Best Flexible Roller Chain Couplings of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Flexible roller chain couplings are a reliable and versatile solution for transmitting power between two shafts. Designed for heavy-duty industrial applications, these couplings are known for their flexibility and high torque capacity. They consist of two sprockets connected by a roller chain, which allows for misalignment compensation and dampens vibrations. The roller chain design also ensures smooth power transmission and reduces wear and tear on the equipment. With their robust construction and ability to accommodate angular, parallel, and axial misalignments, flexible roller chain couplings are a popular choice for various industries, including mining, construction, and manufacturing.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Martin 5016 Sintered Steel Roller Chain Coupling Cover #TOP 1
Martin 5016 Sintered Steel Roller Chain Coupling
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Generic 5016C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain Cover #TOP 2
Generic 5016C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Generic 6018C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain Cover #TOP 3
Generic 6018C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Flexible Roller Chain Couplings

#TOP 1

Martin 5016 Sintered Steel Roller Chain Coupling

Martin
5016 1 7/16
Martin 5016 Sintered Steel Roller Chain Coupling Cover
Martin 5016 Roller Chain Coupling, Sintered Steel, Inch, 16 Teeth, 1 7/16" Bore, 3 25/32" OD, 1 7/16" Length, 4000 rpm Max Rotational Speed, 3/8" x 3/16" Keyway

The Martin Roller Chain Coupling is designed to connect two shafts positioned at right angles, making your machinery setup more flexible. Made from durable sintered steel, this coupling offers strong and long-lasting performance, so you can rely on it in demanding applications. The hardened teeth help resist wear and fatigue, which means the coupling will maintain its grip and function well over time. Additionally, it allows for a slight angular misalignment of up to 2 degrees between shafts, helping to accommodate minor installation imperfections and reducing stress on your equipment for smoother operation.

What We Like
Durable sintered steel
Wear-resistant hardened teeth
Supports angular misalignment
Connects perpendicular shafts
#TOP 2

Generic 5016C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain

Generic
5016C Coupling Chain
Generic 5016C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain Cover
5016C Coupling Chain, Carbon Steel, ANSI Standard

The Generic 5016C Coupling Chain is designed to work smoothly with various types of roller-chain style couplings, including taper-lock bushed, QD bushed, stock bore, and finished bore options. This flexibility means you can easily fit it into different setups without hassle. Made from ANSI Standard carbon steel, the chain offers strong durability, ensuring it can handle tough conditions and last a long time. With a #50 chain size and a pitch of 0.625 inches, it provides reliable performance for your coupling needs. The chain comes with 16 links, giving you the right length for many applications.

What We Like
Compatibility with multiple coupling types
Durable ANSI standard carbon steel
#50 chain size and 0.625" pitch
16 links for versatile use
#TOP 3

Generic 6018C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain

Generic
6018C Coupling Chain
Generic 6018C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain Cover
6018C Coupling Chain, Carbon Steel, ANSI Standard

The Generic 6018C Coupling Chain is designed to work seamlessly with various roller-chain style couplings like taper-lock bushed and QD bushed types, giving you flexibility in your setups. Made from ANSI standard carbon steel, this chain provides strong durability, meaning it can handle tough conditions and last longer. Its #60 size and 0.75-inch pitch make it suitable for many applications, ensuring a proper fit and smooth operation. With 18 links, the chain offers the right length for your coupling needs, helping you maintain efficient power transmission with ease.

What We Like
Compatibility with multiple coupling types
Durable carbon steel material
#60 chain size
Standard 0.75" pitch
18-link length
#TOP 4

Martin 4016 Sintered Steel Roller Chain Coupling

Martin
4016 1 1/8
Martin 4016 Sintered Steel Roller Chain Coupling Cover
Martin 4016 Roller Chain Coupling, Sintered Steel, Inch, 16 Teeth, 1 1/8" Bore, 3 1/32" OD, 1 1/8" Length, 5000 rpm Max Rotational Speed, 1/4" x 1/8" Keyway

The Martin 4016 Chain Coupling is designed to join two shafts positioned at right angles, making it easier for you to connect components in your machinery. Made from sintered steel, this coupling offers excellent strength and durability, so it can handle demanding tasks without wearing out quickly. The hardened teeth help resist wear and fatigue, which means the coupling will last longer and maintain reliable performance. Additionally, it allows for a small amount of angular misalignment between shafts, giving you some flexibility during installation and operation, reducing stress on your equipment.

