Hint M6 - Chain

Chain links are available in some K'NEX sets, and can be bought separately in our Technology 2 enjoy K'NEX shop. The links may be snapped together to make a chain of any length. Make sure you get all the links the same way round.

Chain is very useful for transferring rotary motion from one part of a model to another. It has two advantages over pulleys and rubber bands, in that the chain rarely slips, and that a chain can be created in any length. Chain is also very useful for making caterpillar tracks on vehicles such as a Bulldozer.

The easiest way to use K'NEX chain is to use it to link two red gear wheels.

An even better way to use K'NEX chain is to link it between two pairs of yellow or red gears, as shown in the photo opposite. This gives a more positive drive than simply using one red gear at each end.