Bike mechanics everywhere have black discs littering their tool drawers and boxes. When Shimano first released the Hollowtech crank system they included the small disc tool with the strange star interface with the crankset. While absolutely required for proper bearing pre-load of the left arm at installation, and for disassembly, the disc tool (TL-FC-16) can get slippery and annoying in a shop environment. Keep in your travel kit, and make a necklace or something from the rest because Shimano offers the TL-FC18 Crank Arm Installation Tool, which has an oversized rubber handle and chrome steel 8 spline star interface that works with all Hollowtech cranksets that feature the left side bearing pre-load system (virtually except for the XTR M970). And mechanics everywhere rejoiced.

Strictly speaking the crank arm fixing bolt, as it is called, does not require much torque at all. When you mount the left side arm, you really just want to remove the play by snugging the left arm in towards the frame before using the opposing pinch bolts to lock it down. You never overtighten, as that will quickly wear or destroy your bearings, and cause way too much drag. You don't need the TL-FC18 for torque, you need it for ease of use and comfort. This is a tool most shop mechanics will use several times a day. The only time they need torque is when a customer installed unit has been considerably overtightened and must be removed. So when you need it, you got it.

The oversized rubber handle will bring a smile to your face, and the size and shiny chrome tool-end will make locating and grabbing the tool much easier than finding a small black disc. What has surprised us is how many home mechanics have opted for this tool, even if they already have a disc tool. I guess we shouldn't be surprised, nearly everyone of our customers is interested in making life easier and the TL-FC18 truly does that. Return to Top