Strand

A pull strand is the free, unsupported part of a rope, chain or belt.

The pull strand is the side of a chain, rope, belt or strap that is pulled.
In contrast to the pull strand, the return strand is loose.
The upper strand is the upper, load-bearing part of a driven chain, rope, belt or strap.
Bottom strand refers to the lower, non-load-bearing part.

Cf. belt conveyor.