Flexible Flat Conveyor Belt Rod Network Belt Single Loop Edge Installing Joining Clip Method

Joining clips are the fastest way to splice a single loop edge flexible flat conveyor belt (rod network belt) in the field: no rod cutting, no crimping — the clips simply weave and hook into the belt spaces. This guide covers the two clip types, how many clips your belt needs, the tools required, and the six installation steps.

Clip Types and How Many You Need

Splice clips come in two varieties: single space clips and 3-space clips. The 3-space clip is the stronger of the two, because its centre space is woven into the belt in the same way as a full strand splice. Use the two types together wherever possible — this produces a stronger splice and keeps the spacing gaps in the belt to a minimum.

Worked examples: a 7-space belt can be joined with two 3-space clips, while a 9-space belt takes one single clip plus two 3-space clips. The rule of thumb: cover as many spaces as possible with 3-space clips, and fill the remainder with single clips, keeping the layout symmetrical about the centre clip.

Tools You Will Need

• Safety glasses
• Flat end pliers
• Needle nose pliers
• Cable ties, soft wire, or string (optional)
• Wire straightening tool (optional)

Important Notes Before You Start

• Two end loops from adjacent clips must never attach to the same Z-bend — only one clip end loop per Z-bend.
• If the belt is damaged in more than one place due to fatigue, do not attempt a repair — install a new belt. Never keep worn-out belts as a source of repair material; they are already weakened from service. Instead, purchase a few extra metres of new belt and reserve them exclusively for repairs.
• Clips create a double space pitch gap between adjacent clips. Assess whether this gap is acceptable for your product and safe in your operating environment before choosing this method.
• Clips must sit in spaces that are not driven by the sprockets — by convention, sprockets occupy the odd spaces and splices go in the even spaces. See our guide to sprocket arrangements and belt spaces.

Step 1 — Before You Begin Joining

• Turn off and lock out power to the conveyor.
• Slacken any belt take-up adjuster to leave maximum take-up capability once the belt is fitted.
• If possible, bring the two belt ends to the discharge end of the conveyor — this helps hold the belt in position while joining.
• If needed, temporarily tie the two belt ends together through the outside spaces using cable ties, soft wire, or string. On wider belts, secure the ends at regular intervals across the width; remove the ties one by one as the clips are woven in.
• Plan the number, type, and placement of clips by laying them out in position across the belt.
• Double-check that no two clip edge loops hook around the same Z-bend, and that all closed loop edges point in the direction of belt travel.

Step 2 — Start at the Centre Space

If using a single clip: fit the clip around the centre space on the far belt end. With needle nose pliers, grip the clip and hook each of its two single loop edges up through and into the centre space of the opposite belt end.

If using a 3-space clip:

• Gently bend the clip at its centre and insert the clip ends down into the spaces on either side of the centre space.
• Insert the clip ends up through the centre space of the opposite belt end and pull through until the centre “locks” into place.
• Gently straightening the wire, hook the single loop edge down through and around the space next to the centre space.
• With needle nose pliers, grip that loop edge and hook it up into the corresponding space on the opposite belt end. Repeat for the other edge loop.
• Straighten the wire with pliers or a wire straightening tool.

Step 3 — Install the Next Clip at an Outside Edge

If using a single clip:

• Remove the tie holding the belt ends together.
• Insert the clip around and through the outermost edge space of the far belt end.
• Connect the clip’s edge loop to the near belt end by gently flexing it up through the outside space — needle nose or flat end pliers make this easier.
• Grip the clip with your pliers and hook the second edge loop up through and around the adjacent Z-bend on the near belt end.

If using a 3-space clip:

• Remove the ties holding the belt ends together.
• Bend the clip and fit it around the second space in from the belt edge, then insert the clip ends up through the second space of the opposite belt end. Pull through until the centre locks in place.
• With needle nose pliers, connect the clip’s edge loop to the near belt end by flexing it up through the outside space, then hook the far outside edge loop up through the edge of the clip.
• On the other end of the clip, hook it down through the third space on the far belt edge, then flex the edge loop down and up through the second space on the near belt end.
• Straighten the wire with pliers or a wire straightening tool.

Step 4 — Install a Clip on the Opposite Edge

Install the same type of clip on the opposite belt edge, following the same procedure.

Step 5 — Install the Remaining Clips

Fit the remaining clips across the belt width. The layout must be symmetrical: the same number and type of clips on either side of the centre clip (the first one you installed).

Step 6 — Re-Adjust the Conveyor Belt Tension

Re-tension the belt to the recommended level — no tighter. Improper tension at splice points is the single most common cause of belt failure; see our guide to the top 10 causes of belt downtime. Run the conveyor briefly and watch the splice pass over the sprockets before returning the line to production.

Which Joining Method Should You Use?

Joining clips are the quickest field splice for single loop edge belts, but they leave a double space pitch gap. If your product or process cannot tolerate that gap, consider the full strand joining method for single loop edges (seamless, woven splice) or the steel tube join method (fast, works on most edge types). Double loop edge belts have their own full strand procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I choose clips over a full strand splice?
A: Choose clips when speed matters — a mid-shift repair or an installation with limited downtime. Choose the full strand method when the splice must be seamless and at full belt strength, such as on lines carrying small products that could catch in the double space gap.

Q: Can I use clips to repair a belt that has failed in several places?
A: No. Multiple failure points indicate fatigue across the whole belt — splicing one section simply moves the next break elsewhere. Install a new belt, and keep a few metres of new belt in stock for future single-point repairs.

Q: Where must the clips be positioned relative to the sprockets?
A: In the undriven (even) spaces only. A clip running over sprocket teeth wears rapidly and will fail. If you are unsure which spaces your sprockets occupy, check our sprocket arrangement guide before planning the clip layout.

Need splice clips matched to your belt’s pitch and wire diameter — or a few metres of new belt for your repair stock? Send our engineers your belt specifications and we’ll put a kit together.