Chain tensioning tip

[MarkShelley]

I came across a very interesting tip on another forum. If you get a small screwdriver or something similar of approximately 3mm diameter and put it between the chain and rear sprocket at the 6 o`clock position then tighten the chain completely tight, once removed the chain should have the correct slack. This should still be done after finding the natural tight point of course. If it doesn`t quite work (all bikes will be slightly different) change the diameter of the screwdriver (slightly bigger if chain is still too tight, smaller if too loose). Just keep a note of which screwdriver it is for next time.
This was tried by a load of guys on one forum and all reported good results.

Haven`t tried it myself yet, but sounds good in principal.

 

[Tarka]

Sounds like a recipe for disaster,given the huge differences in correct chain tension between road bikes and off roaders....and even on road biased 'dual purpose' bikes.

Look at a correctly adjusted chain on a bike with long travel suspension,and it`ll seem ridiculously slack with no rider sat on the machine.


Follow that website 'advice' and there`ll be knackered chains,sprockets and bearings galore.

 

[polecat]

What's a chain?

 

[Spout]

.....at the 6 o`clock position

What if your bike is digital?

 

[roddy]

how hard is it to tension a chain correctly ? do it a couple time as per the book and it'll just be as quick as the 'screwdriver' method.

 

[MarkShelley]

Sounds like a recipe for disaster,given the huge differences in correct chain tension between road bikes and off roaders....and even on road biased 'dual purpose' bikes.

Look at a correctly adjusted chain on a bike with long travel suspension,and it`ll seem ridiculously slack with no rider sat on the machine.


Follow that website 'advice' and there`ll be knackered chains,sprockets and bearings galore.

That is why it says all bikes are different and you can adjust the diameter of the screwdriver/metal bar to suit. I know a chain is at its tightest when sprockets and swingarm are in a straight line therefore the load on the suspension will affect how loose the chain is. This does not change the fact that this method should, in theory, allow a tension to be replicated exactly without lots of fiddling.

 

[Tarka]

That is why it says all bikes are different and you can adjust the diameter of the screwdriver/metal bar to suit. I know a chain is at its tightest when sprockets and swingarm are in a straight line therefore the load on the suspension will affect how loose the chain is. This does not change the fact that this method should, in theory, allow a tension to be replicated exactly without lots of fiddling.

As long as any offroaders/trailie riders carry a piece of 2" plastic pipe with them,eh ??



Honestly mate,as stated earlier,doing it the proper way ain`t difficult or particularly time consuming.....

 

[Grazoid]

I was shown this by an old guy who was a motorcycle race mechanic in the 50's 60's.

Done this for years and once you find the correct "dowel" diameter speeds up chain adjustment no end.

Test it once you have a correctly adjusted chain, if the screwdriver or dowel slides in with minimal friction(similar to using a feeler guage) and the chain is just taut you have your new adjustment tool.

However yet to find this working on any bike with long travel suspension, so be warned!