Chain Tools for Roller Chains and Conveyor Chains
The TSUBAKI chain tool enables easy and safe assembly and disassembly of roller chains. It facilitates maintenance and ensures proper handling to maximise the service life of the chains.
Chain mounting tensioner 12B1 - 20B1, RS60 - RS100, 3/4" - 1 1/4", TSUBAKI
Chain mounting tensioner 06B1 - 12B1, RS35 - RS60, 3/8" - 3/4", TSUBAKI
Roller Chain Tools for Assembly, Removal and Maintenance
Suitable roller chain tools support the controlled assembly, removal and inspection of industrial chains. Depending on the maintenance task, a chain breaker, chain mounting tensioner or chain wear indicator may be required. These tools help maintenance teams shorten roller chains, bring chain ends together and identify wear-related chain elongation.
MOVET supplies TSUBAKI chain tools for different European BS and American ANSI chain sizes. Before selecting a tool, compare the chain designation, pitch, standard, number of strands and chain design with the stated compatibility of the tool.
Which Roller Chain Tool Is Required?
Each chain tool performs a specific function. A chain breaker is used to open the chain, while a roller chain puller brings the two ends together for fitting a connecting link. A chain wear gauge is used during regular maintenance to assess elongation.
| Chain tool | Function | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Chain breaker | Presses a chain pin out of the link plates | Opening, shortening or removing a roller chain |
| Chain mounting tensioner | Pulls the two chain ends together | Installing the correct connecting link |
| Chain wear indicator | Checks wear-related chain elongation | Condition monitoring and replacement planning |
A complete chain replacement may require more than one tool. The existing chain is first inspected, then opened with a suitable breaker and finally replaced or reconnected using a mounting tensioner and the specified connecting link.
Chain Breakers for Opening and Shortening Roller Chains
A roller chain breaker is positioned so that its pressure pin is aligned centrally with the chain pin that must be removed. The tool then presses the pin through the link plates, allowing the chain to be opened at the selected joint.
The MOVET range includes TSUBAKI CS-A, CS-B and CS-C chain breakers for chain pitches from 1/4 inch to 3 inches.
| Tool series | Covered pitch range | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| CS-A | Selected small chains with 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2" pitch | Compact roller chains and smaller drive systems |
| CS-B | Small and medium-sized chains from 3/8" to 3/4" | Common industrial drive and conveyor chains |
| CS-C | Medium and large chains from 1" to 3" | Heavy industrial roller-chain installations |
Chain pitch alone is not always sufficient for selecting a breaker. Pin diameter, plate width, strand configuration and pin riveting must also correspond to the tool. The exact chain designation and the compatibility information for the individual breaker therefore remain decisive.
Roller Chain Pullers for Connecting Chain Ends
A chain mounting tensioner, also referred to as a roller chain puller, brings the two ends of an open chain close enough together to install the appropriate connecting link. This reduces the need to hold the chain manually against its weight or existing tension during assembly.
| Tool | European BS chain sizes | ANSI chain sizes | Pitch range |
|---|---|---|---|
| CP01 | 06B1 to 12B1 | RS35 to RS60 | 3/8" to 3/4" |
| CP02 | 12B1 to 20B1 | RS60 to RS100 | 3/4" to 1Â 1/4" |
| CP03 | 16B1 to 48B1 | RS80 to RS240 | 1" to 3" |
A chain puller is only an assembly aid and does not replace the correct adjustment of the operating tension. Once the chain has been connected, chain sag, shaft alignment and centre distance must be checked according to the requirements of the chain and machine manufacturer.
Chain Wear Indicators for BS and ANSI Roller Chains
During operation, wear occurs between the pins and bushes within the chain joints. This gradually increases the distance between the rollers. The resulting dimensional change is commonly described as chain elongation, although the individual link plates have not necessarily stretched.
A chain wear indicator provides a quick method of checking this elongation without carrying out a detailed measurement and calculation. MOVET offers TSUBAKI indicator sets for the two principal industrial roller-chain standards.
| Chain series | Standard | Suitable chain sizes |
|---|---|---|
| European BS roller chains | DIN 8187 | Chain sizes from 06B to 16B |
| American ANSI roller chains | DIN 8188 | RS35 to RS80 |
The wear gauge must correspond to the chain standard and size. A gauge intended for a BS chain should therefore not be used for an ANSI chain solely because both chains have a similar nominal pitch.
How to Measure and Assess Roller Chain Elongation
Before checking the chain, remove heavy contamination and apply slight tension so that the clearances within the joints are taken up in one direction. The chain wear indicator is then placed between or against the specified rollers in accordance with its operating instructions.
Wear may vary along the chain length, so the inspection should be repeated at several positions. Areas exposed to high loads, frequent starts, inadequate lubrication or abrasive contamination require particular attention.
With TSUBAKI chain wear indicators, the green reference indicates approximately 0.7% elongation. At this stage, replacement can be scheduled. Reaching the red reference at approximately 1.5% indicates that the chain should be replaced promptly to help limit additional wear on the sprockets.
Opening and Installing Roller Chains Safely
Before carrying out work on a chain drive, the machine must be switched off and secured against unintended restart. The chain, suspended loads and connected components must be supported so that they cannot move uncontrollably when the chain strand is opened.
Check the pin design before using a chain breaker. With certain riveted chains, the riveted pin heads must first be removed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The breaker pin should then be aligned centrally and operated using controlled, even force.
Suitable eye protection, gloves and safety footwear should be worn. Damaged or excessively worn tools must not be used. Chain assembly and removal should only be performed by personnel familiar with the construction and safety requirements of the drive system.
Selecting and Buying the Correct Roller Chain Tool
Begin by identifying the complete chain designation. References such as 08B1, 12B1, RS40 or RS80 provide information about the dimensional standard, chain size and, in many cases, the number of strands.
Compare the tool specifications with the chain pitch, pin diameter, overall width, strand configuration and design. Tools intended for simplex roller chains are not automatically suitable for duplex or triplex chains, attachment chains, leaf chains or sealed O-ring and X-ring chains.
Suitable standard and special chains are available in the roller chains section. Replacement products include industrial drive chains and conveyor chains in different standards, materials and designs.