Chain tugs, tug nuts and tensioners

I was searching the web for pictures or an explanation of how these gubbins work, but since google image search kept bringing up all sorts of gay porn "cock in hand" pictures, i figured this might be quite useful for some other noobs, so you are spared of the ordeal of searching for "tug nuts" on t'interweb...

These are the instructions that came with the MKS chain tugs I picked up from hubjub. obviously these will be different from other makes but it does show how this chain tug fits to the track ends etc. Its also nice and descriptive :P

Hope someone finds it useful.

how can you not know how a chain tug works?

were you never into BMX?

Not everyone was into BMX.
Were you never into animal porn?

how can you not know how a chain tug works?

were you never into BMX?

the MKS ones work differently to your average jobby, like most bmx ones which are just a plate with some pull-bolts

the MKS ones work differently to your average jobby, like most bmx ones which are just a plate with some pull-bolts

Sorry if that sounded faececious, completely unintentional.

Just that a chain tensioner to me seems like the most obvious simplest component of a bike. Much simpler than a geared drivetrain those brought up on road bikes might be used to.

average bmx tensioner, looks the same to me?

similar.
but the mks ones can be confusing as they use a twin thread instead of a simple pull bolt like the one above.

not that they are difficult to use, just slightly different.

fitted my MKS tugs last night. they are an absolute pleasure to use. *thoroughly recommended**

*just make sure you measure your track ends width properly...

Using one of these MKS tugs. Still having to re-adjust my wheel for chain tension every couple of weeks. How can I be doing it wrong? Is there something I don't understand about the reverse-thread?
I got the intstructions pictured in the OP, but I don't know what's going on, especially the final three pics.
I've googled as much as I can but all I can find is discussion about which way round to put them.

Using one of these MKS tugs. Still having to re-adjust my wheel for chain tension every couple of weeks. How can I be doing it wrong? Is there something I don't understand about the reverse-thread?
I got the intstructions pictured in the OP, but I don't know what's going on, especially the final three pics.
I've googled as much as I can but all I can find is discussion about which way round to put them.

Waste of time, take it off

Tempted.

I found they were a waste of time yes!

dredge. Anyone got any recommendations for chain tugs to use for sprinting etc at the track?

They're too fiddly. Use better tracknuts.

dredge. Anyone got any recommendations for chain tugs to use for sprinting etc at the track?

For my last bike, I just bought the cheapest ones I could find on ebay.

I prefered using them to tension the chain, rather than having to pull/push the wheel.

They didn't become loose over time or anything, but I did check my chain tension regularly, and take my rear wheel off for transporting bike, so maybe I didn't give it time to get loose.

Easily fixed though, just quarter turn (or less) of the nut and it'll tension (or loosen) as required.

Using one of these MKS tugs. Still having to re-adjust my wheel for chain tension every couple of weeks. How can I be doing it wrong? Is there something I don't understand about the reverse-thread?
I got the intstructions pictured in the OP, but I don't know what's going on, especially the final three pics.
I've googled as much as I can but all I can find is discussion about which way round to put them.

maybe thats your problem.
i've had 2 mks on my track bike and they hold the wheel in place for months at a time. i've never had any slippage issues using chain tugs

I'm playing with a Surley road frame - a Crosscheck - on fixed - has forward facing drop outs -

• 10mm play at tightest point?

• any good chain tensioners out there?

Surly make the Hurdy Gurdy specifically for the Crosscheck dropouts.