Whether you're maintaining a belt conveyor system for an airport that moves millions of pieces of luggage per year or are ensuring that packages and parcels are seamlessly gliding through your logistics facility, secure fastener installation is the basis of long-term conveyor performance. 
Having worked alongside light-duty maintenance teams throughout my tenure at Flexco, I have seen firsthand the challenges that arise when installing fasteners, and how crucial it is to do so with precision. Without a proper system in place, facilities run the risk of frequent breakdowns and experiencing costly downtime.
We’ve also seen how a specialized tool can be the key to making fastener installation faster, easier, and more reliable. This led us to develop the Flexco 24-inch Alligator® Staple Gold Class™ Plus Installation Tool.
Since its inception, our partners have successfully used our 24-inch installation tool to quickly and easily install Alligator Staple fasteners onto their belts.
Now, with the introduction of the 48-Inch Alligator Staple Gold Class Plus, fastener installation has become even more convenient, especially for those with wider light-duty conveyor belts.
For those dealing with frequent Alligator Staple installation, it can be difficult to decide which installation tools to invest in for their application. To help determine whether the 24-inch or 48-inch version will work best for your facility, it’s important to consider your facility’s applicational needs.
Why Did Flexco Develop a 48-Inch Fastener Installation Tool?
Created to meet the needs of operators who required a portable, easy-to-use tool to install fasteners, the 24-inch Alligator Staple Gold Class Plus Installation Tool has been the light-duty sector’s ideal choice for easy fastener installation for years. Its 24-inch body is light, compact, and versatile, making it an excellent option for belt maintenance teams looking for both a reliable and mobile tool.
However, as conveyor belt widths have increased at light-duty belt shops and distribution centers, there has been a clear demand for a larger tool. That's where the 48-inch Alligator Staple Gold Class Plus comes into play.
Our new, first-to-market solution allows operators to tackle larger belt widths with the same ease of use that has made the 24-inch tool a staple in many belt shops. With the 48-inch version, operators gain the ability to splice a 48-inch belt in just one step and can also splice multiple smaller belts side-by-side, saving time and boosting throughput.
But some facilities may not need the extra capacity and will be fine utilizing Flexco’s 24-inch installation tool.
So, how do you decide which solution is right for you?
Deciding Between the 48-Inch and 24-Inch
When deciding between the 48-inch and 24-inch Alligator Staple Gold Class Plus Installation Tools, it’s important to consider your specific needs. While both tools offer the same core benefits of consistency and durability, compatibility with Alligator Ready Set fasteners and the Gold Class Power Driver, and general ease of use, there are key differences that are beneficial for some applications over others.
Key Benefits of the 48-Inch Installation Tool
- Increased Installation Capacity: The most obvious advantage of the 48-inch version is its ability to splice larger belts with ease. Not only can it handle fastener installation for belts up to 48-inches in width, but it can also simultaneously handle multiple belts at once. For example, an operator can combine two 24-inch belts, or any combination that is equal to or less than 48 inches.
The increased size also means that operators can install fasteners on belts that are even wider than 48 inches. If your facility is installing fasteners on a 96-inch belt, you can successfully install the first 48 inches, shift the belt over once (as opposed to three times on a 24-inch belt), and complete the final install.
- Time Savings: For facilities with more large-scale operations, the 48-inch tool helps to eliminate the need to move and re-align the belt for multiple splices. Instead, maintenance teams can increase the availability of belt fastener preparation, cutting down on installation time and allowing teams to focus on other pressing tasks.
- Operator Familiarity: Despite its larger size, the 48-inch tool uses the same installation methods as the 24-inch version, so operators that have used the previous version will not face a steep learning curve. Essentially, it is the same reliable technology our partners have become accustomed to, just with added capacity for greater productivity.
Key Benefits of the 24-Inch Installation Tool
- Portability: The 24-inch version is the lighter tool and is easier to transport, making it ideal for maintenance teams that need to move between sites or work in smaller spaces. This is incredibly important as many sites can often require multiple installation jobs, meaning that an operator may have to carry their installation tool from belt to belt. Depending on the size and scope of the operation, this can be quite physically demanding.
- Storability: Additionally, the 24-inch Installation Tool features a small stature that allows it to be easily stored on your workbench or around your facility. This can make it easier to have other tools on your bench while in use, and potentially speed up your installation process.
Ultimately, the decision between the two models comes down to factors that are unique to your application. If your facility frequently installs fasteners on wider belts or handles multiple belts at once, the 48-inch model is likely the better choice. On the other hand, if you only need to install fasteners occasionally or work in a space where mobility and storage are important, the 24-inch model may be more practical.
Why Installation Tools Are Beneficial for Your Business
Adopting specialized fastener installation tools like the 48-inch Alligator Staple Gold Class Plus can have a significant impact on your operation’s efficiency. Maintenance teams in light-duty industries like airports and distribution centers rely on their conveyor belts to keep operations running smoothly, and an issue like a poorly installed fastener can lead to significantly costly downtime.
By using the right installation tool, teams can reduce the risk of downtime, improve the quality of their splices, and extend the life of their belts.
Overall, the new 48-inch installation tool is a solid solution for operators with the need to splice wider belts or multiple smaller belts at once, increasing throughput and reducing the time spent on belt repairs. And, when paired with the Alligator Gold Class Power Driver, maintenance teams can successfully complete their jobs faster and more efficiently, delivering an even higher level of performance for their conveyor systems.
Whether you choose the 24-inch or the 48-inch version, both tools offer the durability and ease of use that Flexco customers have come to know and love. Do best by your facility; bolster your belt fastening process today!
Expand Your Fastening Capabilities
Authored by: Dan Tuttle, Product Manager