The basic aim of this review has been conducted on the most of the chain that is under tension which causes failure of chain assembly which is a major trouble for the industrial sector. This review paper describes the universal failure modes of chain in various engineering applications. The existing studies in the field are examined to ascertain the trends of research in the field and to identify unsolved problems. In this study, the distinction of roller chain from the leaf and conveyor chains are highlighted and the novel perspectives that are necessary for the analysis of the chain plate and bearing pin of the roller chains in particular are recommended. © 2015, Sphinx Knowledge House. All rights reserved.