Chief Delphi - Sourcing an in-line chain tensioner

Chief Delphi (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/index.php)

- Technical Discussion (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22)

- - Sourcing an in-line chain tensioner (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133617)

Monochron

28-01-2015 14:57

Sourcing an in-line chain tensioner

My google searching skills may just be broken, but I can't find any kind of source to buy in-line chain tensioners from. I can find all sorts of side mounted tensioners but would really just prefer to use an inline one. If you aren't familiar, an in-line tensioner works similar to a turnbuckle but doesn't rely on rotation of the loaded end to apply tension.

If anyone could point me to a site (or even a certain hobby store) I would really appreciate it.

jwfoss

28-01-2015 15:00

Re: Sourcing an in-line chain tensioner

Something like this from Team 221 Robotic Systems might work for you.

AustinH

28-01-2015 15:01

Re: Sourcing an in-line chain tensioner

Just out of curiosity, have you experienced problems with turnbuckles in this application before?

GeeTwo

28-01-2015 16:10

Re: Sourcing an in-line chain tensioner

I assume you don't want this for wheels, since the tensioner would be unable to go past the sprockets.

We built our lift chain tensioners into the lift plate. We just bought some thumb screws, drilled holes big enough to pass the pin from a master link through it, and used the master link to connect the chain to a screw at each end. The lift plate has two holes which are in the same line, large enough to pass the threads through, and far enough apart so the screws can't meet. We used jam nuts to tension the chain and lock it down.

Monochron

28-01-2015 21:05

Re: Sourcing an in-line chain tensioner

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwfoss (Post 1435257)

Something like this from Team 221 Robotic Systems might work for you.

There we go, that is exactly what I was imagining. We are using #35 chain, but I imagine we could just widen the mounting holes to use #8 bolts. Thanks!

Derek Bessette

28-01-2015 21:19

Re: Sourcing an in-line chain tensioner

Misumi also sells them.

Turnbuckles for Chain

Knufire

29-01-2015 09:21

Re: Sourcing an in-line chain tensioner

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monochron (Post 1435444)

There we go, that is exactly what I was imagining. We are using #35 chain, but I imagine we could just widen the mounting holes to use #8 bolts. Thanks!

See the note that it's only recommended for light duty applications. I believe it was designed for steering chains on a swerve/crab drive. You could PM Anthony Lapp and ask him for his opinon.

lynca

29-01-2015 09:32

Re: Sourcing an in-line chain tensioner

We put together a rough sketch with a turnbuckle from mcmaster and a couple aluminum L-brackets for mounting to our elevator lift carriage.
http://2015.discobots.org/node/16

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 14:10.