Engineering Chain Connect Disconnect July 2006
Engineering Chain Connect Disconnect July 2006
Engineering Chain Connect Disconnect July 2006
Disconnect
Instructions for
Engineered Steel and
Cast Chains
INTRODUCTION
to
CONNECT AND DISCONNECT INSTRUCTIONS
for
ENGINEERED STEEL AND CAST CHAINS
CONTENTS
General Instructions .......................................................3 Connect: One Chain Pin/Rivet..................................... 4
Tools and Equipment . . . . . ............................................3 Disconnect: One Chain Pin/Rivet ................................5
Avoid Damaging Chain Components ..............................3 Connect: One Sidebar .................................................6
Caution/Safety Statement ...............................................3 Disconnect: One Sidebar..............................................7
Most chains can be divided into two basic types: (1) To Connect:
Offset Sidebar and (2) Straight Sidebar. Offset side- Pin Orientation
bar chains have links connected by pins or rivets. Chain Support
Straight sidebar chains may be roller links, block Application of Force
links or bar links connected by connector links, Cottering or Riveting
consisting of two sidebars and two pins or rivets.
To Disconnect:
Both lateral position of the sidebars and the pre- Disconnect Location
vention of rotation of the pins in the sidebars are Chain Support
accomplished by various design features such as pin Cotter or Rivet Removal
head locks, controlled press fits, flats, shoulder or Application of Force
multiple diameters. A particular chain may use one
or a combination of these methods of pin securement.
2
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The repair of chains must be limited to the repair or 3. Connect / disconnect, loose chain sections on
replacement of complete links or sections. All other a bench, table, or floor whenever possible.
modifications, alterations or repairs must be author-
ized by the manufacturer. 4. When connecting / disconnecting chain into/
out of the conveyor or drive system, it is gen-
Before connecting / disconnecting chain: erally advantageous to work at the sprockets
1. Loosen all tensioning devices in order to pro- as the sprockets can aid as a support. How-
vide working slack. ever, accessibility will quite often determine
whether the connect / disconnect point should
2. Safely secure respective sprockets to prevent be at the sprocket or at some location away
rotation. from the sprocket.
4. Cutting Tools
CAUTION
g Serious personal injury can result if safety rules are not followed.
Observe
the following safety precautions when connecting and disconnecting chain:
a. Pliers (for cotter removal)
b. Grinder Shut off power to the equipment and lock out the
c. Hacksaw power switches before installing chains.
section to existing chain, extreme care must be Restrain shafts and sprockets from free rotation where such
rotation could permit uncontrolled chain movement and cause
exercised to prevent damage to the remaining personal injury or equipment damage.
components of the chain. This damage can lead
Use pressing equipment to remove or install press fit pins or link
to premature failure of the chain. A few examples are: plates. Keep tooling in good condition and use it properly.
1. Using cutting torches for removal of cotters or If pressing equipment is not available, contact the chain
manufacturer for additional guidance.
rivet ends could damage the sidebar.
2. Excessive heating of a rivet end for riveting Know and understand the chain construction, including the
correct direction for pin removal and insertion, before connecting
could damage both sidebar and rivet. or disconnecting a chain.
3
Instruction No. 1: TYPICAL PINS AND RIVETS
TO CONNECT CHAIN BY MEANS
OF ONE CHAIN PIN/RIVET
Applies to offset chains and straight sidebar
chains where it is possible or desirable to
assemble the pin/rivet from one side.
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