Belt Tension Tools | McMaster-Carr

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Belt Type

Flat

Round

Timing

For Maximum Belt Width

Maximum Tension Force Rating

Minimum Tension Force Rating

For V-Belt Cross Section

DFARS Specialty Metals

Exempt

Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)

EAR99

Distance Between Arms

REACH

RoHS

U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) Qualifying

Yes

Minimum Tension Frequency Rating

Width

Maximum Tension Frequency Rating

Grade

Height

Depth

Battery Size

Cord Length

16 Products

Belt Tension Gauges


Style 1	Style 2	Style 3	Style 4

Keep an eye on belt tension to minimize vibration, noise, and slippage. Pick the gauge that matches your belt type, width, and expected tension.

Styles 1 and 2—Style 1 and 2 gauges are pocket-sized for measurements on the go.

For Belt Type	For V-Belt Cross Section	For V-Belt Type	For Max. Belt Wd.	Tension Force Rating, lbf	Distance Between Arms		Each



1	V, Flat, Round	—	—	7/8"	0 to 250	—	00000000	000000


1	V	—	—	1 1/4"	0 to 35	—	0000000	00000
1	—	A, B, C	—	1"	0 to 560	—	00000000	00000
2	V, Flat, Round	—	—	7/8"	30 to 150	—	000000	00000
2	V, Flat, Round	—	—	2"	30 to 150	—	00000000	00000
2	V, Flat, Round	—	—	2"	100 to 300	—	000000	00000
2	V, Flat, Round	—	—	3"	300 to 700	—	00000000	00000
3	—	A, C, E	Banded	3"	0 to 1,050	1 1/2"	00000000	00000
3	—	A, B, C, D	Banded	5"	0 to 1,580	1 1/2"	00000000	00000
3	—	C, D	Banded	5"	0 to 2,640	1 1/2"	00000000	000000
4	V, Flat, Round	—	—	11/16"	30 to 180	4 3/4"	0000000	000000


4	Timing	—	—	1"	30 to 180	3 1/2"	00000000	000000

Ultrasonic Belt Tension Gauges


Economy	Economy Remote-Reading

Premium Compact	Premium Remote-Reading

Check the tension of your machine’s flat, timing, or V-belt—no matter its width. These gauges use ultrasonic sound waves to take noncontact readings. To measure, simply pluck the belt like a guitar string to create vibration. Because they don't touch the belt, they won't accidentally change the tension like a traditional gauge might.

For gauges without a keypad, you’ll need to manually calculate your belt’s rating in pounds or newtons using its hertz rating, weight, and length.

Economy—Economy gauges are often used to test standard rubber belts in light duty machinery and automotive engines.

Premium—Premium gauges are specifically engineered for heavy machinery. Their software and sensors are fine-tuned to accurately measure high-performance belts, such as those made of carbon fiber or Kevlar.

Remote Reading—Remote-reading gauges have a sensor attached to a cable to measure in hard-to-reach spots.

Dual Sensor—Gauges with a dual sensor give you two ways to measure. For one-handed use, measure with the sensor built into the display instead of the cable sensor.

Keypad—Gauges with a keypad convert the hertz rating into pounds or newtons when you input your belt’s weight and length.

			Tension Force Rating								Batteries
	For Belt Type	For Max. Belt Wd.	Pounds, lbf	Newtons, N	Tension Freq. Rating, Hz	Ht.	Wd.	Dp.	Cord Lg.	Power Source	Size	No. Req.	Included	Includes	Features		Each
Economy



		V, Flat, Timing	Any	1 to 99,900	1 to 444,000	10 to 900	6"	3"	1 1/2"	6"	Battery	AA	3	Yes	Plastic case	Flexible Probe Keypad Data Logging Capabilities	00000000	0000000


		Economy Remote-Reading



				V, Flat, Timing	Any	2 to 2,200	10 to 9,990	10 to 800	7"	2 3/4"	1 1/4"	46"	Battery	AAA	4	Yes	Plastic case	Dual Sensor Keypad	00000000	00000000


				Premium Compact



						V, Flat, Timing	Any	—	—	5 to 500	6 1/4"	1 1/4"	1"	—	Battery	AAA	2	Yes	Plastic case	—	00000000	00000000


						Premium Remote-Reading



								V, Flat, Timing	Any	1 to 2,200	1 to 9,990	10 to 400	7"	3 3/4"	1 1/2"	46"	Battery	AA	4	Yes	Plastic case, Tuning Fork	Keypad	000000	00000000