All drives should be designed wherever possible, with sufficient overall adjustment to ensure the use of an even number of pitches throughout the useful life of the chain even if the chain length alterations. Offset links should never be used on impulsive, highly load or high speed chain drives.
In less arduous conditions where there is no other solution and the use of a offset link to effect an alteration of one pitch.
Chain having an even number of links requires the incorporation of a offset link to effect an alteration of one pitch.
Chain having an odd number of links incorporates a offset link which must be removed to effect an alteration of one pitch.
No joint which relies on a press fit for assemble should be reused after removal, a new joint should always be used.
These are points should be pay attention to during the chain length alterations.