The *BEST* Solution for "THE" tensioner/pulley

GoldenMotor.com
Sep 4, 2009
980
4
18
62
Texas
This is the instructions I read here in a post I am quoting:

If the link is at the top of the chain (going into the motor if you rolled the bike forward) the open end of the clip should face the back of the bike.

If the bike were to roll forward entering the motor on the bottom of the sprocket he had it right. It had not gone completely over the back sprocket yet in the pic.

I think the butler did it with the golf club in the closet.
 

xlite

New Member
Jun 18, 2009
735
0
0
ny,ny
That link has gone over the rear sprocket and is definitely facing the wrong direction. I suspect this is the major cause of complaints of "broken" chains.

Original XP Windoze Picture Viewer allows you to zoom w/o any special software or upgrades:

this photo is what you do not want to do the master link keeper open end is facing the wrong way
 

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sportscarpat

Bonneville Bomber the Salt Flat record breaker
Jun 25, 2009
1,839
471
83
california
Alright, it's my bike in the picture with the master link clip on backwards. I put the clip on backwards just to test everyone on the forum. 2door was the only one who caught that it was on backwards. So 2door passed the test. Everyone else will be required to take an on-line 8 hour training class on how to properly install master link clips. Pay close attention because there will be a written and practical test at the end of the class.
 

HoughMade

New Member
Apr 15, 2008
623
1
0
Valparaiso, IN
If I decide I want to use my chain to grind a slot in my wheelstay, I will run without a tensioner. I have the original tensioner as a guide and a spring loaded roller to take up the slack. Nice thing about that is it takes less pressure on the chain to keep it from slapping around.
 

Prasinos

Member
Dec 1, 2008
261
0
16
California
if you sharpen the teeth of the sprocket on a grinder on the faces (think blades not points), it makes it WAAAAAAY easier to adjust. I sharpened mine and my chain tensioner can move back and forth a full inch and the chain wont come off.
 

2door

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 15, 2008
16,302
175
63
Littleton, Colorado
Alright, it's my bike in the picture with the master link clip on backwards. I put the clip on backwards just to test everyone on the forum. 2door was the only one who caught that it was on backwards. So 2door passed the test. Everyone else will be required to take an on-line 8 hour training class on how to properly install master link clips. Pay close attention because there will be a written and practical test at the end of the class.
Actually, I PhotoShopped SportsCarpat's bike, flipped the master link clip around to see if anyone else would notice it...No, just kidding. Sure glad I don't have to go to that remedial class. I always hated staying after school.
Tom
 

Dan

Staff
May 25, 2008
12,765
115
48
59
Moosylvania
Alright, it's my bike in the picture with the master link clip on backwards. I put the clip on backwards just to test everyone on the forum. 2door was the only one who caught that it was on backwards. So 2door passed the test. Everyone else will be required to take an on-line 8 hour training class on how to properly install master link clips. Pay close attention because there will be a written and practical test at the end of the class.

Dang! I am already flunkin' real estate school! 100K a yr and I am e'flunkin' dang
 

tooljunkie

Member
Apr 4, 2012
663
5
16
Manitoba,Canada
i see toms point very clearly.
i welded my tensioner bracket to the frame (go,ahead try and move now you little Pr#@$) was what i said after i welded it.im close to 300 km's and no issue.

did run without but as chain stretches/wears it needs to have slack taken up.

we can debate this issue to the end of time,for some it works with,others without.
not every build is the same. my grubee 66 is on a CCM mountain bike,probably different than most out there.
 

maniac57

Old, Fat, and still faster than you
Oct 8, 2011
4,484
22
0
memphis Tn
My experience is welding it works best most of the time for my needs. It's secure and still allows easy adjustment without the hassle of shimming the motor mounts or half links.
I've built several bikes without a tensioner and I like the reduction in drag and noise, but getting the chain just right is a pain sometimes. Overall, the welded tensioner is the most convenient. I try to set them up for the least deflection possible which helps durability and keeps noise and drag to a minimum.
Of course,when you own a welder, everything needs to be tacked!