Abstract: A tensioning device for chain or belt drives, with a cylindrical tensioner housing (33), whose inner surface is constructed as a guide bore (34), in which a piston (35) is guided, with a compression spring (37) acting on the piston, which can move axially in the chain tensioning direction, and with a latch system (39) limiting the return stroke of the piston (35) in the tensioner housing (33). An additional elastic element, which acts in the axial direction and on which the tensioner housing (33) is supported, is arranged in front of or behind the tensioner housing (33). The additional elastic element is formed by a second compression spring (46) arranged in an additional cylindrical housing (48), with the tensioner housing (33) being inserted into the additional cylindrical housing (48) from one end.