There are two types of links alternating in the bush roller chain. The 1st type is internal links, having two inner plates held jointly by two sleeves or bushings upon which rotate two rollers. Internal links alternate with the second type, the outer links, consisting of two outer plates held with each other by pins moving through the bushings of the internal links. The “bushingless” roller chain is similar in operation though not in building; instead of individual 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 advantage of removing one part of assembly of the chain.

The roller chain design reduces friction in Drive Chain comparison to simpler designs, leading to higher efficiency and less wear. The original power transmission chain varieties lacked rollers and bushings, with both the inner and outer plates held by pins which straight contacted the sprocket teeth; however this configuration exhibited extremely rapid use of both sprocket teeth, and the plates where they pivoted on the pins. This problem was partially solved by the development of bushed chains, with the pins keeping the outer plates passing 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 more rapidly than is desirable, from the sliding friction against the bushings. The addition of rollers surrounding the bushing sleeves of the chain and provided rolling contact with the teeth of the sprockets resulting in excellent resistance to wear of both sprockets and chain aswell. There is even suprisingly low friction, so long as the chain is definitely sufficiently lubricated. Constant, clean, lubrication of roller chains is usually of principal importance for efficient operation in addition to correct tensioning.