Charon wrote on 07/20/10 at 05:41:45:Instead of throwing away the tensioner tool, add a mark to it. Get the belt to the tension you like, insert the tensioner tool, and scribe another mark on it. That way you will have a repeatable way to tension the belt the way you like it the next time.
When I experimented with mine, I discovered that the difference between the 90-degree twist and the Suzuki tension tool was less than one turn of the belt adjusting bolts. Depending on the strength of your thumb and forefinger, your results may differ.
Good words from Charon, as usual.
Here is my experience with the tool:
If you insist on using the belt gauge, don't set the belt any tighter than this:
Actually, the gauge should be positioned such that its longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the belt. Mine is set a little off of the perpendicular in the above photo.
Currently, the belt on my Savage (see signature) is a tad too tight (I can rotate the belt about 85 degrees). If the gauge in the picture were set perfectly at the perpendicular, it would indicate a bit tighter than it does in the photo. I figure my slightly over-tight belt cancels out the slight mispositioning of the tension gauge, soooo.....
Bottom line? Don't use the gauge, set your belt tension via the twist method. If you insist on using the gauge, set the belt tension no tighter than what you see on the above photo.
YMMV!