Bt3100 belt replacement

[teacherman]

So, I have been lurking for 2 1/2 years and now I need help. I broke my belts with a ZCTP and need instructions on changing them. Seems like all the instructions are gone! The RYOBI forum refers me back here. It seems like I have disassembled the entire saw and still cannot get to the belts. Help please!

[just4funsies]

I've never had to do it, but I know it's been discussed here in detail. Try the forum search functions, and I'm pretty sure you'll find what you need.

[monte]

Try this thread.
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...lt+replacement

[mdutch]

Holy cow!

Well I just replaced my belts with the newer "clear" replacements from Sears (instead of the crusty rubber ones) and man, what a job it was sneaking THOSE buggers on.

I did come up with one new "twist" in walking them on. Instead of turning the large blade arbor by hand (hey, I'm a computer tech with lady hands!), I put a spacer and the shaft nut back on the arbor, and used the blade wrench to torque it over with ease. I got both belts walked on in about ten minutes flat after I figured out I should use the wrench, no other tools needed.

I think getting that quick twist seemed to be the trick to "encourage" those new space-age non-rubber belts onto their homes. Granted I have a blister on my thumb, but hey, it's a manly repair blister, to be worn with pride and discussed in detail at tomorrow's cigar club meeting.

[Black wallnut]

Holy cow! You found a topic 2 1/2 years old to add this to. Your tip could have and perhaps should have stood on its own merits, although I think I've heard others mention it before.

[JimD]

I think your computer tech hands had a bit more skill than my non-tech hands. I got no blisters and needed no wrench but I struggled with the belts for a half hour or more before I finally got it started. Once the belt is a little bit started on both pulleys, you can tap it over with a block of wood.

My other recommendation is patience (not my strong suit typically). I found it a bit frustrating. Not the best task at the end of a long day (or immediately after frying the belts if you are like me).

Jim

[Bob Bassett]

When mine broke, I saw - somewhere - on how to tale some aluminum tubing.

I cut away half of the diameter for about 2 inches.

I used this aluminum tube to lever the belt on the arbor and it went right on.

Getting old and the hand-strength is not what it used to be.