#40 (1/2") Pitch Roller Chain

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#40 (1/2") Pitch Roller Chain

Lynx #40 roller chain is the ANSI B29.1 standard for 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) pitch industrial drives: sized for light-duty intermittent use, low torque applications applications. Sold as complete reels (5' through 100') and as individual connecting and offset links for repair, modification, and installation. Available in standard steel, stainless, nickel plated, and Dacroclad coated variants.

#40 Chain Specifications

ANSI Designation	#40
Pitch	1/2" (12.7 mm)
Roller Diameter	5/16"
Pin Diameter	0.156"
Average Tensile Strength	3,700 lbs
Maximum Working Load	810 lbs
Connection Types	Cottered Pin (C/P), Spring Clip (S/C), Riveted (RIV)
Strand Options	Single, Double (-2), Triple (-3)

Common #40 Chain Applications

#40 chain serves light-duty intermittent use, low torque applications in:

Industries: precision instruments, office equipment, vending machines, medical devices, small consumer machinery
Typical equipment: paper handlers, ticket dispensers, ATMs, copy machines, light agricultural tools
Existing equipment replacement (matching original ANSI spec)
New industrial drive design where size is selected for load and speed

Chain Components You'll Need

Roller chain ships as a continuous reel, you cut to length on site and join the ends with a connecting link. Lynx offers three connecting link types and offset links for length adjustment:

Connecting Links (C/L)

Used to join the two cut ends of chain into a continuous loop after sizing. Three variants:

Cottered Pin (C/P C/L): Permanent link secured with cotter pins through drilled holes, strongest connection, used for high-load applications.
Spring Clip (S/C C/L): Reusable link secured with a spring clip, easier installation and removal for maintenance access.
Riveted Connecting Link: Field-installable using a rivet press, matching the strength of riveted chain.

Offset Links (O/L)

Half-pitch link that lets you adjust chain length by one pitch (instead of two, which is the minimum for connecting links). Use when even-numbered pitch counts don't fit your drive geometry. Generally considered the weakest point in a chain assembly, so use sparingly in high-load applications.

Sizing & Installation Best Practices

Order chain in pairs of pitches whenever possible, avoid offset links if even count works for your geometry.
Pre-stretch heavy industrial chain before final tensioning (run loaded for 4-8 hours, then re-tension).
Match strand count exactly, single-strand chain cannot run on double-strand sprockets and vice versa.
For corrosive environments, specify stainless or Dacroclad-coated chain at order time (cannot be converted).
Maintain proper lubrication: most industrial chain requires oil bath, drip, or grease lubrication based on speed.

Compatible Sprockets

#40 chain mates with #40 ANSI standard sprockets. For double-strand chain (#40-2), you need a #40-2 sprocket, chain and sprocket strand count must match.

⚙ Shop Compatible Sprockets

BlackStar #40 sprockets paired to this chain:

→ #40 Pitch Sprockets → All Lynx Connecting Links → All Lynx Offset Links

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure for #40 chain length?

Measure the center distance between drive and driven sprocket shafts in inches, then add half the sum of the sprocket pitch diameters. Divide by chain pitch (1/2") to get pitch count. Always round to an even pitch count to avoid offset links, most industrial drives use 100-300 pitch lengths.

What's the difference between #40 and #40H chain?

#40H (Heavy series) has identical pitch and pin geometry as standard #40 but uses thicker side plates, typically 20-30% higher tensile strength. Same sprockets work for both. Choose #40H when working loads are at or near the standard #40 limit (810 lbs) or in shock-loaded applications.

How often should I replace industrial roller chain?

Replace chain when measured elongation exceeds 3% of original length, or earlier if visual inspection shows pin scoring, plate cracking, or roller breakage. For high-uptime equipment, schedule preventive replacement at 80% of expected service life rather than waiting for failure. Worn sprockets must be replaced at the same time, since installing new chain on worn sprockets typically halves chain life.

Can I mix chain brands within the same drive?

Technically yes, all ANSI B29.1 chain in a given size is dimensionally interchangeable. In practice, mixing brands risks slight tolerance differences that cause uneven load distribution. For maintenance, replace the full chain rather than splicing in a single new section.

When should I use stainless versus nickel plated chain?

Choose stainless (304 or 316) for direct food contact, aggressive chemicals, salt water, and FDA-compliant applications. Choose nickel plated for moderate corrosion environments where cost is a factor, nickel plating offers good rust resistance at significantly lower cost than stainless, but doesn't survive aggressive acids or constant saltwater exposure. Dacroclad sits between the two, offering enhanced corrosion resistance at a moderate price premium.

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