Tsubaki Chain Tensioner

Excessive chain sag can cause vibration and excessive noise and prevent the chain from properly engaging the sprocket, which prevents the chain from operating smoothly.

Tsubaki Chain Tensioners adjust slackness in the chain to enable continuous and proper chain operation.

Using Chain Tensioners

There are four types of Tsubaki Chain Tensioners: TCS Type, ETS Type, TA Type, and TH Type. Click on each below to learn more about how to use them.

Relationship between chain tensioner displacement and pressing force

There are two coil springs located inside the chain tensioner body. Using the elasticity of these springs, the idler sprocket or plastic shoe on the end of the tensioner pushes down on the chain, thereby adjusting its slack.

Click the button below to see the ways to express the relationship between the displacement of the idler sprocket or plastic shoe and the acting pressing force. Use these as a guide for installation and adjustment.

Points of caution

• Chain vibration will cause the tensioner rod to move in and out of and slide between the body. This in turn will accelerate rod and tensioner wear. Always lubricate between rod and tensioner body.
• We advise against using chain tensioners in dusty, corrosive, or other extreme environments as this may severely damage the tensioner.
• The tensioner may suffer severe damage when there are additional thrust forces acting on the tensioner (as with a vertical drive) and under severe additional load fluctuations (as with forward-reverse operations). Avoid these where possible.