What is a roller chain sprocket?

A roller chain sprocket is a toothed wheel machined to match the pitch and roller diameter of a specific roller chain size, meshing with the chain's rollers to transmit rotational power between a driving and driven shaft. The tooth profile must match the chain pitch exactly for proper engagement.

What's the difference between a roller chain sprocket and an idler sprocket?

A roller chain sprocket mounted on a powered shaft drives the chain, while an idler sprocket simply guides or tensions the chain without adding power. Both share the same tooth profile so they can mesh with the same chain.

What is a split roller chain sprocket?

A split roller chain sprocket is manufactured in two halves that bolt together around the shaft, allowing installation or removal without disassembling the shaft, bearings, or other in-line components. This is especially useful for maintenance on long shafts or hard-to-access equipment.

What materials are roller chain sprockets available in?

Roller chain sprockets are most commonly made from steel for heavy industrial loads, with hardened teeth for improved wear resistance, while plastic roller chain sprockets are used in lighter-duty, quieter, or corrosion-sensitive applications. 3BG Supply stocks both material types across common chain pitches.

What is a roller chain sprocket coupling used for?

A roller chain sprocket coupling uses two sprockets, one on each shaft, connected by a short section of double-strand roller chain to transmit torque between shafts that are slightly misaligned. It is a simple, low-cost coupling option that tolerates minor angular and parallel misalignment.

Does 3BG Supply carry a full range of roller chain and sprocket sizes?

Yes, 3BG Supply stocks roller chain sprockets across standard ANSI chain pitches, in both steel and plastic, alongside our chain line and the rest of our sprockets category. Contact our team if you need help cross-referencing an existing part number.