rod retention systems are disclosed for modular plastic conveyor belts . in one embodiment the connecting rods , which pass through interdigited link ends of successive modules , each include a circumferential groove at one location , receiving a retaining clip at a position between adjacent interdigited link ends , snapped into position in the groove . the retaining clip provides easy assembly using existing tools , and a rod can easily be removed from the belt by applying sharp force on the end of the rod . in a second embodiment a rod retention system has blocking members at both ends of each module row , forming edges of the belt . a space about two or three link ends wide extends laterally from the blocking member to the first rod - encircling link end in board of the blocking member ; within the space the module is devoid of link end structure which would confine the rod from the bottom of the belt . the rod is forced into a bending configuration for insertion and removal from the bottom of the belt , and assumes a substantially straightened , normal configuration after insertion . in another embodiment the belt has an opening at the location of the blocking structure , aligned with the series of link end openings , but the rod end is preformed in a bent configuration . in a further embodiment the rods each have heads on one end , and the heads reside inboard of the blocking structure in the assembled belt .