Chains are used in many industries, which is why we use them every day, even though we are often not aware of it. What are they? In the simplest terms, they are elements composed of a certain number of links, combined into a single whole that can change shape. The main types of chains are ring (link) chains, ladder chains (Gall's chain), as well as plate chains. However, other names also remain in use, including the term inch chains. What are these types of products? And where did their name come from? We answer these and other questions in our article.
What are inch chains?
Inch chains is a group of chains that have a pitch expressed in the unit of length, which is inches (remember that one inch equals 25,4 millimeters). Therefore, before making a purchase or using a given product, it is worth checking the unit in which the values are expressed, as this has a huge impact on the application. In addition to inch chains, we also distinguish metric chains that use a unit closer to us, i.e. millimeters.
chains with inch scale are created according to the so-called American standard and are covered by ISO 606, ANSI B29.1 and DIN 8188. The pitch sizes covered by this standard are 1/4 to 3 inches.
Also note that:
- chains created according to the American standard have a smaller pin diameter, and thus lower wear resistance,
- American-standard chains are marked according to the ANSI standard (e.g. a 1/2 inch pitch two-row chain will be ANSI 40-2).
What to remember when choosing a chain?
However, the type of graduation is only one factor to consider before making a purchase. When choosing the necessary element, its type and characteristics should be adjusted to the current needs. It is also crucial to choose a high-quality product that is good for strength, load-resistant and versatile in use. The thickness of the driving link and the length of the chain expressed in the number of driving links are also noteworthy.