I have a SS converted kona cindercone 1997…the bike is sweet but I have problems with the chain. I first tried ti find the ‘magic’ chain length with not much success. First to loose then too tight and then as it stretched too loose again!

I eventually got the LBS to fit a tensioner but the things rattles and it jammed up destroying itself on the last ride.

Do I go back to a tensioner or try to find the magic chain length…help please?

Sounds like you used a sprung tensioner, having used a Surley I ended up modifying it so it was a fixed type, loads quieter that way.

spring tensioner seems to work ok for me, and is self adjusting.

but a fixed tensioner means you CANT have a derailment if using low toothed front cog (cheap 32t deore), but you do have to assign 10 seconds a month of precious time to keep it in check.
fixeds also last better i think. (theres nothing to them) and work well in push up mode (spring ones can be a faff)
dont get a dmr fixed tensioner, they are toss.
gusset bachelour is better, as the material is much much thicker and not flexible.

can you recommend me a tensioner?