Features of the choice of a chain for a chainsaw: specialist recommendations. Design and maintenance of saw chains How to choose the length of the chainsaw bar

You need to be prepared for the choice of a chain for a saw, because it is important not only that the cutting tackle is theoretically similar, but also correctly selected in the context of future work. - we will tell and demonstrate in this article. You will learn about nuances such as part length, chain pitch, chain replacement situations, and drive sprocket working relationships. The choice of a cutting tackle, such as a chain, must be matched with another component of the saw headset - the bar. How to do it for Partner, Stihl, Husqvarna saws - we will show you the owners of household and professional machinery.

Looking ahead, it is worth mentioning the use of high-quality oil for lubricating the tackle, which plays an important role in its operational properties... And when replacing, you need to consider the working condition of the tensioner, and other parts of the tool complex associated with it. KosiKosa will be happy to help you with the choice and teach you to distinguish between moments when the chain is dull, and it is time to change it to a new one, and you can always choose any copy in our catalog of spare parts and accessories.

Which chainsaw chain to choose

So, we have already said that the chain needs to be changed due to its wear and tear, or when it burst from overload, that is, in the absence of the performance of the part. We emphasize that the driving sprocket changes with the chain, and the bar of the saw headset - approximately once for the period of use of five chains. Which chainsaw chain to choose- advice from KosiKosa specialists:

count the number of leading links in the old chain. You can find out a more accurate parameter if you consider internal elements... This will be more correct than counting external ones.
pay attention to the step of the chainsaw chain. The pitch determines the length of the drive link and is usually measured in inches. You can find out the step of the chain from the instructions for the chainsaw or by looking at the information on old box from the previous tackle. The pitch of the chain must correspond to the pitch on the drive sprocket and the tire - this is the characteristic that reveals the first important relationship of elements, their general condition when choosing a cutting tackle.
Determine the thickness of the chain groove. In the technical information for the chain offered by the catalog, you can find the term "kerf thickness" or "drive link width". Should match the thickness of the groove on the guide rail, measured in mm.

We specifically offer different terminology regarding the characteristics when choosing a chain, because different manufacturers, implementers can name the same characteristic differently. To navigate - the owner of the saw must know everything. A few clarifications when choosing a chain for Stihl or Husqvarna saws, since these are the most typical samples:

if the step on the instructions or in the characteristics of the future tackle is offered to you in the format, for example, 3/8 or 9.32 mm, then this is the distance between the first and third connecting rivets.
chain thickness - it is the thickness of the guide links that are on inside tackle and slide along the groove of the tire in the working condition of the chainsaw;
"Chain length" occurs much more often than the number of leading links, but we describe all situations for a perfectly accurate choice. So, the length of the chain is determined by the length of the bus itself.

Regarding popular models, the chains "native", that is, the same Stihl or from the Oregon brand, are suitable for the calm saws. Popular Calm chains - with a sharp tooth for high performance sawing without impurities and dirt, only pure wood. At the same time, the friction force decreases, but if the operator even accidentally allows sand or earth to hit the chain, it quickly becomes blunt. For lightly soiled wood, it is better to use a half-toothed chain. This type glides better on barely dirty areas.

Oregon chains are also best used for sawing medium types of dirt. They differ in shape, size of teeth, and presence of rivets, which reduce vibration. In calm chains, this function is performed by an acute-angled tooth. In chains for semi-professional saws, the chain pitch of 325 is already used, for example, Husqvarna 137/142 model, Stihl MS 280. In professional chains, the pitch is 3/8, and the groove (guide tooth) thickness is 1.6 mm. The denticles are also sharp and semicircular.

There is also a class of chains with victorious soldering. They are used mainly by special services, because they are ready to cut not only clean wood, but also wood mixed with other materials, bricks and others. Sharpening of these chains takes place on special machines using diamond wheels. KosiKosa is pleased to offer all types of existing cutting tackles, and you yourself can choose the chain you need according to its parameters.

Everything about the choice of the chain from the specialists of "KosiKosa"

Choosing a chain for a chainsaw- the task is not easy, but also not difficult, if you are guided by our advice. Do not overestimate the potential of gas powered tools, but order their own cutting tackle. It is important to pay attention to certain nuances of the chains, which are not always mentioned in the manufacturer's instructions, but we will tell you.

Any professional knows that a quality chainsaw chain will help to achieve high cutting parameters.

The chain is the most important part of any chainsaw. It is she who perceives most of the loads, and therefore wears out faster.

The first criterion that indicates strong wear is stretching. As a rule, the chain will wear out several times faster than the tire and the drive sprocket. Be sure to pay attention to the type of chips. If the saw is working properly and is sharp enough, the sawdust will be the correct shape. And if the shavings are small and have a large amount of wood dust, then the chain has become unusable or urgently requires sharpening.

