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Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC) > Lifting Chain System > Lifting Chain Terminology

Lifting Chain Terminology

Let’s move into a brief review of some additional roller chain terminology that you are likely to encounter.

  • Master Link (or Connecting Link) – basically a specialized, removable Outer Plate/Pin Plate combination, which is used to connect the ends of chains to something else (usually more chain). Includes a means to the hold the assembly together:
    • Pin ends that have holes drilled for cotter pins (usually found on the larger sized chains)
    • Pin ends that have been slotted for a thin retaining clip (usually found on the smaller sized chains)
  • Chain Adaptor – this is a special adaptor manufactured to Autoquip specifications that is used to connect – or “adapt” – the end of a lifting chain to the top of the locking cam (which is mounted to the wheel guide assembly).
  • Riveted Roller Chain – The riveted roller chain is the most common construction of all chains. Riveted means that the pins in the chain are staked/peened over for a permanent fit.
  • Heavy Duty Roller Chain – A roller chain that is made with thicker link plates than standard chain. This feature can decrease chain stretch by 10-15% for a given chain size. The other option to decrease stretch is to move up in chain size for a given load requirement.
  • Cottered Roller Chain – This type of roller chain uses cotter pins to assemble the roller linkages in series. This makes reducing chain length much easier. You’ll usually find cottered roller chain available in the larger chain sizes.
  • Chain Number – Roller chain is numbered based on the chain pitch in eighths of an inch. Some examples: No. 80 chain has a pitch of 8 eighths, or 1”; No, 120 chain has a pitch of 12 eighths, or 1.5” and so on. And, the larger the pitch – the larger the chain.
  • Chain Pitch – An industry-standard dimension for roller chain that is measured from pin to pin on center. Chain pitch must match sprocket pitch for correct assembly & operation.
  • Chain Stretch – The change in chain length that occurs the maximum rated load is placed onto, or taken off of, the carriage – as a result of pulling all the “play” out of the chain assembly. This differential is greatest when the carriage is at the lowest landing – when the total amount of chain hanging from the drive base is greatest.