{"id":2135,"date":"2021-07-20T03:33:33","date_gmt":"2021-07-19T19:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/2021\/07\/20\/inspect_roller_chain-2"},"modified":"2025-07-08T14:22:52","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T06:22:52","slug":"inspect_roller_chain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/en\/inspect_roller_chain","title":{"rendered":"How to Inspect Your Roller Chain?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular inspection of your roller chain is crucial for maintaining performance, ensuring safety, and extending equipment life. This guide will walk you through the key steps to inspect roller chains effectively, identify wear and elongation, and avoid unexpected equipment failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Check List:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Noise or Vibration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abnormal Condition and Inspection \u2013 Unusual noise or vibration occurs during operation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Correction \u2013 Check the chain\u2019s tension, tightness, and wear. Confirm whether the chain is hitting any surrounding parts during operation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chain Tightness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abnormal Condition and Inspection \u2013 Rotate the sprocket to tighten one side of the chain. Measure the mid-span movement of the other side as below graph S-S\u2019 slack span.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2-1. When the angle is less than 45\u00b0 between center line of the sprockets and the horizontal, the amount of S-S\u2019 movement should be 2% ~ 6% of shaft<s>s <\/s>center distance (A \u2013 B).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"506\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3459\" style=\"width:445px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2-2. When the angle is more than 45\u00b0, the amount of S-S\u2019 movement should be 1% ~ 3% of A \u2013 B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"469\" height=\"352\" src=\"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/2-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3462\" style=\"width:313px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2-3. In the following conditions, the amount of S-S\u2019 movement should be 1%~ 3% of center distance (A \u2013 B).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\">\t\u25ce Distance between the shafts is more than 1 meter.<br>\t\u25ce Frequent start-stop under heavy load<br>\t\u25ce Chain is forward and reverse conversion motion.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Correction \u2013 Adjust the chain to the correct tightness or use an idler.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lubrication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abnormal Condition and Inspection \u2013 Visually check the appearance of the chain. If black or rust-colored powder is present between the links, it indicates that the lubricating oil inside the links is insufficient.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"380\" height=\"276\" src=\"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3472\" style=\"width:283px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Correction \u2013 Re-lubricate the chain. Check the chain wear and see if there is tight joints, rollers proper rotation and turning pins. Replace the whole chains if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Rollers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abnormal Condition and Inspection \u2013 Check if the roller can be rotated freely by turning it by hand. Visually inspect the rollers for damage, cracks or wear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/4-1-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3503\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Correction \u2013 Check if lubricating oil is sufficient. Re-lubricate if necessary. If the rollers are damaged or cracked, the chain must be replaced.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chain wear inspection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3498\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Image source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chinatransmissions.com\/blog\/How-To-Measure-Roller-Chains_b266\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CTS Roller Chain Measure Tools<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abnormal Condition and Inspection \u2013 After the chain is used, the chain length would extend because of the friction and wearing between pins and bushings. By measuring the elongation, we can know if whether the chain has reached the service life or not.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How to measure chain elongation<strong>:<\/strong> Straighten the chain and apply some force to eliminate the gap between the chain links. Measure the length of 6~10 links with a caliper, as shown in the figure below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"496\" src=\"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/5-2-1024x496.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3506\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The elongation limit (wear rate) of chain service life is related to the number of large sprocket teeth. Please refer to below table:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Large sprocket teeth<\/mark><\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Elongation limit<\/mark><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Less than 60 teeth<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">1.5%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">61~80 teeth<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">1.2%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">81~100 teeth<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">1.0%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">101~110 teeth<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0.8%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Correction \u2013 If elongation reaches the limit, please replace the chain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tight joints<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abnormal Condition and Inspection \u2013 Twist the chain links up and down to see if the chain can work freely. If the chain is stuck cannot twist freely, it shows that the chain may have tight joints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Correction \u2013 Please clean the chain if dirt or foreign substance is packed in joints. Check whether the chain is worn out. Check the lubrication status and re-lubricate if necessary. If there is no improvement after re-lubricating the chain, please replace the chain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Turned pins<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abnormal Condition and Inspection \u2013 Visually inspect the direction of the pin riveting and check if there is any rotation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/7-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3511\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Correction \u2013 Check whether the chain is overloaded or insufficiently lubricated. If pins rotate, please replace the chain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Enlarged Holes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abnormal Condition and Inspection \u2013 Check if link holes have become elongated (oval-shaped).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"645\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/8-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3514\" style=\"width:732px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Correction&nbsp;&#8211; If caused by overloaded, replace the chain with larger size or higher-strength chain. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cracked and fractured plates<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abnormal Condition and Inspection \u2013 Visually inspect if there are cracked and fractured plates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1014\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/9-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3517\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Correction &#8211; If the chain is overloaded, replace the chain with larger size or stronger chain. For corrosive environments, replace with <a href=\"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/categories\/corrosion-resistant-chain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">corrosion-resistant chain<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Worn plates<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abnormal Condition and Inspection \u2013 Check the plate height (H). Side plate wear should not exceed 5% of H. It would influence the strength of the chain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"385\" src=\"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/10-1-1024x385.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3520\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Correction &#8211; Use chain guides or wear strips. Replace the chain if wear exceeds 5%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proper roller chain inspection is key to ensuring reliable performance, minimizing downtime, and extending the life of your machinery. By regularly checking for wear, alignment, lubrication, and tension, you can prevent unexpected failures and keep your operations running smoothly. At Maxtop, we are committed to providing high-quality roller chains. Following the right inspection practices is not just good maintenance\u2014it\u2019s a smart investment in your equipment\u2019s longevity and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1751955347010\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">1. How often should I inspect my roller chain?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>In general, roller chains should be inspected every 500\u20131000 operating hours, or monthly for high-duty applications.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1751955366300\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">2. What tools do I need to measure chain elongation?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A vernier caliper or chain wear gauge is recommended.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1751955375913\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">3. What is the maximum allowed elongation before replacement?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Generally, if elongation exceeds 3%, the chain should be replaced.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Check our roller chain inspection list to find out the probable causes of roller chain wear and action suggested to take.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1301,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[166],"tags":[170,173,174],"class_list":["post-2135","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chain-knowledge","tag-roller-chain-knowledge","tag-chain-testing","tag-chain-quality"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/migra\/blog\/e0d955e5cdba06a13631bd2213bc99b204bc1f51.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2135","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2135"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2135\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1301"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2135"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2135"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mccchains.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2135"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}