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.

ASA / ANSI chains are numbered by pitch: ASA 35 has 9.52 mm between pins, 40 has 12.7, 50 15.87, 60 19.05, 80 25.4, 100 31.75 and ASA 200 reaches 63.5. The /2 and /3 indicate double and triple strand, and the H reinforced plates: ASA 40, ASA 40/2, ASA 50H, ASA 35/3. They are offered in EMMAR and DONGHUA.

European BS standard chains use a different nomenclature, such as 04-B1, 08-B1, 10-B1, 16-B1 or 24-B1, and are not interchangeable with American ones even if the roller looks similar. They include the roller diameter and inner width: 08-B1 has 8.51 and 7.75 mm; 16-B1, 15.88 and 17.02. They are quoted in TSUBAKI (RF06B, RF06B-1) and DIAMOND (DMD-08B0C, DMD-10B0C-2).

SKF chains of the PHC series cover both standards, in 5-meter or 10-foot lengths, with connecting links C/L and offset links O/L, in stainless steel, nickel-plated and zinc-plated versions. They are searched by the complete PHC code: PHC 04B-1C/L, PHC 04B-1DRX10FT, PHC 04B-1DRX5MTR.

In-house manufacturing. We manufacture EMMAR ASA chains in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from one to six strands and specials per drawing; we sell SKF, TSUBAKI, DIAMOND and DONGHUA chains. Write to us on WhatsApp with the pitch, inner width and length in links or meters, or with the code. If you have the old length, a photo with a caliper is enough.