THE CARE OF CHAINS.
Page 29
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Hints on Chain Troubles Contributed by Our Driver and Mechanic Readers.
RARELY do we receive letters from drivers describing misfortunes with chains, and even the few we get are mostly concerned with one or two special faults arising mainly from neglect, the same type of letter being repeated again and again.
A letter which we have from " H.A.B.," of Rotherham, to whom we have awarded the 15s. prize this week, deals with a case in point. It. illustrates both the statements made above. He refers back to a communication from " R.L.," which appeared under the No. 2,354 in our issue for February 7th last. In that letter a means of improving the fitting of worn radius-rod socket ends was given. Now " H.A.B." suggests an alternative method, but at the same time points out that these sockets we-aid not. become loose if drivers would not use the rod when screwed out to its extreme length, but would instead take an early opportunity of removing a link, or even a half-link, of the chain itself.
. So far as the socket. is concerned, he has found that drilling a f-in. hole at
the inner end of the socket slot (as shown in the accompanying sketch) affords sufficient flexibility to enable the socket to be squeezed on to the rod by means of the usual clamping bolts, and a satisfactory grip -is thus obtained.
In order to make a good job of the removal of the link or half-link of chain, it is better to have the proper tools for the job. These consist of a plain pinpunch, or, preferably, a pair of such punches, and a piece of channel deep enough to accommodate the chain inside, 'Cut one flange of this channel as shown in the sketch, so that the links of the chain may rest thereon, leaving the links and rollers hanging down. Rest the chain in the channel iron jib, in the manner illustrated, and punch out two pins, not two together, but two alternate ones. A complete link can then be removed, and the ends rejoined, if the chain is long enough to stand the removal of a whole link. If not, a, half-link, by which is meant one with joggled side plates, must he inserted. After this operation the junction of the two ends of chain is preferably made by bolts. " A.T. of FIexham-on-Tyne, thinks that when a chain is being replaced it is just, as well to make the lorry help, and thus eliminate the need for ropes and wires applied tourniquet fashion, as has been so frequently suggested by
Other contributors to this page. Put one end of the chain over a tooth at the back of the wheel sprocket, selecting a point a little above the centre line, and bring the other end round to meet it. The teeth of the sprocket will then hold the chain, and it will be found quite easy to replace the bolt, arid also the nut and split-pin.
" T.J.C.'s " hint is such an old and oft-repeated one that. we should not have
published it but for the. fact that it give.. point, to the letter from "A.M.D." which follows it. He says that while out with an old chain-driven one-tonner, one of the driving chains broke in two places. Moreover, he had no means of effecting a roadside repair, even of a temporary nature. He wrapped the largest piece of broken chain round the small sprocket, and lashed the ends to the radius rod, as shown in the sketch. He then drove ten miles home without encountering any further difficulty.
a frequent contributor of ours, and hailing from Lanark, sends a
few notes of warning to those who might be too ready to adopt this method of getting home with a broken chain. There are several points which should, he says, be borne in mind if further damage is not to result.
In the first place, an unusual and heavy load is thrown upon the differential gear, which is only designed for intermittent service, whenever the vehicle deviates from the straight. Holding one sprocket wheel in this fashion involves it in continuous use all the time the vehicle is in motion, and although the teeth of the gears are pretty sure to be strong enough, the bearing surfaces are:seldom adequate, and overheating or even more serious troubles may result. Moral: Drive slowly and carefully.
The procedure in question halves the gear ratio, and, if in the homeward journey, the driver has to negotiate a hill which in the ordinary course calls for first speed, he will not. be able to climb it, with the machine in this disabled,condition. A deviation to avoid the;incline is therefore necessary.
While it is not necessary, he points out, to secure both ends of the chain, care must be taken that the right, end is fastened, otherwise further breakage will resnit.