In this article I will share my thoughts about the Shimano TL-FC41 Tool for Direct Mount Chainring, that basically helps you to install a direct mount chainring onto a Shimano Deore XT M8100 Hollowtech II crank (or the SLX M7100 version of the Shimano Direct Mount cranksets).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to use the Shimano TL-FC41 Tool for Direct Mount Chainring
Shimano Chainring Tool TL-FC41 Direct Mount with product# Y13098720, is a must have tool if you run Shimano MTB Hollowtech II cranksets from the Shimano XTR M9100, Deore XT M8100 and SLX M7100 series.
These cranksets feature a direct mount chainring set-up, which is simply a tooth-profile on the axle of the crank (and on the inside of the direct mount chainring). This gives a very strong and robust connection, which is kept in place by a lockring that looks like a centerlock ring of disc brakes with a longer thread (and height).
Genuine Shimano chainring mount tool on Shimano 12-speed direct mount cranks . To use the tool, we recommend the Shimano Allen key TL-FC36, TL-FC33 or TL-FC32.
Technical specifications:
Material: steel
Tool holder: TL-FC36, TL-FC33 or TL-FC32 / 32 mm nut or spanner
Compatibility: Shimano XTR FC-M9100, FC-M8120 FC-M9120 / XT, FC-M8120, FC-M8130 / SLX FC-M7100, FC-M7120, FC-M7130
Color: Black
I’m running a couple of different cranksets and chainrings on my mountain bike. Shimano Deore XT M8100, Shimano SLX M7100 cranks in combination with Works Components GEO Direct Mount Chainring or an Alugear Aero Boost Chainring (and a Rotor Q-ring for Shimano Direct Mount).
So a good quality direct mount chainring tool is required. I’ve preferred the steel Shimano Chainring Tool TL-FC41 over the aluminum versions of for example Unior Tools Shimano Direct Mount lockring tool 1723.SDL. The Shimano TL-FC36 is a cool tool
Installation Chainring for Shimano Direct Mount
Installation is as easy as removing a Shimano Hollowtech II mountain bike crankset. In order to install a Shimano Direct Mount Chainring you need to remove the Shimano Deore XT M8100 Hollowtech II crankset. There is a good work instruction from Park Tool for this: Crank Removal and Installation: Two-Piece Compression Slotted. So from a removed Shimano Hollowtech II mountain bike crankset
- Simply slide the Direct Mount Chainring over the hollow 24 mm axle.
- Position the grooves (just like a cassette on a body, there is only 1 option with a wider groove/tooth)
- Put some Morgan Blue Aquaproof Paste or Weldtite TF2 Lithium Grease on the lockring thread
- Slide the Shimano TL-FC41 Chainring Tool over the lockring
- I use my Bahco 9033 adjustable wrench or the Knipex 86 05 180 wrench pliers to tighten the lock ring.
- To be more accurate I would need a Crowfoot open end wrench like the Unior Tools 1725/2CF in combination with the Stahlwille Manoskop 730N/12 Mechanical Torque Wrench (which is the bigger brother from the 730N/2)
- The torque specification of the lock ring is 30 – 50 Nm as per Shimano Tech Docs.
All in all a fairly easy installation of a chainring for Shimano Direct Mount. Doable for every home mechanic or advanced mountain biker who do some basic maintenance.
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
The fun part is that when you ride Shimano XTR M9100, Deore XT M8100, SLX M7100 you will get the Direct Mount capability for free. So you need a tool like the Shimano Chainring Tool TL-FC41 or Unior Tools Shimano Direct Mount lockring tool 1723.SDL.
The price point of the Chainring Tool TL-FC41 for Shimano Direct Mount varies between € 14,00 – € 20,00. For me it was at the lower part of the range. The Unior Tools Shimano Direct Mount lockring tool 1723.SDL is available for € 43,00.
- Are you using direct mount chainrings ?
- If so what tool are you using ?
I’ve used the Shimano Chainring Tool TL-FC41 for flawless installation of the below Direct Mount Chain rings on my Scott Scale 925:
- Alugear Aero Boost Chainring for Shimano Direct Mount
- Works Components GEO Chainring for Shimano Direct Mount
Other interesting product reviews on cycling-review.net can be found in the categories below:
