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ANSI vs. ISO Roller Chains: Which One Should You Choose?

ANSI vs. ISO Roller Chains: Which One Should You Choose?

Jan 24,2025
When selecting roller chains for industrial applications, understanding the standards that govern their design and manufacturing is crucial. Two of the most widely recognized standards for roller chains are ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization). Both standards define the technical specifications for roller chains used in power transmission systems but differ in dimensions, tolerances, and other key parameters.

In this article, we will explore the key differences between ANSI and ISO roller chains, their respective applications, and the pros and cons of each standard to help you make an informed decision about which roller chain best suits your specific needs.
Cottered roller chains use cotter pins to hold the pins in place, making them more flexible for maintenance. The cotter pin design allows for easier disassembly and reassembly, which can be beneficial in environments where chains need to be adjusted or repaired frequently. They are often preferred in agricultural and construction equipment where ease of maintenance is prioritized over maximum load capacity​
Cottered roller chains use cotter pins to hold the pins in place, making them more flexible for maintenance. The cotter pin design allows for easier disassembly and reassembly, which can be beneficial in environments where chains need to be adjusted or repaired frequently. They are often preferred in agricultural and construction equipment where ease of maintenance is prioritized over maximum load capacity​

Difference Between ANSI Roller Chain and ISO Roller Chain 

Feature
Measurement System
Uses Inches as the primary unit of measurement
Uses Millimeters as the unit of measurement
Chain Dimension and Pitch
Generally in a 1/8-inch pitch size
A 1.5 mm pitch size
Chain Tolerance
ANSI standards roller chains have slightly looser tolerance and can have a bit more flexibility in manufacturing. 
ISO standards roller chains often more precise in dimensional tolerances, suitable for high-accurate applications.
Common Application Region
North America
Europe and Asia

CTS | Professional Roller Chain Manufacturer

CTS®-ChinaTransmissionS is a professional roller chain supplier with over 14 years in the power transmission industry. 
As a professional roller chain supplier, our experienced technical team always learns the latest manufacturing technology. It would be better for you to build long-term and stable cooperation with us, and we can provide priority service and fast response for the first time. 


If you have any questions about roller chains, please contact us.

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