Chain Links

Chain Links — Roller Chain Connecting Links & Master Links

Roller chain connecting links and master links join and close roller chain loops — enabling chain assembly, replacement, and length adjustment without breaking the whole chain run. AIMS Industrial stocks chain links for ANSI (25, 35, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100 series) and BS (05B, 06B, 08B, 10B, 12B, 16B) roller chains in carbon steel and stainless steel.

Chain Links We Stock

• Spring Clip Connecting Links: Standard spring clip (slip-link) connecting links for ANSI and BS roller chain — the most common method for closing a chain loop. The spring clip retains the outer plate on the link pin. Available for all standard chain pitches and series.
• Cotter Pin Connecting Links: Cotter pin connecting links for heavy-duty applications where spring clip retention is insufficient — the cotter pin provides positive retention of the outer plate in applications subject to shock loading, vibration, and high centrifugal force at speed.
• Offset (Half) Links: Offset links (half-links) allow roller chain length adjustment by an odd number of pitches — necessary when the chain run cannot be made an even number of pitches with standard connecting links alone. Used in chain tensioning and length adjustment during installation.
• Stainless Steel Connecting Links: 304 and 316 stainless steel connecting links for food processing chains, pharmaceutical drives, and corrosive environments. Must be matched to stainless chain — mixing stainless links in carbon chain causes galvanic corrosion at the interface.

Chain Link Selection & Installation Guide

• Matching Chain Series: The connecting link must match both the chain pitch and the chain series (standard, heavy, or double-pitch). Mixing chain series connecting links — even if the pitch matches — is unsafe as pin diameter and plate width differ between series.
• Spring Clip Orientation: Spring clips must be installed with the open end of the clip facing away from the direction of chain travel — preventing the clip from being forced off by chain wrap around sprockets. Incorrect spring clip orientation is the most common cause of unexpected chain disassembly.
• Cotter Pins for High Speed: At chain speeds above 15 m/s, centrifugal force can fling spring clips off the connecting link pin — use cotter pin connecting links for high-speed drives. Check the chain manufacturer's maximum speed recommendation for spring clip vs cotter pin connection.

Australian Business, Local Supply: As a proudly Australian business since 1988, we stock locally and work with trusted local Australian manufacturers and distributors to ensure fast, reliable supply.

Expert Support: Need help buying the right product for your application? Contact our team for application-specific advice or request a quote.

Also see our full range of Chains & Sprockets.