A chain link includes a base area, confined by four sides, and first to third link portions respectively on first to third sides. The first and second link portions respectively receive first and second connection elements for connecting the chain link to first and second adjacent chain links, and respectively and relatively define first and second rotational axes of adjacent first and second chain links. The third link portion receives a third connection element for connecting the chain link to a tool receptacle and defines a third rotational axis of a rotary motion of the tool receptacle in relation to the chain link. The first and second axes define a first plane, the first plane is parallel to the chain link base area, and the third axis lies outside the first plane. A tool magazine for a machine tool includes a link chain from chain links for the tool transport.