Buy Chain Links Online in Australia
Roller Chain Link Quick Reference
Roller chain connecting + master links join + close roller chain loops — enabling assembly, repair, length adjustment without breaking the whole chain run. Selection by chain standard (ANSI vs BS), pitch, configuration (simplex/duplex/triplex), and material.
| Chain Standard | Pitch Sizes Available | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| ANSI #25 / #35 | 1/4" / 3/8" pitch | Light industrial — small drives, packaging |
| ANSI #40 / #50 | 1/2" / 5/8" pitch | Medium industrial — US-origin equipment |
| ANSI #60 / #80 / #100 | 3/4" / 1" / 1-1/4" | Heavy industrial — US-spec heavy drives |
| BS 05B / 06B / 08B | 8mm / 9.525mm / 12.7mm | European + AU light industrial — workshop standard |
| BS 10B / 12B / 16B | 15.875mm / 19.05mm / 25.4mm | European + AU medium-heavy industrial |
| Spring-Clip Connecting Link | All standards | Standard workshop replacement — clip retained |
| Press-Fit (H-Type) Connecting Link | All standards | High-speed drives — no clip dislodgement |
| Offset Link (Half Link) | All standards | Single-pitch adjustment in odd-count chains |
| Stainless Steel Variants | 304 + 316 SS | Food, marine, chemical — corrosion-resistant |
Critical: ANSI + BS chains with the SAME pitch are NOT interchangeable (different plate widths + roller diameter). Match link to exact chain standard + pitch + configuration. Connecting links are the chain's weakest point — replace at manufacturer-recommended service intervals. Brands: Tsubaki, KCM, SY Chain. Companion: roller chain, connecting links, sprockets, roller chain guide.
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.
People Also Ask — Chain Links and Connecting Links
Q: What's a connecting link used for?
Connecting links (also called master links or quick-release links) join two ends of a chain together, allowing the chain to be closed into a loop or have a section replaced without welding. They're standard in roller chain (bicycle and motorcycle drive chain), conveyor chain, and lifting chain applications. The connecting link must match the chain's pitch, dimensions, and grade rating.
Q: Should I use a press-fit or clip-style connecting link?
Press-fit (also called rivet-style) links have pins that are pressed and peened during installation — permanent connection, won't loosen under load. Clip-style (master links with retaining clips) install quickly with hand tools and can be removed for chain replacement — used in applications needing periodic chain access. For high-vibration or critical lifting applications, press-fit is the safer choice.
Q: What's an offset link in roller chain?
An offset link allows you to add a single pitch of chain length when you need an odd number of pitches between sprockets. Standard roller chain comes in even-pitch lengths; an offset link converts to odd pitch by combining one side plate of a connecting link with one side plate of a roller link. Offset links are slightly weaker than standard links and should be avoided in high-load applications where possible.
Q: Do chain links need lubrication?
Yes — chain runs on the rolling action of pins through bushings; without lubrication, the pin-and-bushing interface wears rapidly and the chain elongates. Use chain lubricant designed for the specific service (open chain for outdoor, oil-bath for enclosed drives, dry-film for food and clean environments). For lifting chain, periodic dipping in chain lubricant extends life significantly.
Q: When should chain links be replaced individually vs replacing the whole chain?
Replacing a single damaged link can be acceptable for short-term repair or non-critical service. For most applications, when chain has reached 3% elongation (the standard wear limit), replace the entire chain — individual link replacement leaves the rest of the worn chain in service, accelerating wear on the new sprockets. For lifting chain, never repair — replace the entire chain assembly.