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The easiest way to join a Flexible Flat Conveyor Belt (also called a rod network belt or single loop wire belt) into an endless loop is the tube join method: cut one wire rod at the correct position, reconnect it through both belt ends, and lock the wire ends with crimped steel tubes. With basic hand tools, the whole job takes about 15–30 minutes and requires no welding.
These flexible, flat-profile wire belts are used in baking, enrobing, battering, coating, freezing, and many other processing applications up to +260°C, across meat, poultry, seafood, baked goods, cereal, candy, and electronics production. The same tube join method also works for on-site belt repairs, so it is worth keeping a few connecting tubes in stock with your spare belt.
Prepare the Connecting Tubes
The tube length should be less than 2/3 of the belt space. The inner diameter of the tube should be slightly larger than the wire diameter of the belt. Tubes are usually made of SS304, or the same material as the belt.
Tools You Will Need
- Safety glasses
- Needle nose or flat end pliers
- Side-cutting pliers (for cutting the wire and crimping the tubes)
Where Should the Wire Be Cut?
The first cut is made at one third of the space length — and only in spaces that are not driven by the sprockets. Not sure which spaces are the driven ones? See our guide to sprocket arrangements and belt spaces.
Note: Never position the tubes in the driven sections of the belt. Always set the cut so that the connecting tube can be pulled all the way through the longer portion of the cut line.
Step 1 — Separate the Wire Rod
Separate a wire rod from the belt, then split this wire rod as illustrated below.
Please note: Do not position the tubes in the driven sections of the wire mesh belt.
Step 2 — Connect the Belt Edges
Connect the edges on both sides of the belt, then insert all individual parts of the rod.
Please note: Using a screwdriver can simplify this step.
Step 3 — Join All Sections
Complete the connection by joining all sections with the separated rod, and straighten it if necessary.
Please note: Using long nose pliers can simplify this step.
Step 4 — Fix the Tubes
Place the tubes onto the wire ends, then fix the tubes on the rod by squeezing the tube ends with pliers.
Finished! Your flexible flat conveyor belt is ready for use.
Please note:
- Wire mesh belts with a double-bent Z-side edge can be connected following the same instructions.
- Connecting tubes can also be used for belt repairs when individual rods are damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the tube join method be used for belt repair, not just installation?
A: Yes. If a single rod is damaged, cut it out and splice in a replacement rod using the same connecting tubes — no need to replace the whole belt. If breaks keep recurring in different places, check tension and drive components first: see our troubleshooting guide.
Q: Which sections of the belt must the tubes avoid?
A: The driven sections, where sprocket teeth engage the belt. A tube placed in a driven section will interfere with the sprockets and quickly fail. By convention, sprockets run in the odd spaces and splices go in the even spaces.
Q: What material should the connecting tubes be?
A: SS304 as standard, or the same alloy as your belt (e.g., SS316 for corrosive washdown environments) to avoid galvanic corrosion.
Need matching connecting tubes, spare rods, or a replacement belt? Record your belt’s wire diameter, pitch, and width — our measurement and identification guide shows exactly how — and send them to our engineers for an exact match.
