Steel—The go-to for roller chain, steel is strong and economical. While proper lubrication helps prevent rusting, it’s not as corrosion resistant as coated or stainless steel.

Connecting Link—Use a single link to join both ends of your chain. Start by removing the spring clip or cotter pin from the link’s side plate. Then, slide the link pins into the mating rollers at each end of your chain and snap the clip back on. Also known as master links.

Adding Link—Attach with a connecting link to extend the length of your chain. Each link adds a length equal to the chain’s pitch. Also known as roller links.

Adding-and-Connecting Link—An all-in-one link for adding and connecting. It adds a half-pitch length at the roller end, allowing finer length adjustments than full-pitch links. The pin end connects to your chain—except for trade number 25, which requires a separate connecting link. Remove the side plate to install. Also known as half links and offset links.