Drive Chain Tensioners | McMaster-Carr

	Roller Chain Trade Size Roller Chain Trade Size

05B
06B
08B
10B
12B
16B
20B
25
25-2
35
35-2
35-3
35-4
40
40-2
40-3
40-4
40-6
41
50
50-2
50-3
50-5
52
60
60-2
60-4
76
80
80-2
80-3
100
100-2
120
120-2
140
140-2
160
160-2
180
180-2
200
200-2
240
240-2

	For Roller Chain Strand Type For Roller Chain Strand Type

	Material Material

	Tension Force Tension Force

	Mounting Orientation Mounting Orientation

Horizontal

Vertical

	Roller Chain Standard Roller Chain Standard

ANSI

ISO

	Thread Size Thread Size

	DFARS (Defense Acquisition Regulations Supplement) DFARS (Defense Acquisition Regulations Supplement)

DFARS Specialty Metals
COTS-Exempt

	For Minimum Roller Chain Pitch For Minimum Roller Chain Pitch

1/4"

3/8"

1/2"

	RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

RoHS Compliant

	Handle Style Handle Style

	Overall Width Overall Width

	Overall Depth Overall Depth

	Overall Length Overall Length

	Overall Height Overall Height

	For Idler ID For Idler ID

1/2"

7/8"

1 1/8"

	Maximum Temperature Maximum Temperature

	REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)

REACH Compliant

	Housing Material Housing Material

Stainless Steel

Aluminum

Steel

	Mounting Plate Height Mounting Plate Height

	Mounting Plate Width Mounting Plate Width

	Tension Arm Length Tension Arm Length

2 1/2"

3 13/16"

6 1/2"

	Maximum Jaw Capacity Maximum Jaw Capacity

90 Products

Heavy Duty Belt and Roller Chain Tensioners

Maintain correct drive tension to ensure smooth operation for maximum power and a long service life. Designed for use on large belt and chain drives, tensioners are spring loaded to provide constant tension and automatic adjustments for pulsating loads. Idler shaft (sold separately) is required.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Tensioners

Tensioner Shown with Idler Shaft (Sold Separately)

Side View of Tensioner Shown with Idler Shaft (Sold Separately)

				Mounting Plate
Tension Force, lbs.	For Idler Bore Size	Tension Arm Lg.	Wd.	Lg.	Ht.	Material	Includes		Each
22	1"	5"	3"	8 11/16"	3 1/8"	Steel	Internal Spring	000000	0000000
44	1"	5"	3"	8 11/16"	3 1/8"	Steel	Internal Spring	000000	000000

Idler Shafts

(A)	(B)	Dia.	Thread Size	Thread Lg.	Material	Fabrication		Each
1 1/4"	2 1/8"	1"	3/4"-16	7/8"	Steel	Hardened	000000	000000
2 1/4"	3 1/8"	1"	3/4"-16	7/8"	Steel	Hardened	000000	00000
3 1/4"	4 1/8"	1"	3/4"-16	7/8"	Steel	Hardened	000000	00000

Spring-Loaded Adjustable-Arm Roller Chain and Belt Tensioners

Vertical Mount

Horizontal Mount

Replacement Spring

Tensioners take up slack and allow you to adjust tension on your roller chain or belt. A built-in spring allows the adjustment arm to apply continuous tension. They are for use with idler sprockets or pulleys.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

		Mounting Plate
Thread Size	Tension Force, lbs.	Ht.	Wd.	Tension Arm Lg.	Overall Dp.	Material	Arm Rotation	Includes		Each
Vertical Mount
1/2"-13	45	5"	3 1/2"	5"	2 7/8"	Steel	180°	Idler Shaft	00000000	0000000
5/8"-11	45	5"	3 1/2"	5"	2 7/8"	Steel	180°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000
3/4"-10	45	5"	3 1/2"	5"	2 7/8"	Steel	180°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000
Horizontal Mount
1/2"-13	45	3 1/8"	4"	5"	2 1/2"	Steel	180°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000
5/8"-11	45	3 1/8"	4"	5"	2 1/2"	Steel	180°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000
3/4"-10	45	3 1/8"	4"	5"	2 1/2"	Steel	180°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000

Replacement Spring

00000000

Each

000000

Adjustable-Arm Roller Chain and Belt Tensioners

Vertical Mount

Horizontal Mount Shown with Sprocket (Not Included)

Tensioners take up slack and allow you to adjust tension on your roller chain or belt. Position the adjustment arm to control tension in a 360° arc. They are for use with idler sprockets or pulleys.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