What We Like
Strong sintered steel
Wear-resistant hardened teeth
Supports angular misalignment
Joins perpendicular shafts
#TOP 5

Generic 4012C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain

Generic
4012C Coupling Chain
Generic 4012C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain Cover
4012C Coupling Chain, Carbon Steel, ANSI Standard

The Generic 4012C Coupling Chain is designed to work seamlessly with various roller-chain style couplings, including taper-lock bushed, QD bushed, stock bore, and finished bore types, giving you flexibility in your mechanical setups. Made from ANSI Standard Carbon Steel, this chain offers strength and durability, ensuring it can handle demanding tasks and last longer. With a #40 chain size and a 0.5-inch pitch, it fits common coupling needs, making installation straightforward. The chain includes 12 links, providing enough length for many applications. This product is brand new and comes with a satisfaction guarantee, giving you confidence in your purchase.

What We Like
Compatible with multiple coupling types
Durable ANSI standard carbon steel
#40 chain size for common use
Includes 12 links
Brand new with satisfaction guarantee
#TOP 6

Martin 5016 Sintered Steel Roller Chain Coupling

Martin
5016 1 1/4
Martin 5016 Sintered Steel Roller Chain Coupling Cover
Martin 5016 Roller Chain Coupling, Sintered Steel, Inch, 16 Teeth, 1 1/4" Bore, 3 25/32" OD, 1 7/16" Length, 4000 rpm Max Rotational Speed, 1/4" x 1/8" Keyway

The Martin 5016 Chain Coupling is designed to connect two shafts positioned at right angles, making it ideal for setups where space or alignment is challenging. Made from sintered steel, it offers strong durability and toughness, ensuring it can handle demanding tasks without wearing out quickly. The hardened teeth provide extra resistance to wear and fatigue, which means you can rely on it for long-lasting performance. Additionally, this coupling allows for a slight angular adjustment of up to 2 degrees between shafts, giving you flexibility during installation and operation. These features together make it a practical and reliable choice for your mechanical needs.

What We Like
Durable sintered steel
Wear-resistant hardened teeth
Supports angular misalignment
Joins perpendicular shafts
#TOP 7

Martin 6018 High Carbon Steel Roller Chain Coupling

Martin
6018 1 1/8
Martin 6018 High Carbon Steel Roller Chain Coupling Cover
Martin 6018 Roller Chain Coupling, High Carbon Steel, Inch, 1 1/8" Bore, 5" OD, 1 7/8" Length, 3000 rpm Max Rotational Speed

The Martin 6018 Chain Coupling is designed to connect two shafts at right angles, making it easier for you to set up machinery with perpendicular components. Made from high carbon steel, it offers strong durability and toughness, ensuring your equipment lasts longer under stress. The coupling’s hardened teeth help resist wear and fatigue, so you won’t need to worry about frequent replacements. Additionally, it allows for slight angular adjustments between shafts, giving you flexibility in installation and reducing the risk of misalignment issues. This makes the Martin 6018 Chain Coupling a reliable choice for smooth and efficient operation.

What We Like
Durable high carbon steel
Wear-resistant hardened teeth
Supports angular misalignment
Simple perpendicular shaft joining
#TOP 8

TGVBSDW KC4014 Chain Coupler

TGVBSDW
TGVBSDW
One Color
25.4x25.4
TGVBSDW KC4014 Chain Coupler Cover
1PC Sprocket Gear Chain Coupler KC4014 12/12.7/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/22/24/25.4/28mm Chain Coupling Roller Chain(25.4x25.4)

The TGVBSDW Chain Coupler is designed to help you connect roller chains efficiently while protecting your equipment. It smoothly transfers power between shafts, reducing vibrations that can wear down your motors and other machinery. This coupler also adjusts for slight misalignments between shafts, preventing damage and ensuring smoother operation. Made from durable materials like aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or plastic, it fits various needs from DIY projects to industrial use. Installation is simple and quick, often requiring no tools or just basic ones, saving you time and effort. Plus, it’s built to be reused multiple times, giving you great value over the long run.

