Cycling · 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 compatibility in the group, and costs less.
Pedro's Chain Pig II
Buy itThe only one that filters the degreaser as it goes, with a dedicated rebuild kit.
- 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, though Park Tool notes some single-speed bikes lack the chainstay clearance.
- 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.
- Park Tool quotes a 59ml capacity and no minimum, where Pedro's says the Chain Pig II needs only a single fluid ounce.
- 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
The 9 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Pedro's Chain Pig II Our pick | 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 |
| Cleaning mechanism | Staged brushes plus filtering sponge | Brushes with a magnet in the body |
| Contact points published | Not as a number | Not as a number |
| Dirty fluid handling | Sponge filters and returns usable fluid | Built-in magnet for metal particles |
| Speed compatibility | 1 to 13 speed | All multi and single-speed, plus e-bikes |
| Degreaser included | No | No |
| Solvent capacity | 1 fl oz required | 59 ml / 2 fl oz |
| Hands-free | Yes, drag-free derailleur hook | No, body must be held straight |
| Spare parts | Pig Guts rebuild kit | Brushes and sponge, part RBS-5 |
| Documentation | Tool diagram and user manual | Use, solvent and disposal cautions |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Pedro's Chain Pig II if
regular drivetrain maintenance where you want the tool to last and the degreaser to go further.
Know before buying: no degreaser is included, unlike two of the others here.
Pick the Park Tool CM-5.3 Cyclone Chain Scrubber if
single-speed bikes and e-bikes, and anyone who wants a tool they can buy spare brushes for locally.
Know before buying: park Tool quotes a 59ml capacity and no minimum, where Pedro's says the Chain Pig II needs only a single fluid ounce.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Pedro's Chain Pig II - The only one that filters the degreaser as it goes, with a dedicated rebuild kit. 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).