	Mounting Plate
Thread Size	Ht.	Wd.	Tension Arm Lg.	Overall Dp.	Material	Arm Rotation	Includes		Each
Vertical Mount
3/8"-16	3 1/4"	2"	2 1/2"	1 3/8"	Steel	360°	Idler Shaft	00000000	0000000
1/2"-13	5"	3 1/2"	3 13/16"	2"	Steel	360°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000
5/8"-11	5"	3 1/2"	3 13/16"	2"	Steel	360°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000
3/4"-10	5"	3 1/2"	3 13/16"	2"	Steel	360°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000
Horizontal Mount
3/8"-16	2 5/16"	2 1/4"	2 1/2"	2"	Steel	360°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000
1/2"-13	3 1/4"	4"	3 13/16"	3 3/8"	Steel	360°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000
5/8"-11	3 1/4"	4"	3 13/16"	3 3/8"	Steel	360°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000
3/4"-10	3 1/8"	4"	4"	3 3/8"	Steel	360°	Idler Shaft	00000000	000000
1"-14	7 3/8"	7 1/2"	6 1/2"	11 1/4"	Cast Iron	360°	Idler Shaft	000000000	000000

Adjustable-Screw Roller Chain and Belt Tensioners

Tensioners take up slack and allow you to adjust tension on your roller chain or belt. Precisely apply tension in a straight line by moving the adjustment screw. They are for use with idler sprockets or pulleys.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

	Mounting Plate
For Idler ID	Ht.	Wd.	Overall Dp.	Material	Includes		Each
Vertical/Horizontal Mount
1/2"	5 7/8"	1 1/2"	3 1/8"	Steel	Idler Shaft	000000	0000000
7/8"	9"	2"	4 5/16"	Steel	Idler Shaft	000000	000000
1 1/8"	13"	3"	6"	Steel	Idler Shaft	000000	000000

Floating Roller Chain Tensioners

Mount these tensioners directly onto your chain drive. They have adjustable straps that take up slack and apply constant tension. Because they engage with the side plates instead of the rollers, they increase the life of your roller chain.

UHMW tensioners are stronger and more durable than PTFE tensioners.

PTFE tensioners handle temperatures up to 450° F, more than twice as high as UHMW and titanium models.

Titanium tensioners stand up to harsh and dirty environments. They're stronger and more durable than plastic tensioners. And with a low coefficient of friction, they work with chain that has little or no lubrication.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

		Overall
For Roller Chain Trade Size	For Roller Chain Strand Type	Ht.	Wd.	Dp.	Housing Material	Strap Material	Max. Temperature, ° F		Each
For ANSI Roller Chain
UHMW Plastic
25	Single	12"	2 1/2"	1 3/32"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	000000	000000
35	Single	12"	2 1/2"	1 3/32"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	000000	00000
40, 41, 52, 25-2	Single, Double	12"	3"	2 11/16"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	000000	00000
50	Single	12"	3 1/2"	2 7/8"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	000000	000000
60, 35-2, 40-2, 35-3	Single, Double, Triple	12"	4"	3 1/8"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	000000	000000
76, 100, 60-2, 40-3	Single, Double, Triple	16"	5"	4 1/16"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	000000	000000
80, 50-2, 35-4	Single, Double, Quadruple	16"	4 1/2"	3 3/4"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	000000	000000
120, 80-2, 50-3, 40-4	Single, Double, Triple, Quadruple	16"	5 1/2"	4 13/16"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	000000	000000
200, 100-2, 80-3, 60-4, 50-5, 40-6	Single, Double, Triple, Quadruple, Fivefold, Sixfold	24"	7 1/2"	6"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	00000000	000000
PTFE Plastic
35	Single	12"	2 1/2"	1 3/32"	304 Stainless Steel	Galvanized Steel	450°	00000000	000000
40, 41, 52, 25-2	Single, Double	12"	3"	2 11/16"	304 Stainless Steel	Galvanized Steel	450°	00000000	000000
50	Single	12"	3 1/2"	2 7/8"	304 Stainless Steel	Galvanized Steel	450°	00000000	000000
60, 35-2, 40-2, 35-3	Single, Double	12"	4"	3 1/8"	304 Stainless Steel	Galvanized Steel	450°	00000000	000000
Titanium
25	Single	12"	2 1/2"	1 3/32"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	00000000	000000
35	Single	12"	2 1/2"	1 3/32"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	00000000	000000
40, 41, 52, 25-2	Single, Double	12"	3"	2 11/16"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	00000000	000000
50	Single	12"	3 1/2"	2 7/8"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	00000000	000000
60, 35-2, 40-2, 35-3	Single, Double, Triple	12"	4"	3 1/8"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	00000000	000000
76, 100, 60-2, 40-3	Single, Double, Triple	16"	5"	4 1/16"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	00000000	000000
80, 50-2, 35-4	Single, Double, Quadruple	16"	4 1/2"	3 3/4"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	00000000	000000
120, 80-2, 50-3, 40-4	Single, Double, Triple, Quadruple	16"	5 1/2"	4 13/16"	304 Stainless Steel	HDPE Plastic	180°	00000000	000000

