Buy Roller Chain Links Online in Australia
Roller Chain Connecting & Offset Links
Roller chain connecting links and offset (half) links are the parts that let you join, shorten or repair a length of roller chain without replacing the whole drive. Every roller chain drive eventually needs one — whether you're closing a new chain loop to length, splicing in a repair section, or swapping a worn link before it takes out a sprocket. Get the wrong one on and you've got a joint that's weaker than the rest of the chain, so matching the link to your exact chain is the job. We've put together a Chain Tensioner Guide: Roller Chain Tensioning Methods if you'd like more detail before you buy.
AIMS Industrial stocks connecting links and offset links across the two standards used in Australian industry — BS (British Standard, the "B" suffix numbers like 08B, 10B, 16B) and ASA (American Standard, the plain numbers like 40, 60, 80 — also referred to as ANSI chain). BS and ASA chain are not interchangeable, even at a matching pitch, because the plate width and pin length differ between the two systems. Our range runs from light-duty simplex links right through to triplex and quad configurations, plus purpose-built variants for high-speed drives, conveyor duty, wash-down environments and forklift mast leaf chain.
The range is drawn from KCM, SY Chain and ECO — all stocked in depth across configuration, chain number and finish, so whether you're on the tools doing a field repair or specifying replacement parts for a production line, there's a genuine chance we've already got the exact link sitting on the shelf.
What's in the AIMS Roller Chain Link Range
| Link type | What it's for | Chain numbers stocked | Configurations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard connecting link | Spring-clip retained — the everyday join for field repair and assembly | ASA 25–240; BS 03, 04, 05B–32B | Simplex, Duplex, Triplex, Quad |
| Offset / half (crank) link | Adds one pitch where a full connecting link would leave an odd pitch count | ASA 25–200; BS 03, 04, 05B–32B | Simplex, Duplex, Triplex |
| H-Type / HE-Type | Press-fit / heavy-duty retained link for faster or higher-load drives | ASA 40H–180H; 50HE–160HE | Simplex, Duplex |
| Cottered connecting link | Cotter-pin retained link, common on heavier ASA sizes | ASA 60–200; H-Type 60H–140H | Simplex, Duplex, Triplex |
| Side bow link | Curved-plate link for tight sprocket clearance | ASA 40SB, 50SB, 60SB | Simplex |
| Straight side plate link | Flat-plate alternative for specific drive geometries | 50F, 60F, 80F | Simplex |
| Hollow pin link | Hollow rivet pin — used where attachments pass through the link | ASA 40HP–80HP; Double Pitch C2040HP–C2080HP | Simplex |
| X-Ring link | Sealed link that retains internal lubrication and keeps contaminants out | BS 08B–16B | Simplex |
| Self-lubricating link | Pre-packed lubrication for drives that are hard to service regularly | ASA 40–80; BS 08B–16B | Simplex |
| Double pitch (conveyor) | For lower-speed, longer-pitch conveyor chain drives | C2040, C2050, C2060(H), C2080(H) | Standard, Stainless (incl. 304), Nickel-plated |
| Aqua Series | SY Chain's wash-down and wet-environment link | BS 08B–20B; ASA 40–100 | Simplex, Duplex |
| Leaf chain link | Forklift mast, hoist and lifting-equipment chain | AL series (light duty), BL series (heavy duty) | — |
Verified pitch reference — pitch confirmed directly against AIMS product listings: ASA 40 = 1/2" pitch, ASA 60 = 3/4" pitch, ASA 80 = 1" pitch, BS 32B = 2" pitch, BS 04 = 6 mm pitch, Double Pitch C2040 = 1", C2050 = 1‑1/4", C2060(H) = 1‑1/2", C2080(H) = 2". For any chain number not listed here, check the pitch stamped on your existing chain or confirm against the specific product page before ordering — never assume pitch from chain number alone.
Choosing the Right Material and Finish
The right finish depends on the environment the chain runs in, not on load capacity — a stainless or nickel-plated link is not stronger than a standard steel link at the same chain number, it's simply more resistant to the conditions around it.
- Standard (carbon) steel — the baseline for general industrial and mechanical drives indoors, out of the weather.
- Stainless steel (including 304-grade options in our double-pitch range) — for washdown, food and beverage, chemical and other corrosive-exposure environments where a standard steel link would rust out well before it wears out.
- Nickel-plated — a lighter-duty corrosion step up from bare steel, suited to outdoor or damp-but-not-constantly-wet applications where full stainless isn't warranted.
- Aqua Series (SY Chain) — purpose-built for wash-down and wet-running conveyor and processing lines, combining corrosion resistance with standard wear performance.
Whichever finish you choose, match it to the rest of the chain — running a stainless link on carbon-steel chain (or vice versa) sets up galvanic corrosion right at the joint, which is exactly the point you don't want failing first.
