Tension gauge

[Wilf]

I have one of the following

http://www.lasertools.co.uk/item.aspx?item=1160

But am after a sanity check as to what figures to use with it. Assuming 95lbf on the belt then that would give 42.2 daN which is off the scale so I am obviously missing something here.

Ideally I need a section of old belt to hang a weight off and take some readings!

[andydclements]

42.2daN or 4.22daN?

 

I think da means deca, as in ten of, the reverse of deci which refers to one tenth.

[Escape]

42.2daN does correspond to 95lb force, but I think the tool uses a different way of measuring than Lotus. For a string (or belt) under tension you can set either the force needed for deflection (as this tool does) or the force that acts on the belt to stretch it. Both can be converted if you also have the deflection distance. With a small deflection the force in stretch will be far greater than the force needed to deflect. Imagine pulling a tight rope either in line (very hard) or perpendicular (easy for small deflections). 

[Wilf]

Of course! Ok I think I will need a section of belt an a 95 pound weight to determine what to look for.

[molemot]

Always good to calibrate......if you have an old belt, you can cut that and make ends by bolting or rivetting loops of belt at each end. Then hang it up and stick your weight on the bottom...you can use anything heavy, weigh it on some decent scales and you're all ready to go!!