Chainsaw chains are among the most crucial elements of the entire chainsaw. Without them you certainly wouldn't be able to cut through wood. Confusingly they can be found in almost limitless combinations of type, size and features, all geared to different applications.
You must always refer to your individual manufacturer's manual as your first port of call, however here's our handy guide that should clear a couple of things up for you personally:
The three measurements of chainsaw chains
As chainsaw chains can be found in so many varieties you first need certainly to understand how they differ, and understand the three different measurements that are involved.
Chain pitch
The length involving the drive links on the chain determines the pitch of the chain. The spacing between the links on the chain must match the spacing between the teeth on the bar tip sprocket and drive sprocket. What you should typically see is that the larger pitch would indicate a weightier and bigger chain. When replacing your chain, or as it pertains to maintenance of the chainsaw the pitch must then be suitable for the bar tip sprocket and the saw sprocket. What you will normally find is that many typical pitches are 0.325” and 3/8&rdquo ;. Chain gauge
This is actually the measurement that outlines the thickness of the drive links and is defined by the portion of the drive link that fits to the grooves in the guide bar. The thicker links will, more frequently than not, be heavier, but may also be much stronger. The cutting speed will soon be even more quickly with a lighter machine which means you will have to know about what is required out of this job to get it done right. The chain gauge and bar gauge must match otherwise it won't fit properly.
Usually, a more substantial pitch chain could have larger teeth that take bigger cuts out from the wood. This can therefore require more power. Typical gauges are 0.050”, 0.58” and 0.63&rdquo ;. Number of drive links
When researching chainsaw chains it is essential to learn the actual quantity of chainsaw links. This can help the manufacturers keep their chain sizes and types in order. This measurement isn't always displayed on the manual which means you will need to know the exact number. Length measurements aren't always helpful as the entire period of chains is defined by a mix of the pitch and how many links.