To check alignment of the chain sprockets, first turn the unit on by flicking the toggle switch. Slide the unit on to the larger rear sprocket so that the spring clip holds the unit in position, cleanly against the recessed face of the Sprocket Sniper body. The spring clip may be removed for convenience or to re-bend it slightly if it becomes bent out of shape, by simply sliding it sideways out of the Sprocket Sniper body. Be sure to switch the unit off when not in use to conserve battery power. To replace the battery simply remove the aluminium end cap at the rear of the unit. The positive terminal should be facing out towards the end cap. The battery is a “CR2” 3 volt Lithium camera battery and should give around 25 hours continuous use.

The unit is calibrated with the centre of the laser beam parallel to the recessed contact face, so with two sprockets of identical thickness the centre of the laser dot should just be visible on the edge of the engine sprocket.

The polycarbonate template supplied with the unit can be used in combination with the Sniper front end alignment tool, to correctly set the centre of the steering geometry. The template needs to be cut with sharp scissors or a hobby knife to fit between the fuel tank and the steering shaft in the centre of the kart, not necessarily in line with the steering shaft. We have provided two templates to give you a second chance if needed. The template is then held in place by clipping it into the Sprocket Sniper used as a stand. By turning the steering wheel towards full lock, the laser dot will travel across the scale and at some point start to come back again slightly. At the point where the dot changes direction note this position on the red scale. If the lower steering shaft bracket is set properly in the centre (tie rods adjusted correctly) then both sides of the kart will show the same position on the scale when the steering wheel is turned in either direction. The horizontal position of the dot indicates the comparison of steering centre, while the vertical position indicates a comparison of caster from side to side. The reason that it is so important to set the steering centre off the steering shaft instead of the steering wheel, is to prevent the kart unloading unevenly when cornering.

To check chassis squareness, first fit your Sniper units to the front of the kart and make sure the steering is centered correctly (equal amount of toe shown on both units). You can then use the vee machined into the Sprocket Sniper to locate on the spindle / stub axle and push firmly up against the rear face of the Sniper wheel alignment unit. The Sprocket Sniper needs to be flipped over onto the other vee to check the other side of the kart.

You can then rotate the Sprocket Sniper on the vee so the laser dot strikes the rear axle in a convenient place, which you can then mark with a marker or pen. Alternatively, as we have shown here, you can measure directly off a ruler placed up against the bearing carrier or bearing housing. Obviously this step is then repeated for the other side of the kart for a comparison of chassis squareness (front wheel tracking in relation to rear wheels).