Timing tensioner tool

Why pay for an expensive tensioner compressor tool when you can easily make one yourself for about $5?

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Tools needed:

-tap and die kit
-dremel/ rotary tool or grinding wheel
-5/16 mild steel rod
- one or two nuts
-spray lubricant of some sort (Wd-40,spray silicone)
-welder (optional)


1. Buy a 5/16 mild steel rod from home depot

2. Measure 12 inches of the rod and cut it. (dremel cut off wheel , etc)

3. Place the rod in a table vise or you can use vice grips like i did.

4. Slightly taper one end of the rod with a dremel/ grinding wheel. (Enough to get the die on the rod)

3. Spray wd-40 or lubricant of some sort on the rod

4.Use a 8mmX1.25 die and thread the rod 6 inches

5. Weld a nut on the other end or Thread the other side about a half inch and find two nuts to fit.

6. Thread on one nut as far as it will go and then thread the other right on top

Now you have a cheap and reusable tensioner tool.
I suggest when using this tool to spray some sort of lube or anti-seize to prevent the rod from sticking.