Originally Posted by Bandera

Good quality chainrings & cogs kept clean and well adjusted outlast several if not many chains.
The NR 48T on my FG was Crit raced in the 70's, installed two FG chains ago and looks/feels new(ish).

Clean the drivetrain well after removing the old chain, inspect for wear on the chainring & cog teeth.
Might as well inspect the BB for smoothness, the chainring bolts for looseness and the rear hub bearings as well.

If all look/feel good install the new chain to the proper tension.
If it all runs/sounds smooth you are good to go.
Log date and mileage in for future reference. (When did I install this 18T, 2013 or 2012?)

-Bandera