08B Roller Chain Guide: Pitch, Replacement and Ordering

08B roller chain is the half-inch pitch British-standard chain used across conveyors, packaging lines and light industrial drives – and the chain most imported equipment is specified around, which is why KaiVoy sells it by the metre: replace a worn run without buying a full box.

What 08B means on paper

ItemDetail
StandardBS 08B, single strand
Pitch12.7 mm (1/2 in)
MaterialCarbon steel
Sold byMetre
MOQ100 m
OptionsConnecting links, half links, sprockets

Pitch is the identity: 12.7 mm centre-to-centre between pins. An 08B chain runs on 08B sprockets and on the gear motors fitted to KaiVoy sensor and drive equipment alike – the chain does not care which machine it turns.

When a run needs replacing

  • Measure elongation, not appearance: rollers can look clean while the pitch has stretched. Compare the pin-to-pin length of a stretched section against a new metre of chain; a worn BS chain rides the sprocket teeth out before it visibly fails.
  • Replace the sprockets with the chain: a new chain on elongated sprocket teeth wears to the old pitch profile within weeks – budget both or the metre is wasted.
  • Mind the joining hardware: connecting links and half links are orderable with the run; a hammered side plate is how good chain gets written off.

Ordering for maintenance stock

The 100 m MOQ is a drum, not a sample – enough for a maintenance season on one line or a mixed container with automation components. State the destination port and we quote FOB, CFR or CIF with the drum count on the packing list.

FAQ

Is 08B the same as a 1/2 inch pitch ANSI chain?

No – the pitch matches but the plate height, roller diameter and pin length differ between BS 08B and ANSI 40 chain. Match the standard stamped on the existing chain before ordering.

Can I get sprockets with the chain?

Yes – sprockets are in the options list alongside connecting and half links; send the tooth count and bore with the enquiry.

How is the price quoted?

Request a quote – Per metre against quantity, FOB / CFR / CIF by destination port – the drum count and link hardware go on the packing list.