Channel-Guided Roller Chain Tensioners

Built-in springs put constant tension on roller chain to absorb and buffer shock, reduce vibration, and improve drive performance.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

			Overall					Mounting Holes
For Roller Chain Trade Size	Tension Force, lbs.	Travel Ht.	Ht.	Wd.	Dp.	Material	Housing Material	Dia.	No. of	Mounting Fasteners Included	Max. Temperature, ° F		Each
For Single-Strand ANSI Roller Chain
Vertical/Horizontal Mount
35	15-40	1.05"	5 15/32"	2 5/16"	1"	Plastic	Aluminum	3/8"	1	No	180°	0000000	0000000
35	15-40	1.05"	5 19/32"	2 5/16"	1"	Plastic	Aluminum	3/8"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
40	15-40	1.05"	5 15/32"	2 5/16"	1"	Plastic	Aluminum	3/8"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
40	15-40	1.05"	5 19/32"	2 5/16"	1"	Plastic	Aluminum	3/8"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
50	20-60	1.2"	6 13/32"	2 15/16"	1 3/16"	Plastic	Aluminum	7/16"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
50	20-60	1.2"	6 15/32"	2 15/16"	1 3/16"	Plastic	Aluminum	7/16"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
60	20-60	1.2"	6 13/32"	2 15/16"	1 3/16"	Plastic	Aluminum	7/16"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
60	20-60	1.2"	6 15/32"	2 15/16"	1 3/16"	Plastic	Aluminum	7/16"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
80	45-100	1.5"	7 1/2"	3 17/32"	1 3/8"	Plastic	Aluminum	1/2"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
80	45-100	1.5"	7 25/32"	3 17/32"	1 3/8"	Plastic	Aluminum	1/2"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
100	45-100	1.5"	7 1/2"	3 17/32"	1 3/8"	Plastic	Aluminum	1/2"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
100	45-100	1.5"	7 25/32"	3 17/32"	1 3/8"	Plastic	Aluminum	1/2"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
For Double-Strand ANSI Roller Chain
Vertical/Horizontal Mount
40	15-40	1.05"	5 15/32"	2 5/16"	1"	Plastic	Aluminum	3/8"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
40	15-40	1.05"	5 19/32"	2 5/16"	1"	Plastic	Aluminum	3/8"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
60	20-60	1.2"	6 15/32"	2 15/16"	1 3/16"	Plastic	Aluminum	7/16"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000
For Single-Strand ISO Roller Chain
Vertical/Horizontal Mount
06B	5-30	1.05"	5 19/32"	2 5/16"	1"	Plastic	Aluminum	3/8"	1	No	180°	0000000	000000

Low-Profile Channel-Guided Roller Chain Tensioners

At less than 4" in height, these tensioners are good for use on low-clearance drives. Built-in springs put constant tension on roller chain to absorb and buffer shock, reduce vibration, and improve drive performance.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

			Overall					Mounting Holes
For Roller Chain Trade Size	Tension Force, lbs.	Travel Ht.	Ht.	Wd.	Dp.	Material	Housing Material	Dia., mm	No. of	Mounting Fasteners Included	Max. Temperature, ° F		Each
For Single-Strand ANSI Roller Chain
Vertical/Horizontal Mount
25, 35	7-13	1.6"	3 25/32"	2 25/32"	1 1/4"	Plastic	Steel	6	2	No	140°	000000	0000000
25, 35	13-29	1.6"	3 25/32"	2 25/32"	1 1/4"	Plastic	Steel	6	2	No	140°	000000	000000
40	7-13	1.6"	3 25/32"	2 25/32"	1 1/4"	Plastic	Steel	6	2	No	140°	000000	000000
40	13-29	1.6"	3 25/32"	2 25/32"	1 1/4"	Plastic	Steel	6	2	No	140°	000000	000000
50	7-13	1.6"	3 25/32"	2 25/32"	1 1/4"	Plastic	Steel	6	2	No	140°	000000	000000
50	13-29	1.6"	3 25/32"	2 25/32"	1 1/4"	Plastic	Steel	6	2	No	140°	000000	000000
60	7-13	1.6"	3 25/32"	2 25/32"	1 1/4"	Plastic	Steel	6	2	No	140°	000000	000000
60	13-29	1.6"	3 25/32"	2 25/32"	1 1/4"	Plastic	Steel	6	2	No	140°	000000	000000

