How to Measure Roller Chain

Table of Contents

Are you having trouble with your roller chain?

Do you need to find the right size but don’t know how? Many people make mistakes when measuring chains. These mistakes can cause big problems! Your machines stop working. Parts break. You lose money and time. But don’t worry! We can fix this! As a top roller chain maker, we know how to help. 

The Problem with Wrong Chain Sizes

Wrong chain sizes hurt machines. When chains don’t fit right, bad things happen:

  • Chains break
  • Sprockets wear out fast
  • Machines stop working
  • You waste money on new parts
  • Work stops

Did you know? When pitch is off by just 1%, chains wear out 15-25% faster! 

Tools You Need

Get these tools ready before you start:

  • Calipers (digital or not)
  • Tape measure or ruler
  • Chain wear gauge (good to have)
  • Clean chain (no oil)

Good tools make measuring easy! Calipers cut mistakes by 60% compared to tape measures. 

How to Measure Roller Chain - Step by Step

Step 1: Measure Pitch (Very Important!)

Pitch is the most important part to measure. It’s the space between pins.

  1. Find two pins next to each other
  2. Measure from center to center
  3. This number is your pitch

Pro Tip: Measure 10 pitches and divide by 10 for better results!

Check out our full guide to roller chain sizes for more help.

Step 2: Check Roller Diameter & Plate Height

Next, measure these parts:

  1. Roller Diameter: Use calipers on the roller (not the bushing)
  2. Plate Height: Measure from bottom to top of the plate

Why this matters: Wrong roller size wears out sprockets 30% faster!

Step 3: Measure Inside Width

The space between plates must be right for your sprocket.

  1. Put calipers between inner plates
  2. Get the exact width
  3. Write it down

This matters a lot for making sure chains fit on sprockets!

Step 4: Look for Wear

Old chains stretch out. Here’s how to check:

  1. Pull the chain tight
  2. Look for gaps or loose parts
  3. If it’s 3% longer than new, replace it!

Did you know? 72% of farm chain breaks happen because people don’t check for stretch! 

Chain Standards Table

TypePitch SizeHow to Know
ANSI1/8 inch stepsNumbers like 40, 60, 80
ISO/DINMillimetersMetric numbers

Make sure you know which type you have!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

People make these mistakes all the time:

  • Thinking roller size is pitch
  • Not cleaning the chain first
  • Using old chains as guides
  • Measuring with the wrong tools

Important fact: 41% of chains fail checks when people use tape measures instead of calipers! 

Why Our Chains Are Better

We make the best roller chains. Our factory makes sure every chain is perfect.

What we do better:

  • Use top materials
  • Check every chain
  • Meet all standards
  • Ship fast to you
  • Help you choose right

Our chains last 2-3 times longer than others when used right!

How to Order the Right Chain

Need a new chain? Here’s what to do:

  1. Measure using our steps
  2. Write down all numbers
  3. Check your machine book if you have it
  4. Contact our roller chain team

We help you get it right the first time!

Case Study: Farm Equipment Fixed Fast

Joe’s farm had big problems. His hay baler kept breaking down. The chains didn’t last.

We found out why: He used the wrong size chain!

After measuring right and getting our chains, Joe’s baler worked all season with no stops!

Why Chain Size Matters So Much

The wrong chain is like wrong shoes. Too big? They fall off. Too small? They hurt. Chains work the same way!

Right size chains mean:

  • Less fixing
  • Less money spent
  • More work done
  • Happy machines
  • Happy you!

Learn about our industrial chains that last longer.

Why Choose Our Factory Chains

Not all chains are the same. Our factory makes chains that:

  • Meet all rules
  • Fit right
  • Last long
  • Cost less over time
  • Come with help

We test every chain before it leaves our factory!

Our drive chains work in all kinds of machines.

The Cost of Wrong Chains

Bad chains cost more than you think:

  • Fix costs
  • Stop time
  • New parts
  • Lost work
  • Mad customers

But good chains save money! Our chains help you work without stops.

How to Keep Your Chains Working Well

After you get the right size, do these things:

  1. Oil chains when told to
  2. Check for stretch every month
  3. Keep chains clean
  4. Don’t pull too hard
  5. Use right size sprockets

Clean chains last up to 67% longer! 

Conclusion

Measuring roller chains right matters a lot. Wrong sizes cause big problems and cost lots of money. But now you know how to measure right!

Remember these steps:

  1. Measure pitch first
  2. Check roller size
  3. Look at plate height
  4. Measure inside width
  5. Check for wear

Our factory makes the best chains. We help you get what you need. Contact us today for help!

Comments

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hot Products

Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people. We have that dynamic group of peoples
滚动至顶部

get our offer

Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly.