| WHEN
DISASSEMBLING OR ASSEMBLING CHAINS: |
| WARNING
- The components of a chain are hardened parts. Striking these
parts may cause metal chips to break off from the chain or the tools used
resulting in personal injury. During all stages of chain disassembly and
assembly, wear safety glasses to prevent metal parts or chips from entering
your eyes and have personnel in the immediate area do likewise. |
| A.
Pin Removal |
-
If chain is of cotterpin-type
construction, remove cotters.
-
It chain is riveted-type construction,
grind pin heads off so pin ends are flush with the linkplate.
-
Drive pins out of linkplate
using a Diamond pin extractor Model # 113 or 135. Some multiple strand
chains or large pitch models will require a hammer and punch or a press
to remove the pins.
|
| B.
Installation of Coversides |
| Diamond coversides are manufactured
three different ways: |
-
Slip Fit
-
Modified Press Fit
-
Full Press Fit
|
| Modified and Full Press
Fits require some patience and tools to assemble and/or disassemble. |
|
| C.
Installation of Spring Locks and Cotterpins |
| After coversides have been
installed, install spring locks or cotters (depending on chain design).
Avoid using bent or worn cotters or spring locks. After spring locks (or
cotters) are installed, lightly tap pin ends to position these parts snug
against the coverside for additional support. |
| WHEN
INSTALLING CHAIN DRIVES ON EQUIPMENT: |
|
| Once installed, the chain
drive must be guarded to prevent personal injury or property damage in
the event the chain separates during operation. If chain drive is not guarded,
contact equipment manufacturer for recommendations on guarding before using
equipment. |
| Knowing more about how the
chain is constructed may help in assembly and disassembly. |
|
All chain drives should
receive regular maintenance. Each drive should be inspected after the initial
100 hours of operation. Thereafter, most drives may be inspected at 500
hour intervals. However, drives subjected to shock loads or severe operating
conditions should be inspected at 200 hour intervals.
At each inspection, the
following items should be checked and corrected, if necessary. |
| 1.
Check lubrication - |
On slow speed drives, where
manual lubrication is used, be sure the lubrication schedule is being followed.
If the chain is covered with dirt and debris, clean the chain with kerosene
and relubricate it.
|
WARNING!
NEVER USE GASOLINE OR OTHER FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS TO CLEAN A CHAIN. A FIRE
MAY RESULT.
|
If drip lubrication is used,
check for adequate oil flow and proper application to the chain. With bath
or pump lubrication, check oil level and add oil if needed. Check oil for
contamination and change oil if needed. Change oil after the first 100
hours of operation and each 500 hours thereafter. If pump lubrication is
used, check each orifice to be sure it is clear and is directing oil onto
the chain properly.
|
| 2.
Check Chain Tension - |
Check chain tension and
adjust as needed to maintain the proper sag in the slack span. If elongation
exceeds the available adjustment, remove two pitches and reconnect the
chain.
|
| 3.
Check Chain Wear - |
Measure the chain wear elongation
and if elongation exceeds functional limits or is greater than 3% (.36
inches in one foot) replace the entire chain. Do not connect a new section
of chain to a worn chain because it may run rough and damage the drive.
Do not continue to run a chain worn beyond 3% elongation because the chain
will not engage the sprockets properly and it may damage the sprockets.
|
|
| 4.
Check Sprocket Tooth Wear - |
Check for roughness or binding
when the chain engages or disengages from the sprocket. Inspect the sprocket
teeth for reduced tooth section and hooked tooth tips. If these conditions
are present, the sprocket teeth are excessively worn and the sprocket should
be replaced. Do not run new chain on worn sprockets as it will cause the
new chain to wear rapidly. Conversely, do not run a worn chain on new sprockets
as it will cause the new sprockets to wear rapidly.
|
| 5.
Check Sprocket Alignment - |
If there is noticeable wear
on the inside surface of the chain roller linkplates, the sprockets may
be misaligned. Realign the sprockets as outlined in the installation instructions
to prevent further abnormal chain and sprocket wear.
|
| 6.
Check for Drive Interference - |
Check for interference between
the drive and other parts of the equipment. If there is any, correct it
immediately. Interference can cause abnormal and potentially destructive
wear on the chain or the interfering part. If the edges of the chain linkplates
impact against a rigid part, linkplate fatigue and chain failure can result.
|
Check for and eliminate
any buildup of debris or foreign material between the chain and sprockets.
|
A
RELATIVELY SMALL AMOUNT OF DEBRIS IN THE SPROCKET ROLL SEAT CAN CAUSE TENSILE
LOADS GREAT ENOUGH TO BREAK THE CHAIN IF FORCED THROUGH THE DRIVE.
|
| 7.
Check for Failure - |
Inspect the chain for cracked,
broken or deformed parts. If any of these conditions are found, REPLACE
THE ENTIRE CHAIN, even though portions of the chain appear to
be in good condition. In all likelihood, the entire chain has been damaged.
|
|
|
