What Is a Roller Chain?

Roller chains are the backbone of countless power transmission, agricultural and industrial applications, providing unmatched reliability for moving parts. Since their invention in 1880, they power everything from conveyors and automotive systems to food and beverage machinery and agricultural equipment. Whether you are maintaining equipment or building new equipment, NSAR’s products are your first choice for finding the perfect chain for your replacement or OEM needs.

What is a Roller Chain Used For?

Roller chain is a type of chain drive most commonly used to transmit mechanical power for a wide variety of household, industrial and agricultural machinery, including conveyors, wire and tube drawing machines, printing presses, automobiles, motorcycles and bicycles.

What Are Roller Chain Accessories Used For?

These accessories are designed for use with single pitch roller chains. They are used to extend the length of the chain, provide a secure connection between two components, or enhance the functionality of the chain.

Roller Chain Parts and Components

Roller chains are made up of a series of key components, each of which plays a vital role in the strength and function of the chain. At NSAR, we simplify your supply needs with a comprehensive range of roller chain components, including rollers, pins, bushings and plates, all designed to ensure optimal performance. Whether you’re looking for off-the-shelf parts or custom solutions with fast lead times, our expertise and product availability make it easy to keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently.
Plates
The plates are the backbone of every roller chain, connecting the individual links together to form a strong, seamless loop. Designed to last, these flat metal plates play a vital role in ensuring the strength and reliability of the chain. When it comes to performance, the integrity of the plates is key to keeping your system running smoothly in the harshest conditions.
Rollers
At the heart of roller chain function, rollers work tirelessly between the plates to keep things moving smoothly. These cylindrical components reduce friction and allow for seamless rotation, increasing efficiency and extending the life of the chain – even in the most demanding applications.
Bushings
Bushings are durable metal sleeves that support the pins and are an essential component of roller chain. Bushings create a smooth, low-friction surface for the pins to rotate, playing a key role in improving the strength, durability and long-term performance of the chain.
Pins
Pins are the vital link that holds the roller chain together, threading seamlessly through the bushings and plates to form a secure power transmission structure. These small but powerful components are key to ensuring the strength, reliability and smooth operation of the chain in any application.

Benefits of Using Roller Chain Accessories

Roller chain accessories are components added to roller chains to enhance their functionality. They are designed to perform specific tasks and can be attached to any part of the chain. Roller chain accessories are an easy and cost-effective way to modify a roller chain to suit a specific application. Click to view our premium matching sprocket.

Key benefits of using roller chain accessories include:

Increase Productivity
Roller chain accessories are designed to increase productivity by reducing downtime and maintenance costs. They can help streamline processes and reduce the time it takes to complete tasks.
Reduce Maintenance Costs
Roller chain accessories can reduce wear and tear, extending the life of the roller chain. They also minimize the risk of damage to other equipment, which can be expensive to repair.
Enhanced safety
Roller chain accessories can improve safety by reducing the risk of accidents. They help prevent the chain from slipping, breaking or misaligning.
Suitable for different applications
Roller chain accessories are available in a variety of sizes and designs to meet different application needs. They can be customized to specific requirements and are a versatile solution.
NSAR is a bearing-based supplier that provides all the mechanical automotive parts products you need. Talk to our technical experts.