Link belts for the drill press?

[Robert Hosmer]

Hi all,

Got one of the cheap imported floor model drill presses. I've had it for a few years, and it has served my purposes well.
It's beginning to develop some vibration, and I think I've narrowed it down to the belts. They're the original corded v-belts.

I have had excellent results using the Power Twist link belts when it's time for belt replacements. Tablesaw, bandsaw, buffer, sanders, etc. all have been upgraded to this type of belt.
So naturally that's my first consideration for the drill press, too.
Problem is that all my other stuff uses the 1/2" (A/4L) belt.
Rough measurement on the original drill press belts indicate a 3/8" belt, but there is a print of M24 on the belt.
Remembering the problems I have had in the past regarding mismatched belts and pulleys, I want to be sure I obtain the proper belt. My largest concern is accelerated wear on the sheaves (pulleys) resulting from improper cross-section.

I checked the Fenner website, and they offer both a 3/8" and a "Z" size (10mm). Before I go off on a wild goose chase at the auto parts store or order the wrong link belt from Fenner, I wanted to ask if anyone here has done this.

Thanks,
Rob

[ken cierp]

We have the the Fenner belts on our Dual Drum 37" SuperMax Sander -- Its 7 HP and the belts seem to be holding up well. I believe ours are 1/2". Got them from Amazon. If I rememmber correctly it was from a supplier that sold by the inch or foot rather then overall length. Oh yeah -- plan on adjusting the tension several times before they take a final set and do not slip.