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  1. #1
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    Belt tightening tool



    Come across a few belts recently on motors that have snapped due to being to tight. I was told today about a tool that can be bought to measure belt tightness. I was told that it had a spring in it which indicates weather its too slack or too tight, anyone heard of it and where i can get hold of one?



  2. #2
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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    I think mechanics use these a lot to tension the water pump belts on cars.

    Snap-on should have one.

    Chillin
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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    sounds good thanks, i imagine they are pricey from snap on but il have a look.

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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    IF AT FIRST YOU DON`T SUCCEED.
    DESTROY ALL EVIDENCE THAT YOU TRIED!
    and go get a cuppa

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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    Great, thanks Chillin, just what im after

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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    The other option is the "90° twist test".

    Hold the belt between your forefinger and thumb, if you can twist the belt through 90° without struggling then the tension should be about right.

    There you go, no charge
    Last edited by Brian_UK; 03-09-2007 at 08:08 PM. Reason: Spelling!
    Brian - Newton Abbot, Devon, UK
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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    Hold the belt between your forefinger and thumb, if you can twist the belt through 90° without struggling then the tension should be about right.

    There you go, no charge
    I like that. The tensioning tool Graingers sells is basically a reverse acting fish scale. Most belts should not have more than an inch of travel when pushed down with reasonable force. When you have multiple belts, replace the loose ones.

    I am told that there are no more "matched sets" of belts, even though you can buy a multiple pulley belt for commonly sized air handlers.

    I see all these Harley Davidson motorcycles with what appears to be a damn timing belt instead of a chain. We have all these adjustable pulleys and belt sizes with angles and wedgy cuts.

    Am I wrong, but isn't the duty of a Harley Davidson belt drive sufficiently adequate for most air handlers? What am I missing?

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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    I bought mine from the pulley and belt supplier - special order for about Oz$50. Don't really use it much now - I've got a good feel for it, but it impressed a few building managers. I needed to carry a chart of tention for the different belts.Any way have you seen the new vented pulley design? they weigh about half as much and run the belts 17degC cooler. Cheers Bro

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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    Quote Originally Posted by Dan
    Am I wrong, but isn't the duty of a Harley Davidson belt drive sufficiently adequate for most Air handlers? What am I missing?
    Some of the belts are dependent on the application. The cog belts and notched belts I believe have limits on the wrap angle of the pulley. You can probably find some good information from Gates.

    http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?br...cation_id=6196

    http://www.gates.com/index.cfm?location_id=534

    Note: you may have to register for access to the information, but this should provide a start...

    I used to use the notched belts in lieu of the standard v-belt because I thought the ran cooler due to the increased surface area and the notches providing a cooling effect when rotating.
    If all else fails, ask for help.


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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    I use either the belt twist test like Brian_uk said, or a clamp ammeter on the motor.
    I tighten and test using visual/audio and amps.
    If it's pulling too high amps I loosen the belt, if it's slipping and the pulleys and belts OK I tighten until FLA met.

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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    Great thanks guys

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    Talking Re: Belt tightening tool

    Go to a Fenner belt agent and they will be able to give you a belt guide with all the relevent tables for proper belt adjustment. You will also be able to get yourself a belt tension tool, which are inexpensive.

    Regards.

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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    Quote Originally Posted by paul_h View Post
    I use either the belt twist test like Brian_uk said, or a clamp ammeter on the motor.
    I tighten and test using visual/audio and amps.
    If it's pulling too high amps I loosen the belt, if it's slipping and the pulleys and belts OK I tighten until FLA met.
    I recommend you discuss this with belt/sheave manufacturers. I believe you will find belts are not intended to slip and will quickly wear the smaller sheave to where the belt looses full contact and becomes incapable of transmitting full HP.

  14. #14
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    Re: Belt tightening tool

    i got one of these tools from bearing services a belt and bearing supplyer

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