There are two types of links alternating in the bush roller chain. The first type is internal links, having two inner plates held collectively by two sleeves or bushings upon which rotate two rollers. Inner links alternate with the second type, the external links, consisting of two external plates held with each other by pins moving through the bushings of the internal links. The “bushingless” roller chain is comparable in operation though not in construction; instead of separate bushings or sleeves keeping the inner plates jointly, the plate has a tube stamped into it protruding from the hole which serves the same purpose. This has the benefit of removing one part of assembly of the chain.

The roller chain design reduces friction compared to simpler designs, leading to higher efficiency and less wear. The original power transmission chain types lacked Conveyor Chain rollers and bushings, with both inner and outer plates kept by pins which straight contacted the sprocket tooth; nevertheless this configuration exhibited extremely rapid wear of both the sprocket the teeth, and the plates where they pivoted on the pins. This problem was partially solved by the development of bushed chains, with the pins holding the outer plates moving through bushings or sleeves linking the inner plates. This distributed the use over a greater area; however the teeth of the sprockets still wore quicker than is desired, from the sliding friction against the bushings. The addition of rollers encircling the bushing sleeves of the chain and supplied rolling contact with the teeth of the sprockets leading to excellent resistance to use of both sprockets and chain aswell. There is even very low friction, so long as the chain is usually sufficiently lubricated. Continuous, clean, lubrication of roller chains can be of primary importance for efficient operation along with correct tensioning