What We Like
Torque transmission
Vibration dampening
Shaft misalignment support
Easy installation
Reusable design
#TOP 9

Generic 4016C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain

Generic
4016C Coupling Chain
Generic 4016C Carbon Steel Coupling Chain Cover
4016C Coupling Chain, Carbon Steel, ANSI Standard

The Generic 4016C Coupling Chain is designed to work seamlessly with various roller-chain style couplings, including taper-lock bushed, QD bushed, stock bore, and finished bore types, giving you flexibility in your setup. Made from ANSI standard carbon steel, this chain offers strong durability and reliable performance for demanding tasks. With a #40 chain size and a 0.5-inch pitch, it provides a sturdy and precise fit for your equipment. The chain includes 16 links, allowing you to connect components securely and maintain smooth operation. This product is brand new and backed by a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring you get quality you can trust.

What We Like
Compatibility with multiple coupling types
Durable ANSI standard carbon steel
#40 chain size and 0.5" pitch
Includes 16 chain links
Brand new with satisfaction guarantee
#TOP 10

Martin 4016 Coupling Chain

Martin
4016CHN
Martin 4016 Coupling Chain Cover
Martin 4016 Coupling Chain, Steel, Inch

The Martin Coupling Chain is designed for use with various Martin taper bushed, QD, and finished bore roller-chain style couplings. Made from durable steel, this coupling chain ensures a strong connection between the two hubs of the assembly, providing reliability in operation. It can function effectively in a wide range of temperatures, from a chilly -30°F to a hot 225°F. This versatility allows you to use it in various environments without worry, making it a great choice for your coupling needs.

What We Like
Strong steel construction
Wide temperature range
Compatible with various couplings
Reliable hub connection
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main disadvantage of roller chain couplings?

One main disadvantage of roller chain couplings is that they tend to generate more noise compared to other coupling styles, especially when using metal roller chain. However, using plastic chain can help reduce the noise produced by the couplings.

2. What are the advantages of roller chain coupling?

Roller chain couplings offer several advantages, including easy installation, suitability for abrasive and wet conditions, the ability to handle misaligned shafts without slipping, high efficiency (up to 96%), versatility in driving multiple shafts with one chain, and being pound for pound the most functional couplers available.

3. What type of coupling is a roller chain coupling?

A roller chain coupling is a type of flexible coupling called Nu-Teck Roller Chain Flexible Couplings. These couplings are compact, all steel, and designed to transmit high torques while occupying minimal space. They provide an economical solution for power transmission between shafts.

4. What is the problem with flexible couplings?

While flexible couplings can accommodate some misalignment, they should not be used as a substitute for proper alignment or maintenance. Misalignment of flexible couplings can lead to excessive force on the motor or driven load, resulting in component failure or increased vibration. Regular maintenance and alignment are crucial to avoid such issues.

5. What are the disadvantages of flexible coupling?

Flexible couplings have some disadvantages compared to rigid couplings. They are more complex and expensive, larger and heavier due to the flexible element, less reliable and durable due to repeated flexing, and require more maintenance and inspection.

6. What is the main advantage of a flexible coupling over a rigid coupling?

The main advantage of a flexible coupling over a rigid coupling is its ability to handle slight misalignment between shafts. Rigid couplings are torsionally stiff and cannot tolerate any misalignment. Flexible couplings can accommodate misalignment caused by thermal changes or physical misalignment at rest.

7. What are the three types of flexible couplings?

The three types of flexible couplings are gear coupling, disc coupling or diaphragm coupling (LAMAFLEX COUPLING), and chain coupling. Additionally, there is also the grid coupling which falls under the category of flexible couplings.

8. What are the two types of flexible couplings?

Flexible couplings can be categorized into two main types: material flexing and mechanical flexing. Material flexible couplings obtain their flexibility from stretching or compressing a resilient material like rubber, while mechanical flexible couplings achieve flexibility through the flexing of thin metallic discs or grid.

Editor's Notes

During our flexible roller chain coupling research, we found 24 flexible roller chain coupling products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,142 customer reviews through our big data system to write the flexible roller chain couplings list. We found that most customers choose flexible roller chain couplings with an average price of $42.50.

The flexible roller chain couplings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of flexible roller chain couplings, including Martin, TGVBSDW. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 134 consumers with an average rating of 4.2.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.