There are two types of links alternating in the bush roller chain. The first type is internal links, having two internal plates held together by two sleeves or bushings where rotate two rollers. Internal links alternate with the next type, the outer links, consisting of two external plates held together by pins passing through the bushings of the internal links. The “bushingless” roller chain is similar in procedure though not in construction; instead of individual bushings or sleeves holding the inner plates collectively, the plate includes a tube stamped involved with it protruding from the hole which serves the same purpose. This has the benefit of removing one step in assembly of the chain.

The roller chain design reduces Leaf Chain friction in comparison to simpler designs, resulting in higher efficiency and less wear. The original power transmission chain varieties lacked rollers and bushings, with both the inner and external plates held by pins which directly contacted the sprocket teeth; however this configuration exhibited incredibly rapid use of both the sprocket teeth, and the plates where they pivoted on the pins. This issue was partially solved by the development of bushed chains, with the pins holding the outer plates moving through bushings or sleeves connecting the internal plates. This distributed the use over a larger area; however the the teeth of the sprockets still wore quicker than is appealing, from the sliding friction against the bushings. The addition of rollers around the bushing sleeves of the chain and supplied rolling contact with the teeth of the sprockets leading to excellent resistance to use of both sprockets and chain as well. There is even suprisingly low friction, provided that the chain can be sufficiently lubricated. Continuous, clean, lubrication of roller chains is certainly of main importance for efficient operation as well as correct tensioning