difference between half link chains and normals

[only-on-mondays]

My friend and I have been having an argument about half link chains.

So I was wondering what the actual difference between a half link and a normal link is.
How much shorter are half links than normal links?
Are they actually half the size? or are the sizes of normal links and half links 3/32 and 1/18 respectively?(ive seen these sizes mentioned)

I have done alot of searching on this forum about them but haven't really found out an answer.

Thanks for helping out.

[cdfeto]

A picture is worth a 1000 words.
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4967/halflinkcv3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Dicky]

Edit: second that. ^^^

They are half the size of a regular chain link.

Standard bicycle chain pitch (distance between pins) is 1/2". This is the case across 99.9% of the bike world today.
(The other stuff is called skiptooth / inch pitch, but don't worry about that, it's extremely rare and found on vintage bikes only.)


The 3/32" (8 speed) and 1/8" (BMX / track bikes) you have heard of refers to the width of the chain.

Mixing and matching the two can be done - with sprocket / chain combos, NOT within the same chain, of course - but it tends to cause headaches.

If you've just converted your geared bike to singlespeed with a sprocket / spacer kit, just stick with the 3/32" stuff.
You'll be able to use your existing 9 speed chainrings without too much fuss.

[s73v30]

Half links are shorter are because normal link chains have two parts to make up 1 link an male and female I think. So if you take out one link in a normal chain you would be taking 2 out of a half link.

[only-on-mondays]

thanks fellas for clearing that up :)