--- title: Why To Skive The Conveyor Belt Prior To Splicing description: Ensure effective mechanical splices with proper skiving techniques for conveyor belts. Maintain belt integrity, reduce noise, and enhance system performance. --- [Skip to content](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/the-importance-of-skiving-conveyor-belt-splices#main-content) ![Martin Engineering Signature Logo](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MartinEng_Sig_2c_RGB.png?height=40&name=MartinEng_Sig_2c_RGB.png) - Topics Show submenu for Topics - [Belt Conveyor System Basics](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/basics-of-belt-conveyor-systems) - [Mistracking](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-mistracking) - [Conveyor and Component Damage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-and-component-damage) - [Carryback and Belt Cleaning](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-carryback-and-belt-cleaning) - [New Technology](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/new-technology-and-innovation) - [Material Flow](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-flow) - [Safety](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-safety) - [Dust Management](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/dust-management) - [Maintenance](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-system-maintenance) - [Spillage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-spillage) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Topics Show submenu for Topics - [Belt Conveyor System Basics](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/basics-of-belt-conveyor-systems) - [Mistracking](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-mistracking) - [Conveyor and Component Damage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-and-component-damage) - [Carryback and Belt Cleaning](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-carryback-and-belt-cleaning) - [New Technology](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/new-technology-and-innovation) - [Material Flow](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-flow) - [Safety](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-safety) - [Dust Management](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/dust-management) - [Maintenance](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-system-maintenance) - [Spillage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-spillage) - [Request Assistance](https://info.martin-eng.com/request-assistance) [Request Assistance](https://info.martin-eng.com/request-assistance?hsLang=en) Hi! How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Foundations™ Learning Center](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Basics of Belt Conveyor Systems](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/basics-of-belt-conveyor-systems?hsLang=en) - [Basics of Belt Conveyor Systems](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/basics-of-belt-conveyor-systems?hsLang=en) - [Conveyor Belt Mistracking](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-mistracking?hsLang=en) - [Belt Conveyor and Component Damage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-and-component-damage?hsLang=en) - [Material Carryback and Belt Cleaning](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-carryback-and-belt-cleaning?hsLang=en) - [Material Spillage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-spillage?hsLang=en) - [Belt Conveyor Safety](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-safety?hsLang=en) - [Dust Management](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/dust-management?hsLang=en) - [Material Flow](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/material-flow?hsLang=en) - [New Technology and Innovation](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/new-technology-and-innovation?hsLang=en) - [Belt Conveyor System Maintenance](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/migration/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-system-maintenance?hsLang=en) # Why To Skive The Conveyor Belt Prior To Splicing ## Optimizing Belt Integrity Through Proper Skiving Techniques To ensure a [mechanical splice](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/types-of-conveyor-belt-mechanical-splices?hsLang=en) functions effectively in a transfer point, enabling [proper sealing](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-edge-seal-support-cradles?hsLang=en) and [cleaning](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/typical-specifications-for-belt-cleaning-systems?hsLang=en), it's crucial that both the top and bottom splice sections are recessed adequately into the belt. This maintains consistent belt thickness and a smooth splice surface, preventing damage to components and the splice itself. ![A close-up view of the conveyor belt shows the fasteners have been recessed into the belt top cover.](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/0517-2.png?width=457&height=343&name=0517-2.png) Skiving, which involves cutting down the [covers of the belt](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/top-and-bottom-conveyor-belt-covers?hsLang=en), allows the fasteners to be mounted closer to the fabric of the belt carcass, ensuring a secure grip. During skiving, it's essential that the top and bottom covers are carefully trimmed down to the belt carcass. Since the carcass provides the primary strength of the belt while the covers contribute minimally to strength, this process does not compromise the integrity of the belt or the splice. Careful handling is critical during skiving to avoid any damage to the belt carcass, which could weaken the splice and overall belt strength. Properly recessed splices enable the metal components of the mechanical hinge to move smoothly past potential obstructions like [impact bars](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-impact-cradles?hsLang=en), [rubber-edge skirting](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-skirtboard-as-a-settling-area?hsLang=en), and [belt-cleaner blades](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/typical-specifications-for-belt-cleaning-systems?hsLang=en). Skiving is therefore recommended to maintain the integrity of the belt, splice, and other conveyor components. Additionally, skiving reduces noise during conveying operations, as the recessed clips do not make disruptive sounds against the idlers as the belt moves along the system. Skiving equipment is readily available from most splice suppliers, facilitating effective maintenance and enhancement of conveyor belt systems. [![Martin Engineering Signature Logo](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MartinEng_SigLogo_2c_150px_Padded.png?width=196&height=55&name=MartinEng_SigLogo_2c_150px_Padded.png "Martin Engineering Signature Logo")](https://www.martin-eng.com/) Foundations™ Learning Center Copyright © 2025, Martin Engineering