Reddit mentions of Park Tool MLP-1.2 Bicycle Chain Master Link Pliers

http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-MLP-1-2-Chain-Pliers/dp/B00D9NW32I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427817993&sr=8-1&keywords=MLP-1.2

Easily worth the money, especially on new chains with tight powerlinks.

For me, this: https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-PH-1-2-P-Handled-Wrench/dp/B003FPONCI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541802830&sr=8-2&keywords=park+tool+allen+key&dpID=419-T8tUMxL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

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I was too stingy to buy good allen keys for a very long time because I had a ton of really cheap ones, and the cheap ones did work. But every time I use the ones above, I think: "These were so worth it". I say that to myself every single time.

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Not a tool, but since someone else mentioned a tire: 200 miles ago I put on some Maxis Hookworms - best commuting tires I ever had. Wow. I had Vee Chinane and then Vee Speedster before - I got flats every other week, none on the hookworms and the hookworms are much more stable on less grippy surfaces either. Every time I reach a place I think: Wow, those are the best tires I ever had.

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Other tools I use constantly:

- my bike repair stand, i use this one: https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Mechanic-Bicycle-Repair-Stand/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1541802939&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=bikehand+bike+stand&psc=1

- my chain link tool: https://www.amazon.com/d/Bike-Shop-Tools/Park-Tool-Master-Pliers-MLP-1-2/B00D9NW32I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541803019&sr=8-1&keywords=park+tool+chain+link+tool

- A good portable multitool with chainbreaker: https://www.amazon.com/d/Bike-Multifunction-Tools/Topeak-Alien-31-Function-Bicycle-Tool/B000FIE4AE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541803074&sr=8-2&keywords=alien+tool

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Don't forget a proper cable cutter. You may also need some master link pliersAlso some hair spray to get the grips on without a battle.

The following will get you out of most mechanical issues:
workstand
mini ratchet
set of hex bits for ratchet
1-10ish Nm torque wrench
10-100ish Nm torque wrench with adapter for 1/4" drive bits
Park spoke keys
homemade bearing/bb press out of plumbing odds and ends
Park chain checker
Park mini chain tool
Park chain whip
Park master link pliers
Park hollowtech crank cap tool

Here is my work bench. At this point, I can build and tear down bikes. I just replace a headset yesterday, and I have all the tools, for example. So, it's probably overkill for most other people. There are a few things I cannot do, and it's because the tools are too exotic, like BB86 press fit bearing remover, threading the threaded fork, etc.

• I started from a Nashbar's deluxe tool kit but I think this one is way better.
  
• A repair stand is really nice to have, and I'd recommend the Feedback sports' stand.
  
• Torque wrench - I bought one from Nashbar.com. Wait until they do 20% or more off day. I also have a 5Nm torque wrench - similar to this one. For handlebar adjustment, this makes life a lot easier. You can get away with just 5Nm one for most cases.
  
• Stanlay locking adjustable wrench. I use this for so many situation, like installing bottom bracket and headset.
  
• Combination and box wrenches - any brand
  
• Ratchet wrenches 8mm - 12mm. Go find cheap ones on ebay. Makes life a lot easier.
  
• Ryobi 18v inflator with SKS presta adapter.
  
• Park tool master linke plier
  
• Progold grease
  
• T9 oil
  
• Wheel stand
  
  I also have Nashbar's crown race installer, remover, headset cup press and remover, and steering tube cutting guide. Head set cup press is rather expensive so unless you are going to service the headset multiple times, it's better to use LBS or bike coop.