[Phalanx]

If you use the correct length of chain and have your sprockets properly spaced you can typically avoid using tensioners, half links, and even master links (with the right chain breaker tool and technique) altogether. However, it is still wise to prepare to have a tensioning method available, as well as Master Links, and Half Links for quick fixes.

How do you find the right length of chain to use? There actually are formulas to help you figure this out.
Ideally you want to use only whole links and the total number of links should be a whole even number, ex.... 16, 18, 20, 22.....

Chain pitch is either .250 (#25) or .375 (#35)

Formula for Center to Center Distance of Sprockets:
(B1/8) * (2*B4-B2-B3 + SQRT((2*B4-B2-B3)^2-(8/3.14159^2)*((B2-B3)^2)) )
B1 = chain pitch
B2 = Sprocket 1 teeth
B3 = Sprocket 2 teeth
B4 = # Whole Links

Formula for Number of WHOLE Links:
(2*E4/E1+E2/2+E3/2+((E2-E3)/(2*3.14159))^2/(E4/E1))
E1 = chain pitch
E2 = sprocket 1 teeth
E3 = sprocket 2 teeth
E4 = Center distance

I made an excel spreadsheet to make it easy.