to get mine for a smoking deal direct from Ice Toolz, but I still feel ripped off because of the fact they don't work how they are supposed to with my 11 speed drive train. 

CONCLUSION 

Overall, this tool misses the mark.  As more companies are moving towards and pushing 11 speed and narrower chains, Ice Toolz better do right by the consumer and update their outdated tool.  My next purchase, and what seems to be a far better option will be the Super B TB-3323.