How a Chain Lubrication Brush Works
A chain lubrication brush is a contact-type oiler for roller and conveyor chains. Oil enters the brush body and saturates the bristles; each moving link picks up an even film on its pins, bushings, and rollers. See our brush guide for applicator selection; a brush station fed by a drip valve or metering pump is a simple automatic lubrication setup.
Square and Round Brush Sizes
Size the brush so the bristles span the full link width. Square brushes suit straight runs; round brushes suit compact frames or angled mounts.
Square Brushes
| Width | Bristle Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mm | 20 mm | Small chains #40-#50 |
| 40 mm | 20-25 mm | Medium chains #60-#80 |
| 57 mm | 25 mm | Large chains #80-#100 |
| 70 mm | 20-28 mm | Heavy conveyor chains |
| 100 mm | 20-28 mm | Wide conveyor systems |
Round Brushes
| Diameter | Bristle Length | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mm | 15 mm | Compact spaces, small chains |
| 25-28 mm | 28 mm | Standard roller chains |
| 28 mm | 45 mm | Heavy-duty chains, deep penetration |
Bristle and Body Materials
Bristle choice is set by temperature and chain speed; the table lists the limits. Past 60 m/min (1 m/s), plain nylon throws oil before it transfers, so high-speed lines need crimped nylon or stainless steel; and the stainless limit follows the brush body, so confirm it for oven duty.
Body trade-offs: aluminum for light duty, brass where vibration is present, stainless steel for corrosive or washdown areas and high heat.
Bristle Temperature Limits
| Bristle Material | Limit | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon PA6 / PA6.6 | 80 °C (176 °F) | General factory duty |
| Crimped nylon | 120 °C (250 °F) | High-speed chains |
| Brass | 200 °C (392 °F) | Dusty, abrasive, warm duty |
| Stainless steel | 300-350 °C (572-662 °F) | Hot processes; limit follows body material |
Chain Compatibility and Mounting
Chain Coverage and Speed
| Chain | Recommended Brush |
|---|---|
| ANSI #40 to #100, pitch 50 mm or smaller | Square or round per the size tables |
| #2040 to #2100 double-pitch conveyor | 70 mm or 100 mm square brush |
| Chain speed up to 60 m/min (1 m/s) | Standard nylon bristles |
| Chain speed above 60 m/min (1 m/s) | Crimped nylon or stainless steel bristles |
Mount on the lower inside run of the loop, on the slack return side, so movement works oil into the pins. Keep light contact, penetration no more than 2 mm; pressing harder adds no oil and shortens brush life. In gritty surroundings, fit a cleaning brush ahead of the oiler.
Threads and Fixation
| Thread | Role |
|---|---|
| G1/4 (BSPP) | Oil inlet, most common |
| R1/4 (BSPT) | Oil inlet, tapered British |
| 1/8 in BSP | Oil inlet, compact systems |
| 1/8 in NPT | Oil inlet, North American |
| M8, M10, M12 | Bracket or clamp fixation |
Confirm the thread on your pump or distributor before ordering; mismatched threads leak.
Oil Feed, Adjustment, and Supply
Keep the bristles damp, never dripping: a few drops per minute is enough, set with a sight-feed drip valve or metering pump. Supply pressure is typically 0.5-2 bar (7-30 PSI); more pressure mists oil. Drip valves and metering pumps sit in our lubrication accessories range.
Most mineral and synthetic chain oils work; common chain oils typically fall between 20-1,500 mm2/s at 40 °C. Thin oil penetrates fast but can fling off; thick oil feeds slowly when cold; grease will not flow through the bristles.
Each unit ships with the brush, a bracket with adjustment screws, an oil feed fitting for your thread, and installation notes. Send your chain size, speed, temperature, and thread through our quote request page and we will confirm size, bristle, and body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chain lubrication brush and how does it work?
It is a contact-type oiler: oil saturates the bristles, and each passing link picks up an even film on its pins, bushings, and rollers. It needs a reachable chain path; enclosed-guard links are out of scope.
How is a chain lubrication brush different from a general industrial brush?
This brush meters oil onto chain wear surfaces. A general industrial brush cleans or sweeps and is not built to carry oil. For cleaning chain rather than oiling it, see our general-purpose brush.
Which brush size fits my chain?
Match the brush to chain width using the square table above; conveyor chains take the 70 mm or 100 mm widths. Choose a round brush where space is tight or the mount is angled.
Which bristle material should I choose?
Nylon to 80 °C, crimped nylon to 120 °C for high speed, brass to 200 °C in dust, stainless steel to 300-350 °C near ovens. Body: aluminum for light duty, brass for vibration, stainless steel for corrosive or washdown areas.
Where should I mount the brush?
On the lower inside run of the loop, on the slack return side, so movement drives oil into the pins. Keep light contact, penetration no more than 2 mm; deeper contact adds no lubrication and wears the brush faster.
What thread connection does my system need?
G1/4 BSPP is the most common oil inlet; R1/4 BSPT, 1/8 in BSP, and 1/8 in NPT cover other standards. M8, M10, and M12 are bracket threads. Check your pump or distributor outlet; a mismatched thread leaks.
How much oil pressure and flow does a brush need?
Very little. Supply pressure is typically 0.5-2 bar (7-30 PSI); a few drops per minute keeps the bristles damp.
What oil can I run through a chain brush?
Most mineral and synthetic chain oils work; common chain oils typically fall between 20-1,500 mm2/s at 40 °C. Thin oil penetrates fast but can fling off; thick oil feeds slowly when cold. Grease will not flow through the bristles.
How do I know when to replace the brush?
Inspect monthly and adjust the bracket as bristles wear. Replace when bristles are worn more than half or the adjustment travel is used up. Speed, contact, and contamination set the life, so judge by condition.
Who makes this brush and how do I get sizing help?
IsoHiTech Lubrication Systems was founded in 2023, engineering since 2006. Share your chain size, speed, temperature, and connection thread by email at inquiry@isohitech.com or through our quote form and we will confirm brush size, bristle, and body.
