Belt adjusting tool

[AndyF32]

I made up this tool to adjust my alternator belts. I find it difficult to get the tension I want using a pry bar. Tried it tonight and it worked great. Thought maybe someone else may be interested.

[srokag44]

Very cool! I'm going to make myself something similar. Tensioning the belt on the port engine on my 10 meter is nearly impossible alone. Thanks for sharing.

[prowlersfish]

Nice ,

[Away On Busine$$]

Got to love ingenuity!

[BobCT]

Andy,

What are the end pieces made from that go onto each pulley? I would like to make one myself.

Thanks
Bob

[Stripermann2]

Andy,

What are the end pieces made from that go onto each pulley? I would like to make one myself.

Thanks
Bob

Looks like 1/4", 3/8" or similar steel round stock. You can get everything at your local hardware store.
Good tip Andy.

[larryeddington]

Great looks as good as any you would buy.

Curious, what is the material each end is coated with?

[Stripermann2]

Also Andy, if you could give us the material list and dimensions such as length of the turn buckle and threaded rod size. (3/8"x...?)
Thanks.

[AndyF32]

Thanks for the comments.

The pieces that go into the pulleys are just nails, 20D's I think with the ends cut off and bent.

The red is just paint so it will not rust in my toolbox.

Give me a couple of days and I will make another and post the steps and materials. I will do 2 different ends 1 for if you have a welder and I have another idea for those of you without access to a welder.

[AndyF32]

Took a break from prepping the boat tonight and put together a tutorial on how to make the belt adjuster. My total cost was $2.67 for the turnbuckle from Home depot. The nail and wood block I found in my pile. Feel free to ask any questions. I hope it helps.

[srokag44]

Here is my version of the tool. Painted and then coated the ends with polyurethane spray. I'm hoping I can use it to tension the raw water pump belt as well. Might need to switch to a shorter threaded rod on one end to do that.

Thanks Andy!

[srokag44]

The tool worked great last night. I was able to tension and tighten the belt alone (and with my dominant wrist broken and in a cast!) What do you guys use for tightening the raw water pump belt? I used my turnbuckle and a small rope around the other engine stringer mount to pull it over. Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to do that?

[AndyF32]

NICE!! Glad you took the idea and ran with it. On the raw water pumps I tighten them by hand. You really don't want them very tight.

[Stripermann2]

Andy, can I share this among other forums and boating enthusiasts?

[AndyF32]

Jaime,
I do not mind if you share it. That was the intent of putting it together. I guess if someone markets it I will kick myself but oh well. Do me a favor and let me know where you post it. I am interested in peoples comments and what other ideas they may have.

Thanks for asking first.