Plate
Splice Kits

Square the belt ends perpendicular to the belt edges using the centerline method or a belt squaring guide. Use a Fluent-supplied belt cutter for precise, square cuts. Belt squaring prevents tracking problems and evenly distributes force across the fasteners after splice installation.

For 45-degree splices, cut the squared belt end on a 45-degree angle. Use the first angled cut as a guide for cutting the opposite belt end. Verify that centerlines match and are straight before proceeding.

Support belt ends with wood planks or a work platform to maintain proper alignment during preparation and installation.

Position the template matched to your fastener size and belt width. Nail or clamp the template in position with the belt ends tight against template positioning lugs.

For bolt solid plate systems: Apply silicone lubricant to template holes. Punch or bore bolt holes through both top and bottom belt covers. Hand punches work for belts up to 1/2" thick. Power boring bits with 1/2" square drive impact wrench (maximum torque 250 lb-ft) speed installation for thicker belts or production environments.

For rivet solid plate systems: Use template-guided hole marking or direct rivet driver placement with guide blocks. Rivet systems may use direct rivet setting without pre-punched holes, depending on belt construction and rivet driver type.

Remove the template after hole preparation.

For bolt solid plate systems:

• Fold one belt end back and insert pre-assembled bottom plates with piloted bolts through prepared holes

• Align the opposite belt end over protruding bolts

• Place the top plates over the bolts using the bolt horn for alignment

• Start nuts on bolts by hand

• Use Flexco-Lok tape (cut to 3-1/2 times belt width) threaded under top plates, under bottom plates, then back under top plates to eliminate belt ripples

• Tighten all fasteners from edges toward the center, working progressively to distribute tension evenly

• Hammer plates into the belt with a wood block, then retighten all nuts uniformly

• Break off excess bolt ends using two bolt breakers, then peen or grind bolts flush

For rivet solid plate systems:

• Position the bottom plates on the belt underside, aligned with template marks or the guide block placement

• Position the top plates on the belt top side in matched alignment

• Use an electric or air-powered rivet driver with appropriate guide blocks (MBRTA, MBRT6, MBRT10)

• Set rivets progressively across the belt width, working from one edge to the opposite edge

• Verify uniform rivet head formation and complete rivet setting before moving to the next fastener position

Impact wrench-driven power tools for bolt systems and powered rivet drivers reduce installation time by 50% compared to hand tools and improve the splice through uniform fastener seating.

Verify splice quality before returning the conveyor to service:

• Square belt ends with no angular misalignment

• Consistent fastener penetration depth across the full belt width

• Proper plate seating and alignment

• All bolts tightened uniformly (bolt systems) or all rivet heads fully formed (rivet systems)

• Adequate clearance for the smallest pulley diameter in the system

• No protruding bolt ends, unfastened plates, or loose hardware

For belts 24" wide and wider, notch the trailing edges of the belt at the pulled section to reduce stress concentration during startup.

Test the splice under low tension before returning to full operation. Monitor splice performance during initial startup and verify belt tracking. Make tracking adjustments as needed before resuming normal production.

Detailed installation instructions are included with all plate splice kits. For complex installations or high-value belt assemblies, ask for professional installation through Fluent's dealer network.