There are two types of links alternating in the bush roller chain. The 1st type is inner links, having two internal plates held jointly by two sleeves or bushings where rotate two rollers. Inner links alternate with the next type, the outer links, comprising two outer plates held with each other by pins passing through the bushings of the internal links. The “bushingless” roller chain is comparable in procedure though not in construction; instead of separate bushings or sleeves keeping the inner plates collectively, the plate includes a tube stamped into it protruding from the hole which serves the same purpose. This has the benefit of removing one step in assembly of the chain.

The roller chain design reduces friction in comparison to simpler designs, leading to higher efficiency and less wear. The Stainless Steel Chain original power transmission chain types lacked rollers and bushings, with both the inner and outer plates held by pins which directly contacted the sprocket the teeth; nevertheless this configuration exhibited incredibly rapid put on of both 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 connecting the internal plates. This distributed the put on over a greater area; however the the teeth of the sprockets still wore quicker than is desired, from the sliding friction against the bushings. The addition of rollers around the bushing sleeves of the chain and provided rolling contact with the teeth of the sprockets resulting in excellent resistance to use of both sprockets and chain as well. There is even suprisingly low friction, so long as the chain is sufficiently lubricated. Constant, clean, lubrication of roller chains is definitely of primary importance for efficient procedure as well as correct tensioning.