Best Way to Install Your Coupling

In this particular case, the picture really is worth a thousand words. Obviously what is depicted in the picture on the left would be something extreme that most reputable business will not do -  at least we hope is not the case in your own situation.

For proper coupling installation procedures that will look more like the picture on the right, Lovejoy recommends you follow your manufacturer's installation instructions. The installation procedure usually comes in a detailed step-by-step guideline (generally in PDF or print form). For warranty related aspects and to avoid any major problems related to improper coupling installation, you must follow your manufacturer's guidelines.

However, if you need some further knowledge or additional tips on coupling installation, you may consider watching Lovejoy's installation videos on couplings.com. Lovejoy has an excellent library of over 20 installation videos, where you can see the step-by-step details of proper ways to install your coupling. Our coupling videos will visually show you all the needed parts and tools for a successful installation. Additionally, all the coupling installation steps are clearly explained, in an easy to follow format, with visual aids and voice narration.

While these videos are specific to Lovejoy products (jaw, curved jaw, grid, disc, etc.), many of the concepts and principles pictured are broadly applicable to coupling installations in general, and could prove as a worthwhile reference relative to the coupling you are looking to install.

Again, our videos are a great aid to help you get some additional pointers on installing your flexible coupling (be it a jaw, gear, grid, disc... whatever). But Lovejoy certainly does not warranty or formally endorse using Lovejoy installation videos for non-Lovejoy couplings as the basis of your installation... use the manufacturer's provided guidelines.

Our videos are widely watched by people in different job functions such as engineering, maintenance, etc., servicing a variety of equipment like steam turbines, gensets, pumps, crushers, fans, blowers, exhausters, conveyors, injection molding, shredder, bailers, etc. Also, our users come from a variety of industries including power generation, fluid power, food and beverage, aggregates, pulp and paper, steel, mining, etc.

API 671 Coupling Guarding Requirements

Guarding requirements for API 671 couplings are similar to all coupling guards as they must meet all applicable codes and regulations (such as OSHA 1910.219).  However, additional requirements are included in the API 671 Standard.  A few key features are:

• The ability to inspect the coupling without requiring any additional work beyond removing the guarding.
• Capability to withstand a 200 pound static load.
• A minimum of 1 inch radial clearance between the guard inner wall and coupling maximum outer diameter.
• Anti-swirl baffles installed as required to diminish the effects of windage.
• Guards that are directly installed on the machine base or bed plate should be removable as a single piece.
• No guarding should be constructed of woven wire, only expanded metal, perforated plate or plate is permitted.

How to Install a Coupling

So you've got your flexible coupling in hand (be it a jaw, gear, grid, disc... whatever) and are ready to install it.... but are looking for some additional pointers. Perfect.

The first place you should go and reference/use is your manufacturer's installation instructions. Your manufacturer should be able to provide you a detailed step-by-step installation guideline (generally in PDF or print form), and you are best served to follow up with the manufacturer regarding any questions you have with their guidelines.

As a knowledge supplement to your specific manufacturer's installation instructions, you may also consider watching Lovejoy's installation videos either on YouTube or couplings.com. While these 20+ videos are specific to Lovejoy products (jaw, curved jaw, grid, disc, etc), many of the concepts and principles pictured are broadly applicable to coupling installations in general, and could prove as a worthwhile reference relative to the coupling you are looking to install. (We, of course, certainly don't warranty or formally endorse using Lovejoy installation videos for non-Lovejoy couplings as the basis of your installation... use the manufacturer's provided guidelines... but if you want to use our videos as a reference only/educational tool... please, be our guest.)

And for those of you who hate clicking on links, we've embedded a playlist of over 20 installation videos above. We defaulted to a pretty interesting one (a full spacer grid coupling video), but you can quickly change to another coupling type by clicking the "PLAYLIST" button on the top left hand corner of the screen.