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Types of Shimano Di2 Tools and Their Compatibility
Posted at: Apr 2, 2024
A guide to the essential Shimano Di2-specific tools, especially the "plug tools" used for connecting components, and their compatibility with various Di2 parts.
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What Is a Shimano Di2 Tool?
To assemble components using Shimano’s electronic shifting system, Di2, you’ll need a dedicated tool called a plug tool (plug insertion/removal tool). This tool is essential for connecting Di2 components via electric wires.
Although it’s technically possible to connect the cables without a plug tool, doing so risks poor connections that can be affected by road vibrations or allow water intrusion during wet rides—potentially leading to malfunction. Therefore, this tool is a must-have when working with Di2 parts.
Shimano’s Di2 system connects each component using dedicated cables called electric wires. These cables come with three types of ports/connectors, and each type requires its own specific plug tool.
For more on Shimano electric wire compatibility, check out the article below:
Shimano Di2 Wire Types and Compatibility
Overview of Shimano Di2 electric wire types and their compatibility with Di2 components.
Types of Shimano Di2 Tools
TL-EW300
The TL-EW300 is a Di2 tool designed specifically for SD300 ports and connectors, such as those used with the new 12-speed Di2 road systems and electric wires like the EW-SD300.
Because SD300 ports are smaller than the previous SD50 standard, this tool is required for proper connection.
It closely resembles the TL-EW02 mentioned below, so be careful not to purchase the wrong model—always double-check the part number when buying.
TL-EW02
For a long time, the TL-EW02 was the go-to Shimano Di2 tool. It’s made for SD50 ports and connectors, such as those used with electric wires like the EW-SD50, which are found in Shimano’s 11-speed Di2 systems.
Note that this tool is not compatible with the newer SD300 or the older DURA-ACE Di2 7970 system.
One advantage is that it’s widely available, including second-hand, but it cannot be used with the latest 12-speed Di2, so use caution when sourcing tools.
TL-EW01
The TL-EW01 is a Di2 tool specifically designed for the original DURA-ACE Di2 7970 series.
Although the part number is similar to the TL-EW02, they are entirely different tools. As shown in the header image of this article (center: TL-EW02, right: TL-EW01), the shapes are distinct.
Importantly, the TL-EW01 is not compatible with SD50 ports, which the TL-EW02 supports, nor is it compatible with the newer SD300 ports.
Compatibility of Shimano Di2 Tools
Here’s a summary of the compatibility between Shimano’s dedicated Di2 tools and the various port/connectors we’ve covered so far:
| Tool / Connector | SD300 | SD50 | 7970 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL-EW300 | ○ | - | - |
| TL-EW02 | - | ○ | - |
| TL-EW01 | - | - | ○ |
Pay special attention to the TL-EW02 and TL-EW01. While their model numbers differ by only a digit, they are not interchangeable. Mistakenly buying a TL-EW01 means ending up with a tool that’s compatible only with the now-rare Di2 7970 system, for which even used parts are hard to come by.
As for the TL-EW300, it’s easier to identify since it clearly supports SD300 electric wires, which are used in Shimano’s latest Di2 systems.