A laced baler belt depends on its fasteners for strength, and these fasteners are most effective when installed correctly. Alligator rivet fasteners provide a durable, long-lasting splice for your equipment, but only if you follow the proper procedures. A small mistake during installation can cause premature fastener failure, belt mistracking, and costly downtime.
At Americas Seed & Belting, we understand that who you buy from is just as important as what you buy. That's why we want to provide you with the information you need to get the most out of our products. This guide will walk you through the most common mistakes to avoid when installing Alligator rivet fasteners, so that you can install with confidence.
Mistake 1: Neglecting to Square the Belt Ends
One of the most frequent errors occurs before the fastener installation even begins: failing to square the belt ends. If the ends of your belt are not perfectly square, the belt will not track straight, no matter how perfectly you perform the rest of the installation. A crooked belt end guarantees a crooked splice, creating uneven tension, premature wear, and potential damage to your machinery.
To prevent this, always take the time to square your belt ends properly. Use a reliable T-square or a dedicated belt squarer to mark a straight line across the belt. Cut along this line carefully with a sharp utility knife or a belt cutter. This initial step is foundational for a successful splice and enables your belt to operate as it should.
Mistake 2: Skipping the Skiving Process
Another critical step you cannot rush or overlook is skiving. This is the process of removing a layer of the belt's top cover to allow the fastener to sit flush with the belt surface. A proper skive is to belt fasteners what a good windrow is to a hay bale—essential for a quality result. When a fastener is not countersunk, it creates a high-profile splice that can catch on belt cleaners and other components, accelerating wear and damaging the fastener.
Proper skiving requires the right tools and attention to detail. Use a belt skiver to remove the top cover to a specific depth and distance from the belt end. The skived belt thickness should generally be between .200" and .230", with a reach-back of about 1 inch from the end. Taking the extra time to skive correctly creates a strong, low-profile splice that will last.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Fastener Placement
Proper orientation of the fastener strip within the application tool is crucial. If you look closely at a strip of Alligator rivet lace, you will notice tiny alligator emblems embossed on one side. These markings are not just for decoration; they indicate the correct orientation. When you place the fastener strip into the application tool, the alligators should face up.
If the strip is upside down, the rivets will not set correctly and compromise the splice from the start. Another important detail is to confirm that the fastener legs are in contact with the belt before you begin setting rivets. The throat of the fastener is slightly open to make it easy to fit onto the belt, so you will need to tap the fastener plate down gently until its legs make firm contact with the belt surface.
Mistake 4: Improper Rivet Installation Order
The sequence in which you install the rivets impacts the final quality of the splice. When you drive a rivet through the belt, it displaces rubber, which needs somewhere to go. If you install the rivets from one side to the other, you will push all the displaced rubber in one direction. This accumulation of material can cause the belt end to become distorted and crooked, undoing all the careful work you did to square the ends.
To control the flow of rubber and maintain a square splice, you must follow a specific installation order. Typically, this involves starting with the center rivets and working your way out toward the edges, alternating sides. This approach evenly distributes the displaced rubber, preventing distortion and keeping the belts square and on track.
Mistake 5: Insufficient Force When Setting Rivets
A common cause of fastener failure is an improper rivet set. If the rivets are not set with enough force, they can work their way out of the splice over time. The goal is to apply enough force to make the legs of the fastener plates parallel to each other, securing the rivet firmly within the belt. For a proper set, always use the Alligator belt lacing tool on a solid surface and do not remove the pilot nails until the installation is complete.
Conversely, using too much force can also create problems, especially with pneumatic tools. If you are using an air hammer to set the rivets, verify that the pressure does not exceed 85 psi. Excessive force can damage the fastener plates or the belt itself, weakening the splice. Achieving the right balance of force is key to a durable and long-lasting connection.
Mistake 6: Ignoring the Application Gauge
Another mistake to avoid when installing Alligator rivet fasteners is not using the application gauge. This is a simple but invaluable tool that can help you avoid many of the mistakes mentioned here. This gauge lets you quickly check several critical aspects of your splice. You can use it to determine if your belt is the correct thickness for the fasteners, confirm how far back you need to skive the belt ends, and verify the maximum height of your finished splice.
Make it a habit to use the gauge throughout the installation process. Passing all the tests on the gauge provides reliable confirmation that you have installed a well-spliced cable. These gauges serve as an effective quality control to safeguard the longevity and performance of your belt.
Build Splices That Last with Americas Seed & Belting
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong, durable, and long-lasting splice. Proper installation extends the life of your fasteners and improves the overall performance and reliability of your equipment, saving you time and money.
At Americas Seed & Belting, our commitment is to helping our customers succeed. If you have questions about our lacing tools or need further guidance, our expert staff is here to help. You can depend on our products and our support to keep your operations moving.
