Another timeing belt question

[Pyrice4]

Ive read through 1/2 of the million threads about timing belt and couldnt find the answer if was looking for. My question is, Do I really have to use the special tool to tighten my timing belt? I have the engine out of the car and I put the belt on then put the tentioner on and let it tighten it up. Its all correctly alrigned(as far as I can tell) and the timing belt is pretty tight. So, do I really HAVE to use the special tool or am I good?

 

[19Eclipse90]

No, you do not have to use the special tool. For a 1g, just make sure the two holes on the tensioner pulley face are above the mounting screw.

 

[oldman]

Pretty tight doesn't mean shit, the gap between the tensioner and arm must fall into spec, you can use a 90* needle nose plier in place of the special tool and repeat the process until it falls into spec, absolutely no guessing.