Tim Hunkin is a professional tinkerer. His YouTube videos series The Secret Life of Components are excellent primers to the hidden lives of machines – their components.

A few notes on chains:

For us engineering noobs, the chain is associated with the bicycle. But oh it’s so much more. Tim Hunkin demonstrates the variety of their uses. Old fashioned arcades. Pulleys. And even a giant metal clock.

Belleville washers are “dished” spring washers. They look a bit like Satellite dishes. These help with torque.

The advent of the “Bush” chain was revolutionary. Bush chains are the modern chain. Their pins are able to slot all the way through the bush. This allows the chain handle greater loads.

They were invented by Hans Renold who founded the Renold Chain Company in 1880. The Renold Chain Company is still in operation.

H/T Kevin Kelly