What are the chain pitch markings?

Before purchasing a saw chain, you need to understand its markings.

The cutting link is the most complex of the saw chain elements and actually consists of two parts - the cutting segment (with a contour angle L-shaped for cutting) and the cutting depth gauge.

The main parameter of marking is considered to be the step. It represents the distance between adjacent tool teeth. The steps are 0.325; 0.375; 0.404 in. Each of these types has its own purpose. The saw manual will usually tell you which chain is right for a particular tool. However, some semi-professional and professional saws can work with all types of chains at once.

The chain for chainsaws with a pitch of 0.325 is the most common. It is suitable for saws with a low specific power (0.325-3.5 HP) In case you use a chainsaw for cutting small knots, this type fit better Total.
The 0.375 pitch chain is less popular than the 0.325 chain. It is rational to use it on gasoline-powered tools with a power of 4 hp. This kind chains are appropriate if you are working with thin wood. For semi-professional saws, the 0.375 step is recognized as the best.
The 0.404 pitch chain saw should only be used if you are using powerful chainsaws. The power of the tool must be more than 5 HP. Chainsaws made for a 0.404 chain usually have increased torque.

As a rule of thumb, the smaller the track pitch, the lower the productivity. In addition, the pitch of the saw chain affects a parameter called aggressiveness. It implies ease of control while working. Simply put, as the step increases, the saw chain cuts into the wood harder and begins to "tear" it. Therefore, the force that a person must exert must also increase. Even with an increase in the step, the dimensions of the links will increase. This will cause the cut to be wider. Therefore, we can conclude: chains with a large pitch are not suitable for low-power and household electric saws.

What other classifications are there for chainsaw chains?

Chain with a pitch of 0.325 is used for household, semi-professional and low-power chainsaws.

The thickness of the chain saw drive link is an important parameter for the quality of the tool. The grooves on the saw bar differ in width. There are five sizes that characterize the ponytail:

1.1 mm. Used on low power saws.
1.3 mm. Most often it is also used on low-power chainsaws.
1.5 mm. This thickness is widely used on semi-professional saws.
1.6 mm. Chains with this link thickness are also used on semi-professional machines.
2 mm. Chains of this thickness are used on chainsaws that operate under high shock loads.

The saw chain is also chosen taking into account the depth of its cut. Depending on the height of the profile, the depth of cut will change and, accordingly, the productivity of the tool. There are 2 types of profile:

0.635 mm.
0.762 mm.

Both profiles are used on semi-professional, household and professional chainsaws. As a rule, the tool passport should indicate which chain profile is suitable for your saw.

If you use professional or semi-professional chainsaws - you should know what the cutting links can be. They are of 2 types:

Chisel.
Chipper.

The first type is commonly called "seven". The chisel profile is considered the best for use on powerful chainsaws, as the entire cutting edge is straight and able to provide good penetration into the wood. However, this profile has several disadvantages. The first of them is the difficulty of sharpening, since even with a slight deviation from the given angle, the profile will be unsuitable for work. Another significant disadvantage is the sensitivity of the chisel to dirt and sand.

The chipper type has a completely different shape from the chisel. This cross-sectional profile resembles a sickle. It's no secret that the contact area of the chipper link is much smaller than that of the chisel one. As a result, working with it impairs the cutting ability of the chainsaw. However, operating the chipper cutter unit has its advantages. For example, it is easier to sharpen and is immune to dirt.

Most often saws are used for cross-cutting, and circular saws are more rational for longitudinal cutting.

In order to find the right chain saw, it is worth paying attention to the sequence of the chain links. As a rule, at least one cutting link should have two tails. However, these days you can easily find chains on which the number of links to cut is less. They come with a half-pass and a pass. In the first type, at least one connecting link is inserted through each cutting tooth. In semi-skid chains, a cutting link is located between each cutting tooth.

During the operation of the chainsaw, you should not neglect the sharpening of the chain. It can be produced both manually and using special machines. If you work with a professional chainsaw, sharpen it at least once every 2-3 months.

You should also pay attention to the parameters of the bus.

Do I need to pay attention to the way the wood is cut?

In order to select the optimal saw chain, you should pay attention to the way the wood is cut. It can be longitudinal and transverse. The first type should be used if the wood will be cut along the grain. Cross cut is used if the wood will be cut across the grain. It is no secret that the resistance of wood in these two cases will be different. Therefore, a different angle must be used for cross and longitudinal cuts. For a longitudinal cut, the angle should be from 5 to 20 degrees, for a transverse cut - 20-35 degrees.

The first hand-held chainsaws appeared in the 1920s. They were equipped with chains with straight and flat teeth - such a chain system did not differ high efficiency and was quite time consuming to maintain. In 1947, Joseph Cox proposed a new type of chain. Its shape was L-shaped, due to which it was possible to significantly increase the performance of chainsaws, and ensure ease of sharpening. As a result, the Cox chain quickly ousted all its competitors from the market. Currently, most chainsaws are equipped with just such chain systems - they have a characteristic sickle-shaped cutting profile and can effectively work with any type of wood.

