Some mechanical components may look similar but perform distinct roles. You may have noticed an abundance of similarities between the appearance of sprockets, gears, and cogs, but it's easier to identify these parts than it seems. Shake off that uncertainty and follow the guide below for a better understanding of the distinguishing factors that make each of them unique.

Identifying Common Mechanical Components

What Separates Gears From Sprockets?

Thanks to the way certain parts have been categorized over the years—particularly in the context of bicycles—sprockets often get confused for gears. In actuality, the mechanical wheels on your bike aren't gears at all; they're sprockets. The easiest way to differentiate between the two is to look at how they function. Gears are wheels with interlocking teeth around their perimeter. When connected, one spinning gear causes another to spin in the opposite direction, and combining different sizes channels rotational speed from gear to gear.

Upon closer inspection, sprockets aren't designed to interlock with one another. Instead, they tend to interlock with a separate flexible motion transfer medium like roller chain. In the case of bicycles, for instance, sprockets are designed to interlock with a chain. Together—with the help of the rider—they transfer torque back and forth while the bicycle is in operation. This principal remains the same in the Power Transmission world with Packaging, Conveying, Roller chain and even timing belt pulley drive applications. 

What Is a Cog?

The difference between cogs and the aforementioned components is even more straightforward. Cogs aren't like gears or sprockets at all; in fact, they refer to the teeth on both parts. The cogs may be designed differently on each—sprocket cogs slip into the chain's links and gear cogs interlock with other gears—but the term applies to both.

No matter what you need for your next project, you should always source sprockets, gears, and all essential linear motion products from the most reliable company available. The leading company throughout the Midwest is Industrial Component Sales, Inc. of Hudson, WI, with offices in Bemidji, MN, Delavan, WI, and Lincoln, NE. Their team has a combined 40 years of experience in industrial sales, making them the top resource for power transmission products in the area. Head to their website for more information on VanZeeland Mfg. in Little Chute, WI for USA made Sprockets, Gears and hubs.  To find out more  about other lines call  John at (651) 270-0151 today.