How to Use and Maintain a Chain
Release time:
2018-09-14
Method steps
1. The sprocket installed on the shaft should be free of skewing and wobbling. In the same transmission assembly, the end faces of the two sprockets should lie in the same plane. When the center distance between sprockets is less than 0.5 meters, the allowable deviation is 1 millimeter; when the center distance exceeds 0.5 meters, the allowable deviation is 2 millimeters. However, no friction on the side surfaces of the sprocket teeth is permitted. If the misalignment between the two sprockets is excessive, it can easily lead to chain disengagement and accelerated wear. When replacing sprockets, it is essential to carefully inspect and adjust the misalignment.
2. The chain tension should be appropriate: if it’s too tight, power consumption will increase and the bearings will wear out more quickly; if it’s too loose, the chain is prone to jumping and coming off the sprockets. To check the proper chain tension, lift or press down on the middle section of the chain—there should be a clearance of about 2–3 cm between the centers of the two sprockets.
3. If the new chain is too long or has stretched after use and is difficult to adjust, you can remove chain links as needed—but only an even number of links may be removed. The chain links should be passed through from the back side of the chain, with the locking plate inserted on the outside. The opening of the locking plate should face in the direction opposite to the rotation.
4. Once the sprocket shows severe wear, both the new sprocket and the new chain should be replaced simultaneously to ensure proper meshing. It is crucial not to replace only the chain or only the sprocket individually. Otherwise, improper meshing will accelerate the wear of both the new chain and the new sprocket. When the tooth surface of the sprocket wears to a certain extent, it should be promptly flipped over for continued use (for sprockets with adjustable faces) to extend their service life.
5. The old chain must not be mixed with new chains; otherwise, impact may easily occur during transmission, leading to chain breakage.
6. The chain should be promptly lubricated during operation. The lubricant must penetrate the clearance between the roller and the inner sleeve to improve working conditions and reduce wear.
7. When the machine is stored for an extended period, the chain should be removed, thoroughly cleaned with kerosene or diesel, and then coated with machine oil or grease before being stored in a dry place to prevent rusting.
Visual inspection of the chain
1. Are the inner/outer link plates deformed, cracked, or corroded?
2. Check whether the pin is deformed or rotates, and for signs of corrosion.
3. Are the rollers cracked, damaged, or excessively worn?
4. Is the connector loose or deformed?
5. Are there any unusual noises or abnormal vibrations during operation? Is the chain lubrication in good condition?
Inspection method
Chain length accuracy shall be measured according to the following requirements:
1. The chain was cleaned before measurement.
2. Wrap the chain under test around two sprockets, ensuring that both the top and bottom sides of the chain under test are supported.
3. Before measurement, the chain should be held for 1 minute under a tensile load equal to one-third of its minimum ultimate tensile strength.
4. During measurement, apply the specified measurement load to the chain to ensure that both the upper and lower sides of the chain are tensioned and that the chain meshes properly with the sprockets.
5. Measure the center distance between the two sprockets.
Measure chain elongation:
1. To eliminate play throughout the entire chain, measurements should be taken while applying a certain degree of tensile stress to the chain.
2. During measurement, to minimize error as much as possible, take readings at locations between 6 and 10 knots.
3. Measure the inner dimension L1 and outer dimension L2 between the rollers at each measuring section, and calculate the reference dimension L as follows: L = (L1 + L2) / 2.
4. Determine the elongation length of the chain and compare this value with the allowable limit for chain elongation from the previous item.
Chain Structure: The chain consists of inner link plates and outer link plates. It is further composed of five smaller components: inner link plates, outer link plates, pins, bushings, and rollers. The quality of the chain depends primarily on the pins and bushings.
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