Belt tension gauge

[BillyP]

Does anyone know where I can find an inexpensive V belt tension gauge? I need it to adjust the belt on my Land Pride mower. Needs to be adjusted to 7-10 lbs at 1/4" deflection.

Thanks

 

[GaryM]

You could use a small spring scale such as fisherman use and a piece of wood marked with the deflection measurement.

 

[DavidJ]

Call an industrial supply house. They sell belts and have the tension gauges for them. Let me know if you can't find one and I'll locate one for you.

 

[shady1701]

I figured you could just set it at 1/4 inch deflection and be done?

 

[BillyP]

Very good Idea Gary. If I can't find a cheap gauge, that's what I'll do.


David, do you have any idea what one would cost?


Shady, at 40 bucks a pop, I'd like to get it set right. You know, too loose and it'll slip and too tight it'll break. As of right now I have it adjusted by what I 'think' is right.

 

[Junkman]

I owned on that I bought at auction from a car dealership.... after having it in my tool box for 3 years and never using it, I sold it on e Bay for $30 to someone that also put it in their tool box and hasn't used it either. It was still in the Kent-Moore box when I got it, so I assume that no one at the dealership ever used it either. It is one of those tools that manufacturers suggest that you use, but no one ever does. Like a torque wrench...... a good mechanic has a feel for the work and only uses the torque wrench for the final adjustments....

 

[kemartin3]

Junkman,

And real men reach for the 1/2" impact and reply "we don't need no stinking torque wrenches." /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Kevin

 

[shady1701]

True but deflection of the belt should yield a certian torque value of the belt. Alot of industrial lines of belts simply have a set value of deflection which translates into a linear belt torque value. I too would like to find a tension guage for certian applications but in my dealing most simply have a deflection value.