Chain is not aligned properly between tensioner and rear sprocket. Help?

[Auggievelvel]

I'm working on my first build at the moment, just surpassing the stage of mounting everything. After mounting the tensioner, I rode the bike around to see how fluid the whole chain assembly was. Everything is working fine, except for the tensioner which is slightly diagonal in relation to the chain. Due to this, the chain is gripping the side wall of the tensioner as it rolls. I can post pictures tomorrow when I get back to it, but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for modification to correct the angle of the tensioner.

Great website, by the way. Helped me a lot to prepare before starting this venture.

 

[crassius]

one can often put it in a vise and twist it a bit with a large crescent wrench - not a good idea to do it while still on the bike

 

[Auggievelvel]

one can often put it in a vise and twist it a bit with a large crescent wrench - not a good idea to do it while still on the bike

I could definitely give it a shot, but I lack a vise grip. Anyone else have any other tricks to get this thing aligned?

 

[crassius]

try jamming the end in a door to hold it while you twist

 

[Zeeb]

I, too, am having issues getting the tensioner aligned parallel with the chain. I'm not sure what the problem is, though, with giving it a little twist while mounted on the bike? I already twisted it a little, while installed on bike frame, and didn't notice a problem.

 

[Auggievelvel]

I, too, am having issues getting the tensioner aligned parallel with the chain. I'm not sure what the problem is, though, with giving it a little twist while mounted on the bike? I already twisted it a little, while installed on bike frame, and didn't notice a problem.

You, sir, bring me fantastic news at a perfect time. Did this resolve the issue? I may have to give it a shot, simply because I lack a vice of any kind.

 

[Zeeb]

um... it might have resolved it. My tensioner pulley still isn't perfectly straight, but chain appears to roll pretty smoothly.
Twisting the tensioner bracket helped a bit, but it was already close to straight, due to a couple shims I placed under the bracket while installing.
my problem (presumably yours too) is that the tensioner bracket is mounted to a bicycle frame member that isn't perfectly parallel to the chain.
Stacking shims under one side of the bracket can help bring it closer to parallel, though a slight twist with a crescent wrench may also be necessary. i made shims myself, cutting a piece of pipe into a couple "half moons".

I hope this helps