How can you ensure the upper newel wheel is aligned with the lower newel wheel during installation?

Aligning the upper newel wheel with the lower newel wheel is essential for the smooth operation of an escalator. Pulling a string from the upper to the lower newel sheave provides a clear, straight visual reference that helps ensure both wheels are perfectly aligned vertically. This method leverages the straightness of the string to give a reliable guideline for positioning, effectively minimizing any potential misalignment during installation.

While using a measuring tape might give you distance measurements, it wouldn’t necessarily indicate whether the two points are vertically aligned. Visual inspections, though helpful, can be subjective and may not provide the accuracy needed for precise alignment. A laser level is a tool that can aid in leveling, but it typically doesn’t account for the specific angle and position between the two newel wheels as effectively as a string does. Thus, pulling a string remains the most practical and straightforward method to confirm that the upper and lower newel wheels are correctly aligned before finalizing the installation.