Chain sizes GRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cotmullion]

I have been really confused recently with the whole chain sizing thing. I have a bicycle, front sprocket on my minibikes axle, and a chain which fits it. Now, I have bought a 10 tooth, 41# size clutch for it and it dosen't fit the chain, despite the fact that I've looked at numerous chain measuring charts which tell me that the pitch of a 41# chain is 1/2", and the chains pitch almost definetly is, so why does the clutch I've bought not fit? When I tested the chains fit, and it didn't fit, I assumed MFG Supply had sent the 35# instead of the 41#, but that's not the case either, because the 35# would have 12 teeth, but this only has 10! Finally, MFG Supply is in the states, and I am in the UK, which only amounts to the annoyance!!! Help me!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jr dragster T]

Well 41 chain is ment for 41 sprocket's XD. And your standered bike sprocket is pretty thin meaning there's not much for the rollar's of the chain to sit down in.

 

[Cotmullion]

Well 41 chain is ment for 41 sprocket's XD. And your standered bike sprocket is pretty thin meaning there's not much for the rollar's of the chain to sit down in.

I understand that, but the pitch is what is confusing me.

 

[Russ2251]

#41 chain and bicycle chain are not the same.
Not sure that bicycle chain can handle engine loads, even if it did fit.

 

[Cotmullion]

#41 chain and bicycle chain are not the same.
Not sure that bicycle chain can handle engine loads, even if it did fit.

I am not using bicycle chain.

 

[jr dragster T]

No, I dont think your AVERAGE bicycle chain can handle engine load's. I bike over 400 KM a summer on my mountain bike and I snap it periodically. However some companys do make some VERY heavy duty single speed chain!

 

[Russ2251]

I am not using bicycle chain.

But you are using a bicycle sprocket, correct? Still not designed for loads encountered.
Everything has to match. #41 chain, sprocket, and clutch. No cheap way out.

 

[Cotmullion]

But you are using a bicycle sprocket, correct? Still not designed for loads encountered.
Everything has to match. #41 chain, sprocket, and clutch. No cheap way out.

OK, I tried.

 

[Russ2251]

Not so bad.
Looks like all you need now is driven sprocket and correct chain.
Can't you get this stuff locally?

 

[Cotmullion]

Not so bad.
Looks like all you need now is driven sprocket and correct chain.
Can't you get this stuff locally?

I can. Tomorrow, if they are open, I am going to try to get a chain, sprocket and tensioner sprocket at a place which specialises it stuff like this.

 

[Russ2251]

If possible, try to avoid tensioner (idler?) sprocket.
Is engine or rear wheel position adjustable forward and back?

 

[Cotmullion]

If possible, try to avoid tensioner (idler?) sprocket.
Is engine or rear wheel position adjustable forward and back?

No it is on a scratch build, and I mean totally scratch built, including frame. The tensioner isn't sprung, but for the chain I have, or had, it was in a position to assure tightness. I'll have to move that with a new chain. If it wasn't for it, then the chain would touch the engine mounts.

 

[Russ2251]

I see.
Nice work.

 

[Cotmullion]

What pitch are bicycle sprockets? What chain size are they?

 

[jr dragster T]

Bicycle sprocket's have a space of 1/2" between the top's of the teeth. However they use a narrow version of 41 chain.

 

[Cotmullion]

Bicycle sprocket's have a space of 1/2" between the top's of the teeth. However they use a narrow version of 41 chain.

But it can't be width because this clutch apparently fits a 41#, the smallest 1/2 inch pitch chain. **** chains!!!

 

[ZnsaneRyder]

Let me help you out a bit. I've built a 6.5HP motorized pedal-tricycle before, and YES, the #40 AND #41 AND standard bike chain IS the same 1/2" PITCH. I've even replaced the regular chain for the pedals with a #40 chain just because it looks beefy and it made the chains match.

Bike chain is the thinnest!!! #41 and #40 chain are THICKER than bike chain.

However, your bike chain is not WIDE enough to fit the wide teeth on your #41 clutch. Your rear sprocket is fine. Get a #40 or #41 chain and you will be just fine with what you have. They usually cost the same, so go with the #40 because it's wider than a #41 and is stronger.

 

[Cotmullion]

Let me help you out a bit. I've built a 6.5HP motorized pedal-tricycle before, and YES, the #40 AND #41 AND standard bike chain IS the same 1/2" PITCH. I've even replaced the regular chain for the pedals with a #40 chain just because it looks beefy and it made the chains match.

Bike chain is the thinnest!!! #41 and #40 chain are THICKER than bike chain.

However, your bike chain is not WIDE enough to fit the wide teeth on your #41 clutch. Your rear sprocket is fine. Get a #40 or #41 chain and you will be just fine with what you have. They usually cost the same, so go with the #40 because it's wider than a #41 and is stronger.

I have a 41# clutch on it, but tell me: I think the problem is at the widths are wrong. In other words, the clutch is for 40# chain and the chain I have is 41#. Will as a 40# work on the 1/2" bike sprocket?

 

[ZnsaneRyder]

Will as a 40# work on the 1/2" bike sprocket?

I already mentioned in my previous post to you that I used a #40 chain on a tricycle for the pedal chain because it works with normal bike sprockets and that they are ALL 1/2 inch pitch chains. #40 is bigger than #41

Just get a #40 chain.

 

[Cotmullion]

I already mentioned in my previous post to you that I used a #40 chain on a tricycle for the pedal chain because it works with normal bike sprockets and that they are ALL 1/2 inch pitch chains. #40 is bigger than #41

Just get a #40 chain.

Thanks. I just need to be sure, you know.