How to Choose the Right Connecting or Offset Link
Four things need to line up before you order:
- Standard — is your chain BS or ASA? Check for a stamped designation on the side plate (e.g. "08B-1" is BS, "40-1" is ASA), or measure the roller width — BS chain runs a wider plate than ASA at the same pitch.
- Pitch and chain number — measure centre-to-centre between two roller pins, or match the number stamped on the plate.
- Configuration — simplex, duplex, triplex or quad, matched to the number of strands on your existing chain. A duplex link will not retrofit simplex chain.
- Retention type — a standard spring-clip link is field-serviceable with a pair of pliers and suits most general drives. Move to an H-Type, HE-Type, cottered or X-Ring link for high-speed, high-vibration or sealed-lubrication requirements.
If you're replacing a link rather than assembling new chain, replace it at the same time as the chain section around it — reusing an old link on new chain, or vice versa, creates a mismatch in wear that shows up as the first failure point.
Brands We Stock
KCM covers the broadest configuration spread in our range — BS and ASA connecting and offset links across simplex through triplex, H-Type and HE-Type high-speed links, cottered links, stainless and nickel-plated finishes, plus AL and BL series leaf chain connecting links for forklift mast and lifting equipment.
SY Chain extends the range further with quad configurations, the Aqua Series for wash-down environments, hollow pin and X-ring options, self-lubricating "Premium" links, and its own AL/BL leaf chain series — alongside its own BS and ASA standard and stainless offerings.
ECO supplies a focused, competitively-priced connecting and offset link pairing for agricultural roller chain (CA550 and CA557), suited to general-duty ag equipment where a premium finish isn't required.
Related AIMS Ranges
Connecting and offset links are only half the story — here's where the rest of the chain drive lives on our site:
- Roller chain — the chain itself, in the matching standards and pitches
- Leaf chain — the forklift mast and hoist chain these leaf links join
- Sprockets — the drive side of every chain assembly
- Stainless steel roller chain — for food, beverage and washdown specification
- Agricultural chain — the ag-specific chain range that pairs with our ECO links
- Chain & sprockets — the full power transmission chain category
- KCM and SY Chain — browse each brand's full catalogue
Not sure exactly what you need, or after a chain number we haven't listed here? Get in touch with our team — we'll help you identify the right standard, pitch and configuration before you order.
Roller Chain Link FAQs
What's the difference between a connecting link and an offset (half) link?
A connecting link joins two chain lengths and adds an even number of pitches. An offset link (also called a half link or crank link) adds a single pitch, used when the chain length you need works out to an odd pitch count. Offset links carry less load capacity than a standard link of the same size, so they should be minimised in any drive rather than used by default.
Are BS and ASA connecting links interchangeable?
No. BS (British Standard) and ASA (American Standard, sometimes called ANSI) roller chain use different plate widths and pin lengths, even at a matching pitch. A BS link will not seat correctly on ASA chain and vice versa. Always confirm the standard first, then pitch, then configuration.
What configurations do you stock — simplex, duplex, triplex?
All three, plus quad in the SY Chain ASA range. Match the configuration to the number of strands on your existing chain — a duplex link cannot be fitted to simplex chain and vice versa.
What's the benefit of an H-Type or HE-Type link over a standard spring-clip link?
A standard spring-clip connecting link is fast to fit and remove in the field with a pair of pliers, and suits most general industrial drives running at normal speed. H-Type and HE-Type links use a more securely retained outer plate, making them the better choice for higher-speed or higher-vibration drives where a spring clip could work loose over time.
When should I use a stainless steel link instead of standard steel?
Specify stainless where corrosion is the risk, not where extra strength is needed — a stainless link is not stronger than a standard steel link of the same size, only more corrosion-resistant. It suits washdown, food and beverage, and chemical-exposure environments. Keep the link material consistent with the rest of the chain to avoid galvanic corrosion at the joint.
What is the Aqua Series?
Aqua Series is SY Chain's link range purpose-built for wet and wash-down running conditions, combining corrosion resistance with standard wear performance across both BS and ASA pitch ranges.
What's a hollow pin connecting link used for?
Hollow pin links use a hollow rivet pin rather than a solid one, typically used on conveyor chain where an attachment (a bracket, flight or extended pin) needs to pass through the link itself.
What are AL and BL series leaf chain links?
AL and BL are leaf chain connecting link series used on forklift masts, hoists and other lifting equipment — AL is the light-duty series and BL the heavy-duty series. Match the exact AL or BL designation to your chain specification; they are not interchangeable across series.
How do I work out what chain number and pitch I need?
Measure the centre-to-centre distance between two adjacent roller pins for pitch, and check for a stamped designation on the side plate (chain and standard are usually marked there). If there's no legible stamp, bring a sample section in or send us a photo and we'll help confirm it.