#50 (5/8") Pitch Sprockets
ANSI #50 sprockets are sized for 5/8 inch (15.875 mm) pitch roller chain: the industry-standard size for continuous moderate-duty operation applications. Our BlackStar #50 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 #50 Sprockets
#50 chain has a 5/8" pitch with 0.400" roller diameter. Working load capacity is approximately 1,400 lbs per strand, with average ultimate tensile strength of 6,100 lbs. This combination makes #50 ideal for:
- Industries: general manufacturing, light packaging, small conveyors, motorcycles, agricultural attachments
- Common applications: bottling lines, automated packaging machinery, small belt drives, motorcycle drivetrains, push lawnmowers
- Replacement of existing #50 sprockets without changing chain specification
- New designs where engineering analysis specifies this ANSI size
#50 Pitch Specifications
| ANSI Designation | #50 |
| Pitch (P) | 5/8" (15.875 mm) |
| Roller Diameter | 0.400" |
| Pin Diameter | 0.200" |
| Average Tensile Strength | 6,100 lbs |
| Working Load (Single Strand) | 1,400 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
#50 sprockets pair with #50 ANSI standard roller chain. For multi-strand applications, you need a matching multi-strand sprocket: a #50-2 (double-strand) sprocket for #50-2 chain. Our Lynx chain line offers cottered and riveted variants in single, double, and triple strand configurations.
Find the matching chain, connecting links, and offset links for your #50 sprocket drive:
→ #50 Pitch Chain→ All Lynx Chain→ Bushings
