What Can I Do With a Belt Alignment Tool?

When coupling your pully driver and driven components, you’ll need the best belt alignment tool. Normally, if the paring isn’t done well, you’ll notice various problems with your pulley system, and it may not function normally. It’s unfortunate that many of us still don’t consider belt misalignment as a critical issue, but the truth is that it can cost you a lot to restore the working condition of your belt-driven equipment.

Types of belt misalignment

A belt alignment tool is essential for keeping your belt components in good shape. Normally, there are major types of misalignment you may encounter with your pulley system, and they can distort the normal working conditions of your machines. Over time, these errors may destroy your sheaves and belt so, watch out for the following errors.

  • Parallel misalignment: This is a kind of error that occurs when the plane and one of your sheaves aren’t parallel. It’s also referred to as offset, and it may render your pulley systems functionless, so it’s worth correcting this kind of misalignment using the belt alignment tool.
  • Horizontal Angular and Offset misalignment: when the two sheaves are sloped differently and offset on a horizontal plane, there will be a horizontal angular & offset misalignment.
  • Horizontal angle misalignment: this is a kind of misalignment that occurs when the slope of the two sheaves is different when they are positioned on a horizontal plane.
  • Vertical Angle Misalignment: When the slopes of the two sheaves aren’t similar to on a vertical plane, there will be a vertical angle misalignment

Signs of Sheaves and V-belts misalignment

The failure of the sheaves & V-belts and premature wear of a machine are the common problems associated with misalignment.  No matter the type of misalignment or problem within your pulley system, the truth is that misalignment increases wear and tear on the belt. Save your machine by using the best belt alignment tool if you notice any of the following signs of misalignment.

Premature belt failure

Normally, misalignment has been identified as the major reason why belts fail. It increases fatigue and wears, thereby putting too much stress on the belt.  As a result, it may cause tearing if it’s not repaired in time. However, it’s easier to correct this problem using the belt alignment tool available on the market from different brands.

Excessive vibration

Assuming you have recently installed your new pulley system, you Well, it could be a sign of sheave or belt misalignment, but it could also imply a more stressful problem. If you can identify the misalignment problem, you can use the belt alignment tools to rectify the problem.

Belt dust

Suppose you happen to see belt shavings or any visual clue around your machine, then it’s probably that your belt is misaligned. What you have to do is to check the type of belt misalignment you are dealing with. After that, Use the belt alignment tool to correct the alignment.

Unexpected noise

If your machine had been working perfectly and quietly, but all of a sudden, you begin hearing some squealing noise. Don’t wait for other signs, and the truth is that there may be a slippage between the pulleys and belts.  But in case you hear a chirping sound, then check on the alignment of your drive belt or pulley.

Belts unequally stretched

In a scenario where the belts don’t stretch equally, then the chances are high that there is a misalignment somewhere. If the problem isn’t sorted in time, it may overload the belts and cause premature wear. With your belt alignment tool, you can realign and reset the tension, and it should solve the problem if done professionally.

Tensile failure

Another sign that your belt system is misaligned is when there is a tensile failure. Normally, it is caused by uneven cord loading and can also pose a serious problem to the entire system. That’s why buying the best belt alignment tool online is important to help you restore your machine to its original working condition.