A bar-link chain, also called a block-and-bar chain or a block chain, is a mechanical

drive chain Chain drive is a way of transmitting mechanical power from one place to another. It is often used to convey power to the wheels of a vehicle, particularly bicycles and motorcycles. It is also used in a wide variety of machines besides vehicles. ...

. It is composed of side plates, where each plate straddles one end of a block and is connected to the block with a pin going through a hole at one end of the block. Bar-link chains are simple, and often heavier and less efficient when compared with modern

roller chain Roller chain or bush roller chain is the type of chain drive most commonly used for transmission of mechanical power on many kinds of domestic, industrial and agricultural machinery, including conveyors, wire- and tube-drawing machines, printi ...

s due to the lack of rolling motion as the chain engages and disengages the

sprocket A sprocket, sprocket-wheel or chainwheel is a profiled wheel with teeth that mesh with a chain, track or other perforated or indented material. The name 'sprocket' applies generally to any wheel upon which radial projections engage a chain passi ...

However, they have advantages in specific applications, especially where no sprockets are needed, where

strength Strength may refer to: Physical strength *Physical strength, as in people or animals * Hysterical strength, extreme strength occurring when people are in life-and-death situations *Superhuman strength, great physical strength far above human c ...

is a greater concern than efficiency (high loads), and where the chain has special fixtures for holding or engaging a load.

References

Chain drives Chains {{motorcycle-stub

See also

References