Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is silent chain really silent?
2. How can I determine the pitch of my silent chain?
3. Is there a Ramsey distributor near to me?
4. What is the best lubrication for silent chain?
5. Are conveyor chains different from chains used for power transmission?
6. Why should I use silent chain?
7. Which is better, single pin or two pin chain joints?
8. Why does silent chain run more smoothly than other chains?
9. How does Ramsey Silent Chain compare with belts?
10. How does Ramsey Silent Chain compare with Roller Chains?
11. How does Ramsey Silent Chain compare with Gears?
12. How do I design a Silent chain drive?
13. Can I buy sprockets and chain from different sources?
14. Does Ramsey have a replacement chain for the Morse HV or Hy-Vo chain?
15. How do you measure chain width?
16. Which type of chain guiding should I use?
17. Are chains from different manufacturers interchangeable?

15. How do you measure chain width?
There are a number of common terms that are used to describe silent chain width:

Width over heads - This is the maximum chain width and is measured across the “headed” or “riveted” pins.
Width over links - This is the measurement across link plates only, excluding pin heads or any washers that are on the ends of pins.
Width between guides - This is the measurement between guide plates and is used only with side guide chain.
Nominal width - This is not a measurement. It is a general approximation of chain size used in part numbering and catalogues.