Can I use an 1/8" chain on an old 8speed I'm converting to single speed?

Question

I am in the process of converting an old road bike of mine into a single speed. I bought new crank arms, rear wheel (with a conversion kit), and a rear derailleur.
Do I need to use a 3/32" chain, or can I use a 1/8" chain that I see being used on all other fixies?
Edit below

the rear derailleur is because I have vertical dropouts on the bike, so this will be used as the chain tensioner

the new rear wheel with conversion kit is because the old wheel broke (this is part of the reason I'm converting it)

The new crank arms I bought have just one chain ring on them (similar to this)

Criggie · Answer

Since you're only using the rear derailleur to add chain tension, it will only press on the chain's top and bottom... there will be no lateral push as there would be when changing gear.
So it would be fine to lock the rear derailleur into one plane using the limit screws, and to modify the side plates to bulge out  where the chain passes through.
You might find that singlespeed chain is more expensive and that your existing chain width is more affordable.

whatsisname · Answer

Yes, you can use an 1/8" chain instead of 3/32", is the other way around you can't go.
However, it may have problems going through your deraileur, but we can't say for sure. For normal single speed or fixies that's not a concern.
I would use a normal 8 speed chain anyway, it'll probably be cheaper. Only get an 1/8" chain if you get track chainrings, or you want the colored chains, which I've only seen in 1/8" size.

Can I use an 1/8" chain on an old 8speed I'm converting to single speed?

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