Steel belt idler for chain tensioner?

[wayne z]

I want to know if anyone has tried a small stamped steel,flat, ball bearing belt idler pulley in place of the standard plastic ones used with chinagirl kits.
Will this work with a chain and last longer than the cheapo plastic ones. Only 9 bux at Tractor supply.

 

[2door]

Skate board wheels with a groove cut in them work well. The metal to metal idea you're suggesting might work but be prepared for some noise. The polyurethane wheels run very smooth and quiet.
Tom

 

[GearNut]

Also with a metal wheel I foresee alot of chain skidding and accelerated wear on both the roller and the chain surface that rides against the roller.