Anyone made a chain tensioner before?
 

hi. I'm studying for my gcse in design and tech and am intending to make a chain tensioner. Has anyone made one before and can give me some tips on best materials to use, and any problems they may have come up against

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...made+tensioner

Only for a geared bike.

Thanks for your help. What material did you use to make it?

Alu\:arm, tubing, shaft.
Steel\:bolts, cog, chainstay clamp.
The red Hurret pulley is now on the derailler and the black pulley used.

On ss bikes the tensioner is located @ the rear sprocket, this system would not work without the derailler.
go to Harris Cyclery website\ singlespeed Bicycle headquarters page..bottom.

"Chain Tensioners
For running a single-speed drive train or internally-geared hubs on frames with vertical or semi-vertical dropouts. These attach to the derailer hanger of most frames.
These pulley-type tensioners work, but they are a bit of a kludge, since they do cause your singlespeed chain to bend around a pulley. A much better solution for singlespeeding with vertical dropouts is the White Industries ENO eccentric hub.

Note! Chain tensioners cannot be used with fixed-gear or coaster brake systems!
They don't maintain tension when there is backward force applied to the pedals, and the chain can derail as a result.

1 x 1 Singleator $49.95
The Surly Singleator is finally back in stock!
Includes left and right springs for versatile positioning
Mounts on derailer hanger
Floating pulley adjusts to accommodate most cog positions
Fits cogs up to 22 teeth
Pyramid Chain Tensioner $29.95

Mounts on derailer hanger
Floating pulley adjusts to accommodate most cog positions
Fits cogs up to 22 teeth"

Have a look at them for ideas maybe.