Correct operating tension is an important factor in the satisfactory performance and life of any chain drive. As chains wear they elongate, which results in sway, slap and increased vibration. This puts undue shock into the drive and increases bearing wear. As the chain elongates, it "crawls" out of the sprocket teeth and results in dramatic premature sprocket failure and decreased drive life.

Chain drives wear at an increased rate if they are allowed to run with insufficient tension. Adjustable center distances are the recommended method of maintaining proper tension. In cases of fixed center distances, tensioners and idlers provide the necessary means of take-up. These tensioners and idlers provide a means of obtaining extra belt or chain wrap frequently needed for high ratios, multiple shafts or serpentine drives.

Snapidle™ provides a constant amount of tension to the chain drive, increasing drive life. It tensions, guides, quiets, controls and increases both chain and sprocket life. It requires no mounting devices or maintenance and is a benefit to the drive system, not a deterrent. Economical, easy to install, maintenance free, the Snapidle™ is the answer to the problem of controlling drive chains.

By being able to take up tension through the chain, Snapidle™ eliminates the need for adjustable center distance drives. All chains may be ordered in even pitches (eliminating half links) since the additional tension may be taken up by the Snapidle™.

Since the Snapidle™ "floats" on the chain drive and actually absorbs shock, it does not add to vibration in the drive. Both sprockets will have the maximum chain wrap possible, thereby increasing chain life (load sharing) and sprocket life (the chain is unable to crawl out of the teeth).

On large chain drives, the expense required to install a tensioning system may be unrealistic. A Snapidle™ unit at a fraction of the cost of traditional tensioning methods can tension almost any roller chain drive. Many multiple strand drives cannot be tensioned by traditional idling or tensiong systems, but are readily fitted with Snapidle™ economically.