Roller chains

A chain is not ordered by name: it is ordered by pitch, the distance between two consecutive pins, which is the first thing that must match the sprocket. Then come the roller diameter, the inner width between plates, and the number of strands. With those four data points it is defined, with or without a code.

The ASA / ANSI chains are numbered by pitch: ASA 35 has 9.52 mm between pins, 40 has 12.7, 50 has 15.87, 60 has 19.05, 80 has 25.4, 100 has 31.75, and ASA 200 reaches 63.5. The /2 and /3 are double and triple strand; the H, heavy plates. The ASA references include the three dimensions, so they are cross-checked against the old chain without the code: they are EMMAR chains, in-house manufactured, and DONGHUA.

The European BS standard chains use a different nomenclature —04-B1, 06-B3, 08-B1, 08-C2, 10-B1, 12-C1, 16-B1, 20-B3, 24-B1, 32-B2— and are not interchangeable with the American ones even if the roller looks similar. The 33 BS references include the roller diameter and inner width: 08-B1 is 8.51 and 7.75 mm; 16-B1, 15.88 and 17.02.

Separately, the SKF chains of the PHC series: 1,668 designations covering both standards, from 04B to 64B and from 15 to 240, in 5-meter and 10-foot lengths, with connecting links C/L and offset links O/L, and in stainless steel, nickel-plated, and zinc-plated versions. They are searched by the complete PHC code.

In-house manufacturing. At the Buenos Aires factory we make multi-strand ASA chains, special chains to drawing, and oilfield chains for severe service, on request. If you are looking for a strand or a length that does not exist as standard, that is our territory.

Write to us on WhatsApp with the pitch, the inner width, and the length in links or meters, or with the code. If you still have the old section, a photo with a caliper is enough.