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Chain tensioner

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kelso

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I would like to fab a chain tensioner that is spring loaded, similar to the monstarcraftsman version and I am wondering if anyone knows where to look for the sprocket and spring. I work in a steel mill and I can have pretty much anything machined as far as brackets are concerned. I can get things slotted, drilled whatever but I am not sure where a guy would look for the other stuff. Any ideas?

I like the idea of something with a spring that keeps tension when going between gears.

I have seen the thread with the skateboard wheel. It is killer but not really the look I am going for.
 
Here is the tensioner that I built. I bought the spring from Grainger. Just look up torsion spring. It was about $7, but I can not remember which way it was wound. You have to look at the pictures. But it is the way to go.

2011-12-28130910.jpg
 
I bought it at a local bearing shop called BRC Bearing. It was about $25 and the bearing was $8. I had to put it on my mini lathe to make the center hole large enough for the bearing. The bearing has an I.D. of 1/2" and an O.D. of 1&1 /8". It is a 13 tooth sprocket for a 530 chain, but they had to cross reference the sprocket to the 530 since their books showed another way. I have about $35 in it, but of course the hardware is just for a rough fit. I have some other pictures I could share if you like. I could get the grainger part number tomorrow as well.

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This is just what I an looking to do but I don't have a lathe. Not sure how I would get that done. I can't believe that there is not somewhere to buy the sprocket with the bearing already in it.
 
whats the OD of the sprocket?


missile150 said:
I bought it at a local bearing shop called BRC Bearing. It was about $25 and the bearing was $8. I had to put it on my mini lathe to make the center hole large enough for the bearing. The bearing has an I.D. of 1/2" and an O.D. of 1&1 /8". It is a 13 tooth sprocket for a 530 chain, but they had to cross reference the sprocket to the 530 since their books showed another way. I have about $35 in it, but of course the hardware is just for a rough fit. I have some other pictures I could share if you like. I could get the grainger part number tomorrow as well.

Posted via Mobile
Click to expand...
 
That item is for a ansi 50 weight chain which is the same as 530 chain 5/8th pitch (length between teeth) and 3/8 width. If you are running 520 chain it will be to big (too wide). 530 chain designates pitch/width/0 so 5/8x3/8 same as ansi 50 weight.
 
I am glad that you guys found something out there. I just got this stuff locally and had some time to work on it and play with my tools. But it would have been easier if I found something already out there. But this worked for me and came out pretty good. The sprocket size you guys posted is great info to match the chain. I hope whatever you use works for you, and my pictures help. Good luck!
 
ippytattoo said:
That item is for a ansi 50 weight chain which is the same as 530 chain 5/8th pitch (length between teeth) and 3/8 width. If you are running 520 chain it will be to big (too wide). 530 chain designates pitch/width/0 so 5/8x3/8 same as ansi 50 weight.
Click to expand...

I will make sure to check back with this thread when it comes time to order my chain, thanks for the great info.

Travis, is this a candidate for the tech section?
 

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