---
title: When Splicing, Square Conveyor Belt Ends To Ensure Alignment
description: Ensure a solid joint by cutting belt ends squarely with these methods. Misalignment causes side-to-side motion. Use centerline or double-arc methods for precision.
---

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# When Splicing, Square Conveyor Belt Ends To Ensure Alignment

## Methods for Ensuring Square Ends and Alignment

When joining belt ends with mechanical fasteners, the primary requirement for a solid joint is to cut the belt ends squarely. Failure to do so causes [the splice](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/types-of-conveyor-belt-mechanical-splices?hsLang=en) area to consistently veer to one side of the conveyor structure during operation. This misalignment results in a noticeable side-to-side motion as the spliced area passes over any point along the conveyor.

It's crucial not to rely on the [belt edge](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-edge-distance-requirements?hsLang=en) as a guide for squaring, as it may not be perfectly straight, especially in used belting where edges can become worn and indistinct. To achieve a precise cut, consider one of the following methods:

#### **A. Centerline Method:**

- Measure the distance between both belt edges at five points along the belt, each approximately 300 millimeters (12 inches) from the belt's end.
- Mark a series of points along the center of the belt using these measurements.
- Connect these points using a chalk line or ruler to establish the average centerline.
- Draw a perpendicular line across the belt at this average centerline to mark the cut line.

*![A diagram show shows an average center line parrell to the belt edges, with perpendicular lines down the belt every 300 mm or 12 inches](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/0511_Center-Line-Method.png?width=397&height=171&name=0511_Center-Line-Method.png)To determine the belt’s average centerline, connect the center of five measuring points across the belt.*

*![](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/0512_CenterLine_Part-2.png?width=397&height=184&name=0512_CenterLine_Part-2.png) *

*Use a square to draw a cut line across the belt perpendicular to the average centerline.*

#### **B. Double-Arc Method:**

- For increased accuracy, especially on [belts with worn edges](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-edge-damage?hsLang=en), employ the "double intersecting arc" method.
- After determining the average centerline as described above, select a point on this centerline that is two to three times the belt width away from the belt end.
- Use a string with a nail as a pivot point on this selected centerline point to draw an arc across the belt, ensuring it intersects the belt edge on both sides.
- Establish a second pivot point much closer to the belt end on the same centerline and draw a second arc across the belt in the opposite direction, crossing the first arc on both sides of the average centerline near the belt edges.
- Connect the intersection points of these arcs on either side of the belt with a straight line. This new line, perpendicular to the belt's centerline, marks the precise cut or splice line.![](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/0513_DoubArc_Part-1.png?width=397&height=193&name=0513_DoubArc_Part-1.png)

*Step One: First draw an arc from a pivot point two or three times the belt width from the belt end.*  
![](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/0514_DoubleArc_Part-2.png?width=396&height=194&name=0514_DoubleArc_Part-2.png) 

*Step Two: Then draw a second arc so that it intersects the first arc near the belt edge on both sides.*

*![](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/0515_DoubleArc_Part-3.png?width=395&height=214&name=0515_DoubleArc_Part-3.png)*

*Step Three: Finally, mark the line to cut on by connecting the points where the two arcs intersect near both edges of the belt.*

 

 

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