Chain Lifts

These involve a chain, either the normal chain pieces or one that’s made from normal connectors, that goes around gears and tensioned with a set of idler gears. Attached to the chain are ball claws to pick them up. The balls can leave either with a small pusher above the claw or pushed around the top gears until they fall out.

TIP

A motor can turn the gears at the top, bottom, or middle, but it operates smoother with the motor at the top.

Standard Chain Lift


  • Inventor: Knex
  • Featured in Big Ball Factory

This is the most familiar lift since it is in most of the original ball machine sets by Knex, such as the Big Ball Factory and Trampoline Tower. It’s simple and piece-friendly, but isn’t very unique.

Chain Path Lift


This lift doubles as a chain path element at the top, and the ball lands in a basket at the end.

WARNING

The main issue is that the chain stretches out over time due to the long horizontal sections.

Alternate Chain Lift


These are alternate designs from the standard. Floris2burn’s uses a track to keep the ball in place and the chain can go in different directions, since the gears are placed to allow the ball claw to pass through. The second version uses a slightly different layout and claws.

Chainsaw Lift


These use a chain that goes along a track for guidance, and the holders for the balls are usually smaller. They can be more reliable since the balls can’t fall off the chain, and also more versatile with different layouts that can be made. There are different track styles you can use as well, such as using tubing to make it smoother or having a solid track underneath. There are also different styles of hooks that fit on the chain.

Inverted Chainsaw Lift


The chain is above the track in these lifts, and this allows for different directions such as vertical and 45 degrees. The only issue is the chain can sag, since it no longer has the track right below it like in the non-inverted chainsaw lift.

Semi-circle Lift


This chain lift runs along a guide that is a semi-circle, and the balls balance on the chain rather than needing a wide track. It can be made different sizes as seen in the photos.

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