In this article I will explain why I’ve purchased the Unior Tools Crowfoot 1725/2CF open end wrench in combination with the Shimano TL-FC41 Tool for Direct Mount Chainring. When you replace or change a direct mount chainring, this crowfoot from Unior Tools will help you torque the lock-ring to specification.
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Key features Unior Tools Crowfoot 1725/2CF open end wrench for Shimano TL-FC41 Tool
On the product page of the Unior Tools Crowfoot 1725/2CF open end wrench the following description can be found (for both available versions):
Fitting 32mm and 36mm flat sections this Crow foot is designed to drive different tools when used with 1/2” square drive torque wrench.
- Size 32 fits flats on 1724.SSL and 1723.SDM, to tighten components to the correct torque spec.
- Size 36 fits flats on 1671.E13, to tighten components to the correct torque spec.
Important!
For proper torque readings the opening of the crow foot should be aligned perpendicular to the torque wrench.
There is simply no other option to torque the locking of a Direct Mount Chainring to a Shimano Hollowtech II crankset in combination with the Shimano TL-FC41 Tool. While the Bahco 9033 adjustable wrench can do the first portion of tightning, it is impossible to feel the proper torque value.
To be more accurate you simply need the Unior Tools Crowfoot 1725/2CF in combination with the Stahlwille Manoskop 730N/12 Mechanical Torque Wrench (which is the bigger brother from the 730N/2). For the picture I’ve attached the Crowfoot 1725/2CF to the Wera Zyklop 8000 Speed Ratchet (simply because the 730N/12 is a long arm). However the locking ball mechanism keeps the 5 mm thick Unior Tools Crowfoot in place.
Please note the explicit mention that crow foot should be aligned perpendicular to the torque wrench, which is also shown on the tool itsel.
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, you follow the steps below:
- 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. But without the Unior Tools Crowfoot 1725/2CF open end wrench and the Stahlwille Manoskop 730N/12 it is almost impossible to torque to specification.
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
The price point for the Unior Tools Crowfoot 1725/2CF open end wrench is around € 7,00 – € 9,50 which is a fair for me. Simply because you want to properly torque (not over torque and not under torque) your direct mount chain rings:
- Have you used Unior Tools products before? If so which models?
- Would you invest in a crowfoot to properly torque the direct mount chainring ?
Please let me know in the comment section. Unior Tools is a well known brand in the cycling industry, where high quality tools are manufactured within Europe. Another excellent tool I’m using with my DT Swiss wheels is Unior Tools Hub Genie – 627272 that allows for easy and controlled extraction of the hub endcaps, so please have a look at that one.
Related high quality reviews where the Unior Tools Crowfoot 1725/2CF comes in helpful are listed below:
- Shimano TL-FC41 Tool for Direct Mount Chainring
- Alugear Aero Boost Chainring for Shimano Direct Mount
- Works Components GEO Chainring for Shimano Direct Mount
But there are more categories with interesting reviews for on and off the bike. Please click on one of the categories to find out more:
