V belt tension tool

[Mister Moose]

I'm looking for those threaded rod tools that expand as you rotate the hex threaded portion that apply tension to a fan/alternator belt. NOT a serpentine or flat belt tool.

I've googled and searched, and don't find anything.

Can you still buy these?

 

[davesnothere]

I've always just used a socket, extension, and ratchet.
Never knew there was a special tool.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

not really sure what OP is asking, for European cars or Toyota?

 

[signcrafter]

All I could find is this thread that shows the tool, I believe, http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?t=51097. But no luck on where to buy the tool.

 

[alan camby]

Could you modify a turnbuckle and make it work? By modify i mean add some metal to the ends like a V to push on the pulleys.
http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Rigging-Supplies-Hardware/Turnbuckles?gclid=CM3vpei0nbICFYYWMgod5WsAfg

 

[RECox286]

Good luck finding one, b/c it probably is like trying to find a

dinosaur bone in your backyard. If you have any capability

to fabricate, or if you know someone who does, that would be

the way to go. I haven't seen such a device since the days of

flatheads, and even JC Whitney doesn't list the item anymore.

The closest thing I found to it is a Timing Belt Tensioner that is

specific to some Toyotas. Hopefully, your post will be read by

an old tool collector.

Good Hunting

Uncle Bob

 

[davesnothere]

Now I can see where that would be useful, was clueless without a pic.
Never seen anything like it before, but one of those would definately make tightening the alt belt on my 1980 firebird easier than the old prybar method.

 

[Provincial]

I've used my JC Whitney version a few times. Last time was on a gas drive compressor that was giving me fits trying to tension the belt.

I had no idea that they had gone extinct! They are more useful in the industrial world than automotive, since in automotive you usually can use a pry bar somewhere. Industrial sometimes there is no good way to move the components while keeping things in line without something like this tool.

 

[Provincial]

I've always just used a socket

Sometimes there isn't a place to use a socket, which was my point.

 

[CJKaz]

http://www1.mscdirect.com/cgi/NNSRIT2?PMAKA=35438209&PMPXNO=1873395

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0454182

 

[Outlawmws]

Man you would need to be real careful with that, as you can easily get the belt too tight too.

 

[Provincial]

http://www1.mscdirect.com/cgi/NNSRIT2?PMAKA=35438209&PMPXNO=1873395

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0454182

Wow! These are the exact same tool I have and I remember paying less than $4.00 for it! They are pretty flimsy, but then they don't need to be very strong because, as Outlaw pointed out, it doesn't take much force to tension a belt (or set of belts) properly.

 

[Steevo]

Hmmm, now you have me wondering where mine is. I know I had one of those . . . .

 

[otis66]

Here is somthing that works.
http://www.pbase.com/image/114466824

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

t this thing: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XF0OLC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'd head to home depot and buy a coupling nut and some allthread, then roam around in plumbing tooking for something I could saw in half and tap to match the allthread for ends.

Reminds me of a gadget I bought recently...a "Hat Jack", essentially an inside-out belt tool made for stretching hats...

 

[sselander]

It is hard to believe, but they have become hard to find.
Everyone used to sell them, now they don't.
They were sold as "fan belt tensioner's"
JC Whitney used to sell it as "instant belt fan tightener", HF used to sell them also.

 

[chevelle67]

You can get them ( rather one like those) at most bearing/ belt wholesalers such as bearings inc or motion industries.

 

[Mister Moose]

Thanks - I think I'm going to try making one out of 2x4s and threaded rod first. Great suggestion!

Courtesy otis66

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Here's the Hat Jack I referred to: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001XON4E6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Interestingly, it's probably powerful enough for the pulley work...it will completely blow out a hat if you try to go too far! Blocks inside out for pulleys, right way for hats and the grease stays away from your hat!
Anyway...it is a pretty good illustration of what you could easily make from allthread and a coupling nut.

 

[jamesemery728]

Gads, I remember when these were available everywhere. Makes me feel really old.