Quick links have simplified chain installation, but every new chain still needs to be sized to the drivetrain. The Shimano TL-CN29 Chain Tool handles that job for 9 through 12-speed chains, whether you are running Shimano, SRAM, KMC, or Wippermann. This includes SRAM's AXS flat top chains, which require tools that can accommodate their flared inner plate design. Shimano markets the TL-CN29 as a home mechanic tool, though you will find it on workbenches in shops and neutral support vehicles where reliability matters more than compactness.

The engineering separates this from basic chain breakers. A ball bearing sits between the driving pin and the threaded axle, which dramatically reduces the effort needed to turn the handle. Molybdenum treatment on the axle threads further decreases friction, so the tool operates smoothly even after years of use. The driving pin itself has a tapered shape that retains the excess ring released from the rivet when you push a pin through. This prevents that small ring from falling into the chain or onto the floor where it becomes impossible to find.

Shimano shaped the body and drive handle with ergonomic principles that matter when your hands are covered in chain lube. The grip surfaces provide control without requiring excessive force, and the overall form fits naturally whether you are pushing a pin out or driving a connecting pin home. The tool also includes a guide remover for breaking off the pilot portion of Shimano's connecting pins after installation.... Read More