Outdoors & Fitness · Head-to-head
Pedro's Chain Pig II vs Park Tool CM-5.3 Cyclone Chain Scrubber
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Bike Chain Cleaners: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Chain Pig II is the only one that filters and recycles the degreaser as it works, runs on a single fluid ounce, states compatibility from 1 to 13 speeds, and can be rebuilt rather than replaced. The Park Tool matches it on spare parts, adds a magnet and the only stated e-bike and single-speed compatibility in the group, and costs less.
Pedro's Chain Pig II
Buy itThe only one that filters the degreaser as it goes, and the only one you can rebuild.
- A staged system: the first brushes pull degreaser up from the reservoir onto the chain, the chain is then scrubbed from all angles, and a large sponge wicks contaminated fluid off it, filters the larger contaminants and returns usable degreaser for more cleaning.
- Stainless steel button arms, chemical and impact-resistant plastic bodies, larger-diameter brush bristles chosen for stiffness, a quick-lock closure and a drag-free derailleur hook for true hands-free operation at high run speeds.
- Stated compatibility with 1 to 13 speed chains, a requirement of only 1 fluid ounce of degreaser, and a published tool diagram, user manual and Pig Guts rebuild kit so worn parts can be replaced.
- No degreaser is included, unlike two of the others here.
- Pedro's notes that single-speed use may require modified setup and technique because of the missing derailleur.
- No dimensions or weight are published.
Park Tool CM-5.3 Cyclone Chain Scrubber
Buy itThe broadest compatibility, a magnet in the body, and replacement brushes on the shelf.
- Compatible with all multi and single-speed chains, and with both centre-drive and rear-drive e-bikes, which is the widest stated compatibility here.
- A magnet built into the body pulls the metal particles a worn chain sheds out of the solvent, and Park Tool notes it does not normally need removing.
- Replaceable brushes and sponge sold as part number RBS-5, a stated 59ml capacity, and published handling instructions covering which solvents not to use and not to store fluid in the body.
- It holds 59ml of solvent against the Chain Pig II's single fluid ounce, so it costs more per clean to run.
- No solvent is included, and Park Tool recommends its own CB-4 ChainBrite for best results.
- Nothing on the page describes a filtering or separating stage for used fluid beyond the magnet.
Side by side
| Pedro's Chain Pig II | Park Tool CM-5.3 Cyclone Chain Scrubber | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Regular drivetrain maintenance where you want the tool to last and the degreaser to go further. | Single-speed bikes and e-bikes, and anyone who wants a tool they can buy spare brushes for locally. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $ · budget |
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Pedro's Chain Pig II - The only one that filters the degreaser as it goes, and the only one you can rebuild. Choose the Park Tool CM-5.3 Cyclone Chain Scrubber instead if single-speed bikes and e-bikes, and anyone who wants a tool they can buy spare brushes for locally.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Bike Chain Cleaners: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).