Track tension

[777]

O.k. guys, everyone has their own method here. What are some of the techniques you use to adjust your track tension and why?

[palousepoo]

I worry alot about track alignment, and sight down each side comparing the gap from the slide rail to the clips, then may adj. one side to center the track. For tension, I go by feel, or if it ratchets one a ride, I have tools to tighten it some.

[Ollie]

I go off the ratching method.
Loosen it up till it ratches, then tighten it a bit till it stops.

[777]

Anyone using the scale and tape measure method?

[teeroy]

Originally Posted by Ollie

I go off the ratching method.
Loosen it up till it ratches, then tighten it a bit till it stops.

X2...amazing how loose that is with extroverts. my track hangs almost 2 inches off the rails with the back lifted.

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by 777

Anyone using the scale and tape measure method?

what's that?

[777]

Some guys used to recomend that you use a tension scale I.E. sprung fish scale, with your sled suspended in the rear you hook the scale to the track and pull down to a certain tension (usually like 40#) right about mid skid and then you measure between hyfax and track. Looking for a certain distance (like 1.5 inches) depending on make.

[teeroy]

I remember seeing one track deflection device years ago, was a spring loaded tube with a pin on the end that had measurements on the side. when you pushed it down onto the track the spring would push in the smaller pin letting you know you had the proper tension, then using the measurements on the side of the tube to determine the right amount of slack from the rails.

[m8magic]

Originally Posted by 777

Some guys used to recomend that you use a tension scale I.E. sprung fish scale, with your sled suspended in the rear you hook the scale to the track and pull down to a certain tension (usually like 40#) right about mid skid and then you measure between hyfax and track. Looking for a certain distance (like 1.5 inches) depending on make.

ohhh...you mean the method the manufactures suggest..ya seldom go wrong with that

[BigHoe]

Originally Posted by 777

Anyone using the scale and tape measure method?

That's the way I usually do it. After you do it a few times you can usually tell about where it needs to be but when the track is new and stretching I do it with a fish scale.