The Complete Guide to Chain

1.3 Sprockets

The chain converts rotational power to pulling power, or pulling power to rotational power, by engaging with the sprocket.

The sprocket looks like a gear but differs in three important ways:

  1. Sprockets have many engaging teeth; gears usually have only one or two.
  2. The teeth of a gear touch and slip against each other; there is basically no slippage in a sprocket.
  3. The shape of the teeth are different in gears and sprockets.

Figure 1.7 Types of Sprockets
Figure 1.7 Types of Sprockets