roller chain

chain drive

Also known as: bush roller chain

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A roller chain is a type of chain used in chain drives for transmitting power between shafts that are too far apart for gears. It is a development of the block chain, featuring side plates, bushings, and rollers. These rollers rotate freely on the bushings, reducing friction when the chain engages with sprockets.1

Roller chains are constructed from pin links and roller links. Pin links have two side plates joined by pins, while roller links have side plates connected by bushings with rotating steel rollers. This design allows for efficient power transmission and is commonly found on bicycles and in heavy-duty equipment. The first roller chain was used in 1841.12

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chain
A roller chain is a development of the block chain in which the block is replaced by two side plates, a pair of bushings, and rollers. (See Figure 3.) This type of chain is used on bicycles and is adaptable to many other needs, from small-strand…
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A roller chain is a development of the block chain in which the block is replaced by two side plates, a pair of bushings, and rollers. (See Figure 3.) This type of chain is used on bicycles and is adaptable to many other needs, from small-strand…
Read More

bicycle
The safety bicycle
Hans Renold invented the bush roller chain in Manchester, England, in 1880. This improved reliability and facilitated development of the safety bicycle.
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Hans Renold invented the bush roller chain in Manchester, England, in 1880. This improved reliability and facilitated development of the safety bicycle.
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