Step Chain Sprocket

Overview

Step chain sprockets transfer drive torque from the main shaft to the step chain, setting the pitch at which the steps travel. Tooth wear is invisible until the chain starts to climb, and by then the chain is damaged too. One Elevator supplies replacement sprockets for the drive shaft, tension shaft and handrail drive, supplied singly or as matched sets.

Applications

They are fitted in escalators and moving walks across metro stations, airports, shopping centres and industrial sites, on OTIS, KONE, Schindler, Mitsubishi, ThyssenKrupp, Hyundai and SJEC equipment. Sprockets are routinely changed together with the chain, because a new chain on worn teeth wears out in a fraction of its normal life. Hooked or pointed teeth are the clearest sign that replacement is due. Where the shaft is already scored, a split sprocket with a repair sleeve is usually faster than removing and re-machining the shaft.

Types and Range

• Drive shaft sprockets and tension shaft idler sprockets
• Handrail drive sprockets in simplex, duplex and triplex versions
• Sprockets in 100 mm and 101.6 mm (4 in) pitch
• Hardened and induction-treated tooth profiles for transit duty
• Split sprockets that can be changed without stripping the shaft
• Bore sizes finished to drawing, with keyway and setscrew positions

Tooth form is cut to the chain standard, not copied from a worn sample.

Selection Guide

Choose by checking three values: pitch and number of teeth, bore diameter with keyway, and the hub width. Also confirm the hardness treatment — transit escalators running 20 hours a day need hardened teeth. Where both sprockets and chain are due, we supply them as a matched kit so the wear pattern beds in evenly. Each sprocket is inspected for tooth profile, run-out and bore tolerance before dispatch.

Ordering and Lead Time

Most sizes ship within 10-15 days. Send us a photo of your old sprocket with the pitch and tooth count, and we will confirm compatibility and quote within one business day.

Frequently asked questions

How do I order the correct sprocket?

Give us the pitch, tooth count, bore diameter with keyway and the hub width. Confirm whether the teeth need hardening for transit duty.

Should the sprocket be changed with the chain?

Always. A new chain on hooked teeth wears out in a fraction of its normal life, so we supply them as a matched kit.

Can you supply a split sprocket?

Yes, where the shaft is already scored. A split sprocket with a repair sleeve is usually faster than removing and re-machining the shaft.