#40 (1/2") Pitch Sprockets

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#40 (1/2") Pitch Sprockets

ANSI #40 sprockets are sized for 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) pitch roller chain: the industry-standard size for light-duty intermittent use, low torque applications applications. Our BlackStar #40 sprockets are precision-cut from medium carbon steel with a hardened tooth profile, available in tooth counts from 9 to 95 and three hub configurations (A-plate, B-hub, C-hub) for direct shaft mounting or bushing installation.

When To Use #40 Sprockets

#40 chain has a 1/2" pitch with 5/16" roller diameter. Working load capacity is approximately 810 lbs per strand, with average ultimate tensile strength of 3,700 lbs. This combination makes #40 ideal for:

Industries: precision instruments, office equipment, vending machines, medical devices, small consumer machinery
Common applications: paper handlers, ticket dispensers, ATMs, copy machines, light agricultural tools
Replacement of existing #40 sprockets without changing chain specification
New designs where engineering analysis specifies this ANSI size

#40 Pitch Specifications

ANSI Designation	#40
Pitch (P)	1/2" (12.7 mm)
Roller Diameter	5/16"
Pin Diameter	0.156"
Average Tensile Strength	3,700 lbs
Working Load (Single Strand)	810 lbs
ANSI Standard	B29.1 (Inch Series Precision Roller Chain)

How To Select The Right Sprocket

Three specifications drive sprocket selection for any chain drive:

1. Tooth Count

More teeth means smoother chain engagement and reduced wear per tooth, but increases overall diameter. As a rule of thumb: drive sprockets should have at least 17 teeth for high-speed applications, and at least 19 teeth for shock-loaded systems. Driven sprockets can go larger for speed reduction. We stock 9-95 tooth options for most pitches.

2. Hub Style

Three hub styles match different mounting needs:

A-Plate: Flat sprocket, no integral hub, use with a bushing (QD or Taper-Lock) for tool-free shaft removal.
B-Hub: Hub on one side of the sprocket, direct shaft mounting with set screws or keyway.
C-Hub: Hubs on both sides, for higher torque transmission and longer engagement.

3. Bore Type

Plain stock bore lets you machine to a custom shaft size. Finished bore with keyway and set screws mounts directly. QD or Taper-Lock requires a matching bushing but allows fast field removal.

Chain & Component Compatibility

#40 sprockets pair with #40 ANSI standard roller chain. For multi-strand applications, you need a matching multi-strand sprocket: a #40-2 (double-strand) sprocket for #40-2 chain. Our Lynx chain line offers cottered and riveted variants in single, double, and triple strand configurations.

🔗 Shop Compatible Products

Find the matching chain, connecting links, and offset links for your #40 sprocket drive:

→ #40 Pitch Chain → All Lynx Chain → Bushings

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I confirm my chain is #40 pitch?

Measure the distance from pin center to adjacent pin center along the chain, for #40, that distance is exactly 1/2" (12.7 mm). Roller diameter is 5/16". Most ANSI standard chain has the size number stamped on the outer link plates (40 or 40H for the heavy series).

Can I use #40H chain on #40 sprockets?

Yes, #40H (Heavy series) chain has identical pitch and pin geometry to standard #40 chain, but uses thicker side plates for higher tensile strength. It mates with standard #40 sprockets with no modifications required.

What's the difference between #40 and #40-2 sprockets?

#40-2 is the double-strand version: two parallel rows of teeth on a wider hub, designed to mate with #40-2 (double-strand) chain. Same pitch and tooth profile, but with double the load capacity. A single-strand #40 sprocket cannot drive double-strand chain: the strands need separate tooth rows.

How does sprocket wear affect chain life?

Worn sprockets accelerate chain wear by causing uneven load distribution across pins. If teeth show pointed, hooked, or asymmetric profiles, replace the sprocket, installing new chain on worn sprockets typically reduces chain life by 50% or more. A simple visual check: compare unloaded teeth against loaded teeth; significant asymmetry indicates time for replacement.

Do I need a bushing for a finished-bore sprocket?

No. Finished-bore sprockets have the bore machined to a specific shaft size with keyway and set screws, they mount directly to a matching shaft. Bushings (QD or Taper-Lock) are only needed with A-plate sprockets, which have a plain bore designed to fit a removable bushing for tool-free shaft removal.

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