Would a turnbuckle work as a chain tensioner/puller?

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nuzuki

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I have to join some fairly tight chains at work (10B2 style). I was discussing with my collegue if a hook to hook turnbuckle would to pull the chains together so I can get the master link in place. He seemed to think it would work but then giving it some further thought i'm not so sure. I think whatever is done to one end would counteract the other end. I think this is why turnbuckles are meant for rope/wire as it can twist whereas chain cant. A car suspension spring compressor (with modified grips) would probably work better.

Just wanted to see what you lot thought about this or if anything on the market exists for this. Some of the chain tensioners on ebay look pretty feeble. I did consider modifying an F clamp or welding clamp also.

Thanks for reading
 
Thanks for the replies. Yes I forgot to say a car spring compressor tool would work great but id have to modify it then hide it when it comes to tool checks by my boss. Other than that it would be perfect.

Thanks for the links. I have some fuel filter pliers on the way which are similar. As seen here...
 
What about bike chain pliers? Plenty of different types out there.

probiketool.com

2-in-1 Master Link Chain Pliers

Effortlessly remove/replace chain links in secs. No more fiddling. Compatible with 5-12 speed derailleur chains, made from heat treated S2 steel for maximum durability. Removes & reassembles master links, no link too tough! Built to Last, Heavy Duty & Durable. S2 steel, ergonomic handle. Will...
probiketool.com probiketool.com
 
They're about £30-40 aren't they? In a commercial setting you must buy the right tools for the job not some bodge.

Back in the day a little device like that would have made a great school metal work project, I seem to recall making a hand vice, a trowel and an adjustable square, amongst other things. :)
 
nuzuki said:
id have to modify it then hide it when it comes to tool checks by my boss.
Click to expand...
Surely if you are an employee, employed by someone, they should supply you with the right tool to do the job. Why on earth would you have to hide the tool from your boss?
 
We are meant to drop the drive shaft to release tension from the chains but doing it this way saves alot of time. The boss doesn't mind but he just has to turn a blind eye to the modified tools for insurance and liability reasons.
 
The normal chain puller works for most applications but there's a couple of odd jobs where the gap is bigger and the opening width of the chain tensioner isn't enough.
 
nuzuki said:
We are meant to drop the drive shaft to release tension from the chains but doing it this way saves alot of time. The boss doesn't mind but he just has to turn a blind eye to the modified tools for insurance and liability reasons.
Click to expand...
Great until it goes wrong and an injury happens.

Then you will be responsible. Nobody will cover for you.

While you are at work do it the right way with the right tools. So what if it takes longer? You're getting paid to do it
 
Use the right tool, especially in work. It's no use the boss turning a blind eye to dodgy practices, he's still accountable. If you need a specialist tool, they should provide it. Maybe not to individuals, but certainly one for use by all in a workshop tool store.

I've had a set of these for over 30 years, used on a regular basis and still working fine. The secret is to not try and tighten the chain to the nth degree to make it fit. There has to be some 'slack' once fitted or either the chain will snap or the pulley shafts will run out of true after a short while.

FENNER Chain puller | ERIKS shop UK

Fenner chain pulleys are ideal for drawing ends of chain length together, to allow insertion of connecting links.
shop.eriks.co.uk
 
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