How To Assemble or Disassemble TableTop Chains
In this guide, we will cover the steps needed to both disconnect and reconnect most common types of tabletop chains also referred to as flattop and slat band chains. There are numerous situations where this might be necessary: during maintenance due to chain elongation, during the initial installation, when adjusting for catenary sag, or when altering the length of the chain for various reasons.
Safety First
To perform chain assembly and disassembly safely, you must observe safety precautions and adhere to your company safety procedures. Above all, remember these essential rules:
- Follow lockout procedures before starting work, if the chain is installed on the equipment.
- Always wear appropriate eye, ear, and hand protection.
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Types of Tabletop Chains
Before we delve into the specific procedures, it's important to understand the types of tabletop chains available. There are one-piece and two-piece designs. In the one-piece design, the top slats function as the chain links are one-piece. The two-piece design consists of top plates mounted on a base roller chain. Each type requires different tools and methods for assembly and disassembly.
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How to Disassemble One-Piece Tabletop Chains
One-piece tabletop chain disassembly is a straightforward procedure, you need to remove the pin that connects the chain links by driving it out of the hinges.
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Disconnecting a One-Piece Steel Flat-Top Chain
You'll need a hammer and a drift pin. Optionally, some manufacturers provide chain assembly tool blocks for specific types of chain.
Step 2: Identify the Direction of Pin Removal
To determine the correct direction for pin removal, you need to identify the type of pin:
- Knurled Pins: These can be identified by the knurled pattern on one end. If the pin is knurled, the knurled end should be driven out first. Some chains label this side as “out,” indicating the direction to remove the pin.
- Press-Fit Pins: For pins that are press-fitted into one curl, locate the press-fit end. The pin should be pressed out starting from the press-fit end.
Step 3: Drive Out the Pin
Using a hammer and a drift tool:
- For knurled pins, place the drift on the pin opposite the knurled end and strike until the pin is removed from both links.
- For press-fit pins, place the drift on the press-fit end and strike until the pin is fully removed.
Step 4: Repeat for Additional Links (if necessary)
Determine how many links you need to remove and repeat the pin removal process for each one.
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Disconnecting a One-Piece Plastic Flat-Top Chain
Although some minor procedures may vary, this process applies to most one-piece
flat-top chains made of Acetal, Nylon, Nylatron, and UHMWPE. It does not apply to MatTop chain assembly/disassembly, only to flat-top chains.
Prepare a hammer and a drift pin. Depending on the manufacturer, there might be specific tool blocks available for their chains. They can facilitate the process.
Step 2: Identify the Direction of Pin Removal.
First, identify the type of pin used in the chain. Many plastic flat-top chains have the pin secured in one barrel by a knurl on one end, while others use D-style pins.
- Knurled Pins: Find the end of the pin with the knurled pattern. This is the end that needs to be driven out first. Some chains may label this side "out."
- D-Style Pins: These pins can be removed in either direction and are characterized by the D-shaped eye in the hinge.
Step 3: Drive Out the Pin
Roll up the chain and lay it on the side with the knurled end facing down. For
knurled pins, place the drift pin on the side opposite the knurl and tap with a hammer until the pin is driven out. For D-style pins, the pin can be driven out in either direction.
Step 4: Repeat for Additional Links (if needed):
If more links need to be removed, repeat the pin extraction process for each one.
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How to Reassemble One-Piece TableTop Chains
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Connecting a One-Piece Steel TableTop Chain
Step 1: Join the Ends
Align the two end links of the chain either on the drive sprocket or with the help of a chain assembly tool block.
Step 2: Insert the Pin
Insert the pin into the hinge in the direction opposite to its removal. For chains with a press fit curl, press the pin in from the end opposite the press fit curl. For chains with knurled pins, press the pin in from the knurled end.
Step 3: Secure the Pin
Strike the drift tool until the pin is centered and flush with both sides of the hinge.
Step 4: Ensure Flexibility
Check that the joint flexes freely after the connection is complete.
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Connecting a One-Piece Plastic Flat-Top Chain
Step 1: Join the Ends Together
Pull the two end links together on the drive sprocket or use a chain assembly tool block. If working on a bench, roll up both ends of the chain and lay them on their sides to facilitate pin insertion.
Step 2: Insert the Pin
Identify the direction for pin installation. Insert the pin into the hinge opposite to its removal direction. For knurled pins, look for the counterbored hole on the insertion side and press the pin in with the knurled end trailing. For D-style pins, it doesn't matter which side you insert from.
Step 3: Secure the Pin
For knurled pins, strike the drift tool until the pin is centered and flush on both sides of the hinge. For D-style pins, ensure the pin is slightly recessed on both sides.
Step 4: Ensure Flexibility
Verify that the joint moves freely after the connection is completed.
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Flat Top Roller Based Chain Assembly and Disassembly
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How to Disconnect a Flat Top Roller Based Chain
A flat top roller based chain, also known as a
two-piece tabletop chain, consists of a base roller chain and plastic top slats snapped onto the extended pin ends of the base roller chain links.
As you will see from the further steps, disassembling this type of tabletop chain is not a complicated task. To get it done, you will only require two key tools - a flathead screwdriver for prying off the top plate and a base chain disassembly tool.
Step 2: Pry Off the Top Plate
Start by prying off the plastic slat plate from the base roller chain. It may require some physical force applied in the right direction. Do it firmly but carefully to ensure the plate doesn’t get cracked or damaged in any other ways. In order not to break the plate your movements should aim at disengaging it from the ends of the roller chain link pins. In base roller chains they slightly extend from the plate - that’s what holds the top slat in place.
Step 3: Access the Base Chain Link to Remove Pins
Removing the top plate will provide you with access to the base roller chain link. Align the base roller chain disassembly tool on a complete link and begin drawing both pins out simultaneously to disassemble the chain. The tool must be capable of pressing out both pins at the same time. It should also be selected according to the size of the link. Our recommended tool is
Break-O-Nator, a chain disassembly tool designed for this and similar uses that is available in a variety of sizes. When using a different tool, avoid drawing the pins out sequentially; always do it simultaneously.
Step 4: Disassemble the Link
Once the pins are disengaged from the side plate, slide them out from the roller link bushings on the other side.
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How to Connect a Flat Top Roller Based Chain
Step 1: Source a New Connecting Link
Because you can’t reuse the old link you will need to source a new connecting link.
Step 2: Bring the Chain Ends Together
Position the two ends of the chain to be connected, whether on a sprocket or a workbench.
Step 3: Insert the Connecting Link
Insert the pins of the new connecting link into the bushings of the end links of the base roller chain.
Step 4: Install the Base Chain Side Plate
Push the base chain side plate onto the pins.
Step 5: Snap the Top Plate Back into Place
Snap the plastic top slats that were previously removed back onto the pins of the new link. If extra force is needed to secure the plastic slat, use a rubber mallet or other pressing equipment carefully to avoid damaging the base chain or the slats.
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