Always change the sprockets when replacing roller chains, says Tsubaki

Sprockets can suffer from wear as much as roller chains do over time.

One of the traits that make Tsubaki of Canada stand out among providers of chains, chain sprockets, bushings, and related products is its wealth of expertise. This company has amassed a lot of valuable knowledge and experience in this field over the past century, including 45 years of serving Canadian industry.

One piece of expert advice that Tsubaki regularly gives to its clients is to change sprockets at the same time that they change roller chains. Neglecting to do so is one of the most frequent mistakes that Tsubaki sees companies make.

Ill effects on chain performance

According to a blog post on the Tsubaki website, giving the chain sprockets a quick visual inspection is not enough. Ignoring sprockets can have a negative effect on overall chain life or performance, which can increase long-term costs. Using old sprockets with a new chain can reduce the chain life by as much as one-quarter.

Tsubaki compares regular replacement of sprockets to automobile checkups and repairs. When a mechanic is examining a car with vibration issues, for example, he or she does not just look at wheel alignment and balancing. The mechanic will conduct a full, proper alignment or balance all four of the wheels. This can prevent further problems down the road. In the same way, a roller-chain upgrade should not be limited to just the chain.

What some chain users do not know is that sprockets attain minor wear in their pockets over time and use. Eventually, the chain will no longer fit into the pocket properly, and this will cause improper chain articulation. There may also be an increase in chordial action, or the rise and fall of the chain while articulating the sprocket, which may lead to vibration. The extra stress on the chain will increase tension, which will increase wear and may hasten premature failure.

To avoid unnecessary downtime and lost production, Tsubaki recommends changing the chain sprockets every time the roller chain is replaced. It may be time-consuming, but it will cost far less than replacing the roller chains more often than should be required.

To learn more, contact Tsubaki.

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