Ultra-Low-Profile Channel-Guided Roller Chain Tensioners

Able to fit in tight spots, these tensioners are less than 3" tall. Built-in springs put constant tension on roller chain to absorb and buffer shock, reduce vibration, and improve drive performance.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

			Overall					Mounting Holes
For Roller Chain Trade Size	Tension Force, lbs.	Travel Ht.	Ht.	Wd.	Dp.	Material	Housing Material	Dia., mm	No. of	Mounting Fasteners Included	Max. Temperature, ° F		Each
For Single-Strand ANSI Roller Chain
Vertical/Horizontal Mount
35	2-4	0.6"	2 9/16"	2"	19/32"	Plastic	304 Stainless Steel	5	2	No	140°	000000	0000000
35	13-19	0.6"	2 9/16"	2"	19/32"	Plastic	304 Stainless Steel	5	2	No	140°	0000000	000000

Roller Chain Tensioning Rings

Install these rings between strands of chain to absorb slack without the need for realignment, lubrication, or tools—good for use in confined spaces where maintenance may be difficult.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

For Single-Strand ANSI Roller Chain
For Roller Chain Trade Size	Tension Force, lbs.	OD	Max. Speed, fpm	Maximum Temperature, ° F	Material		Each
35	1	3.539"	1,020	155°	Plastic	000000	0000000
For Single-Strand ANSI, ISO Roller Chain
40, 08B	3	4.154"	1,470	155°	Plastic	000000	00000
40, 08B	3	4.783"	1,470	155°	Plastic	0000000	000000
40, 08B	3	4.783"	1,690	155°	Plastic	0000000	000000
40, 08B	4	5.413"	1,730	155°	Plastic	0000000	000000
50, 10B	6	5.055"	1,500	155°	Plastic	000000	000000
50, 10B	10	6.693"	1,730	155°	Plastic	0000000	000000
60, 12B	7	7.173"	1,220	155°	Plastic	000000	000000
60, 12B	8	6.102"	1,060	155°	Plastic	000000	000000
60, 12B	15	8.169"	1,250	155°	Plastic	0000000	000000
80, 16B	21	8.15"	1,120	155°	Plastic	000000	000000
100, 20B	18	11.957"	1,370	100°	Plastic	0000000	000000
For Single-Strand ISO Roller Chain
05B	0.5	3.012"	980	155°	Plastic	00000000	000000

Jaw-Style Roller Chain Holders

Knob Handle

Thumb-Screw Handle

T-Handle

Hook into your roller chain and use the handle to tighten the jaw until the chain ends are close enough to add or remove a link.

				Overall
For Roller Chain Trade Size	Handle Style	For Roller Chain Pitch	Max. Jaw Capacity	Lg.	Wd.	Material		Each
For Single-Strand ANSI Roller Chain
25, 35	Knob	1/4"-3/8"	2"	4 1/4"	2 3/4"	Steel	0000000	000000
35, 40, 41, 50, 60	Knob	3/8"-3/4"	2"	4 1/4"	2 3/4"	Steel	0000000	00000
35, 40, 41, 50, 60	Thumb Screw	3/8"-3/4"	1 3/4"	2 3/4"	2 1/2"	Steel	000000	00000
40, 50, 60, 80	T-Handle	1/2"-1"	3 1/2"	6 5/8"	4"	Steel	0000000	00000
80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 240	T-Handle	1"-3"	5"	8 1/2"	5 3/4"	Steel	0000000	00000

Cable-Style Roller Chain Holders

Hooks at each end of the cable insert into the rollers beyond the links you want to change. Tighten the hooks with the included box wrench to add or remove a link.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

					Overall
For Roller Chain Trade Size	Handle Style	For Roller Chain Pitch	For Min. Roller Wd.	Max. Jaw Capacity	Lg.	Wd.	Material	Includes		Each
For Single- and Double-Strand ANSI Roller Chain
80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 240, 80-2, 100-2, 120-2, 140-2, 160-2, 180-2, 200-2, 240-2	Wrench	1"-3"	5/8"	42"	6 1/2"	4"	Steel	Box Wrench	000000	0000000