Guide
To identify a conveyor chain, measure its pitch: the distance from the center of one pin to the center of the next. The pitch is your X-type chain size (2, 3, 4 or 6 in), and the size leads you to the part number below.
Before you start
You need a tape measure. Lock out and tag out the conveyor before you measure.
The only measurement you need
How to measure conveyor chain pitch.
Pitch is the distance from the center of one pin to the center of the next pin. It tells you the size of your chain.
Fig. 1 · Pitch runs from the center of one pin to the center of the next.
Pro tip
Measure across several pins, then divide. Center of pin 1 to center of pin 5 is four pitches.
Used chain
Chain stretches as it wears, so expect a reading a little over the nominal size.
Part numbers
Chain sizes and part numbers.
Your pitch is your chain size. Pick yours to jump to its part numbers.
| 2 inX-248 › | 3 inX-348 › | 4 inX-458 › | 6 inX-678 › |
YZD: yellow zinc dichromate. Magnaflux: magnetic particle inspected.
Part numbers · 2 in pitch
X-248 chain
| Part no. | Steel and finish |
|---|---|
| Smooth Link® | |
| 0552480 | Black |
| 0572480 | Zinc coated |
| 0592480 | YZD coated |
| 0562490 | YZD coated, stainless steel pin |
| 0542480 | Olive drab |
| Stainless steel | |
| 0624800 | Stainless steel chain |
Buschman system?
Frost converts Buschman systems to X-248. See converting a Buschman system.
Part numbers · 3 in pitch
X-348 chain
| Part no. | Steel and finish |
|---|---|
| Smooth Link® | |
| 0543480 | 1045/4140 steel |
| 0570348 | Zinc coated |
| 0590348 | YZD coated |
| Forged | |
| 8642348 | 8642 alloy, plain |
| 8647348 | 8642 alloy, zinc coated |
| 8649348 | 8642 alloy, YZD coated |
| Bolted | |
| 0538900 | SL348 bolted, YZD coated |
| Stainless steel | |
| 0634800 | Stainless steel chain |
Part numbers · 4 in pitch
X-458 chain
| Part no. | Steel and finish |
|---|---|
| Smooth Link® | |
| 0510458 | 1552/8640 steel |
| 0517458 | 1542/8640 steel, zinc coated |
| 0519458 | 1542/8640 steel, YZD coated |
| 0584580 | 8640 high alloy |
| 0584580M | 8640 high alloy, Magnaflux inspected |
| Forged | |
| 8642458 | 8642 alloy, plain |
| 8647458 | 8642 alloy, zinc coated |
| 8649458 | 8642 alloy, YZD coated |
| Stainless steel | |
| 0645800 | Stainless steel chain |
Part numbers · 6 in pitch
X-678 chain
| Part no. | Steel and finish |
|---|---|
| Smooth Link® | |
| 0546780 | 1045/8640 steel |
| 0570678 | 1045/8640 steel, zinc coated |
| 0590678 | 1045/8640 steel, YZD coated |
| 0586780 | 8640 high alloy |
| 0586780M | 8640 high alloy, Magnaflux inspected |
| Forged | |
| 8642678 | 8642 alloy |
| Stainless steel | |
| 0667800 | Stainless steel chain |
| Extended pin parts | |
| 0586785 | Extended chain pin, 2.2 in long, 5/8-11, 8640 |
| 0046200 | Extended chain pin nut, 5/8-11, top lock |
Specification
Smooth Link® X-chain.
Cold-formed pins reduce wear and variation in strand length.
Meets or exceeds ANSI B29.22M and CEMA 601Every strand proof loadedFine-grain steel
| Chain | Part no. | Ultimate strength | Proof load | Max drive chain pull |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon steel | ||||
| X-348 | 0543480 | 22,000 lb | 10,000 lb | 1,500 lb |
| X-458 | 0510458 | 54,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 3,900 lb |
| X-678 | 0546780 | 85,000 lb | 30,000 lb | 5,500 lb |
| High alloy | ||||
| X-458 | 0584580 | 68,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 4,500 lb |
| X-678 | 0586780 | 125,000 lb | 30,000 lb | 8,000 lb |
Source: Frost engineering specification, X-Type Smooth Link Chain. All parts heat treated and tempered in a certified, controlled process.
Specification
Forged X-chain.
Forged from 8642 alloy steel. X-348 and X-458 come plain, zinc or YZD coated.
Meets or exceeds ANSI B29.22 and CEMA 601Every strand proof loadedHardness 40 to 45 Rc
| Chain | Part no. | Ultimate strength | Proof load | Max chain tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-348 | 8642348 | 29,800 lb | 10,000 lb | 1,900 lb |
| X-458 | 8642458 | 63,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 4,100 lb |
| X-678 | 8642678 | 125,000 lb | 30,000 lb | 8,000 lb |
Source: Frost engineering specification, X-Type Forged Chain (2024). All parts heat treated and tempered in a certified, controlled process.
Common questions
Questions we hear a lot.
How do you measure conveyor chain pitch?
Measure from the center of one pin to the center of the next pin. For a more accurate reading, measure from the center of pin 1 to the center of pin 5 and divide by four.
What pitch is X-348, X-458 and X-678 chain?
X-248 chain has a 2 in pitch, X-348 a 3 in pitch, X-458 a 4 in pitch and X-678 a 6 in pitch. Your pitch is your chain size.
Why does my chain measure longer than its size?
Chain stretches as it wears, so used chain reads a little over its nominal pitch. Measure across several pins and match the reading to the closest size.
What is the difference between Smooth Link® and forged X-chain?
Smooth Link® chain has cold-formed pins that reduce wear and variation in strand length, in carbon steel or high alloy. Forged chain is forged from 8642 alloy steel, hardened to 40 to 45 Rc. Both meet or exceed CEMA 601, and every strand is proof loaded.
Talk with our team
Send us your pitch. We’ll match the chain.
Send your pitch measurement, the part number if you have it, the chain type and finish, and a photo of the chain.
616.453.7781 · frost.sales@frostinc.com
Want a copy for the shop floor? Download the printable guide (PDF). Measuring trolleys too? See how to measure trolley drop.
Related Guides
Guide
How to Measure Trolley Drop
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