Serpentine belt positioning tools

[tacomabob]

Just wrestled with a serpentine belt on a friend's 2002 Toyota celica.
Got it on fine ,but was wondering if anyone has used a serpentine belt positioning tool -long rod with two tangs to hold the belt from above( not the tools that you use for moving the tensioner) -and if the belt positioning tool helps ?
I know OTC and Schley each make a version.
Are they worth it?

 

[Fedwrench]

I think so. You just can't reach deep without it. Although there are fancy spring loaded ones that grip the belt, I used this style for many years.

http://www.foxruntools.com/serpentine-belt-install-tool-part-sl94170a.aspx

Some people say you can get by with a long screwdriver but, the right tool allows you to push/pull/guide.

 

[pepi]

The real question is how many do you change in a month?

 

[PoorOwner]

Best is have one person to hold the tensioner then you wrangle on the belt.
Odds were not good when the stupid aftermarket tensioner pulley is 5mm larger and aftermarket belt is 10mm too short.

 

[dudutzu905]

I have the tool and almost always forget to use it... unless of course there is no other way then it comes to mind, otherwise it stays untouched

 

[dudutzu905]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVB71I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Buster21]

I bought the OTC one in anticipation of doing the belt on my 2008 Tacoma. Tried to use it but some of the bends were to tight to muscle it around so I ended up using a screwdriver and my hands to get it on.

 

[greyjasper51]

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/fordspec/2012-02-25_084806_belt.jpg

tansit 2.4 diesel in england is always a fun one...


i just use some of these to keep the belt in place on smaller pulleys, not really bit enough for the crank pulley but alternator, wp, pas, they do fit if you get the large ones

http://www.lowes.com/pd_241624-52800-XCRU5_0__?productId=1068709