Saw chain design

The concept proposed by Joseph Cox turned out to be so successful that it underwent almost no design changes. By by and large Improvements were made only to the tool lubrication system, as well as to combat kickback and vibration.

Every saw chain is made up of three types of links:

Cutting

This is the most difficult part of the chain set. Its design includes a depth stop and a cutting element with a contour cutting angle.

Leading

Such links are also called shanks. Through the drive sprocket, they transmit the rotation from the saw motor to the chain, ensuring its stable position on the bar.

Connecting

Designed to connect cutting and driving elements.

The main ones in the chain system are. They can be left- and right-handed, and their cutting edges protrude beyond the plane of the tire, which provides free cutting with minimal cutting resistance. Chain teeth (cutters) work on the principle of a planer - the further the upper cutting edge is extended, the larger the cut will be.

There are two main types of saw chain cutters:

Chisel (English chisel - chisel, cutter)

High performance and good cutting speed. The configuration of such cutters provides a smaller area of contact with the wood when cutting, thereby reducing the resistance of the latter. The disadvantages of chisel-type chain teeth are high sensitivity to the abrasive environment, as well as the complexity and laboriousness of the sharpening process.

Chipper (English chipper - to chop into chips)

The crescent profile of chipper cutters is less effective due to the increased contact area when cutting. On the other hand, chippers are very easy to maintain, since the rounded corner of the cutter is less sensitive to sharpening errors.

Chipper link chains are preferred when cutting contaminated wood.

main parameters

Saw chains are usually distinguished by:

cutting direction (longitudinal and transverse);
dimensions (length and size of the elements of the chain set);
design features;
the order of the cutting links.

Sawing wood along the grain causes more resistance than across. In view of the demand for both types of sawing, two types of saw chains are produced - longitudinal and transverse. They differ in the angle of attack of the incisors. As a result, when ripping, the performance of the saw increases, and when cross-cutting, the "aggressiveness" of the tool is smoothed out. Well, together with the latter, it reduces the level of vibrations and reduces the load on the engine.

For low quality requirements, ripping can be performed with a cross-chain saw.

Available on the market today, they have various dimensions. One of the main parameters of the saw chain is the number of links, i.e. chain length. In addition, chain systems have a certain pitch. It is measured by the distance between three links in series, divided by two.

Saw chain pitch classification

Depending on the pitch value, the saw chains differ by 5 classes:

0,25 (1/4)’’

Small pitch chains are fitted to single-handed chainsaws. Such a tool does not differ in power, however, it allows you to perform precise work, incl. in hard-to-reach places.

0.325 '' and 3/8 ''

Chains with such pitch values are most widely used. Over 80% of the tools produced in the world are supplied with just such chain sets.

0.404 '' and 3/4 ''

Large chain attachments fit large saws with increased productivity - felling systems, harvester equipment, etc.

Obviously, what more sizes the links in the chain, the more performance it has. It should be remembered that the cut will be wider, which means that a large saw will be needed to overcome the resistance of the wood to cutting.

Shank thickness classification

The thickness of the drive links is the second most important chain parameter. It must match the size of the groove of the tire, along which the latter slides during operation. Due to this, the reliability of the fit is increased and the risk of its dismounting during operation is eliminated. At the same time, the course of the chain itself is performed smoothly, without unnecessary jerks and vibrations.

Global saw chain manufacturers produce 5 main sizes of chain saws:

1.1 mm (miniature chains for mini saws);
1.3 mm (most in demand, because they are installed on);
1.5 mm (installed on saws of high power and performance);
1.6 and 2 mm (thick shank chains are used on professional and industrial saws).

Profile height, cutting depth and saw motor volume

Depending on the height of the cutting edge located above the plane of the guide bar, saw chains are classified into high- and low-profile. The former provide maximum productivity, while the latter have an increased bearing area of the cutting link, as a result of which they produce thin chips and are safer to work with.

Depth of cut is the amount of clearance between the top edge of the cutter and the cut stop, which controls the thickness of the chips. Sawing sets with gaps of 0.025 '' and 0.03 '' are most in demand, while chains with a value of this parameter up to 0.07 '' are used as part of machine felling units. It is the depth of cut that determines the performance of the chain set. However, the larger it is, the more the saw will vibrate during operation. In order to balance performance and vibration on coarse pitch chains, manufacturers use cutting teeth with a minimum depth and vice versa.

Saw engine displacement has a lot to do with. If the latter is installed on an instrument that is too powerful, it will be subject to increased loads and will fail much earlier than the due date. Therefore, when buying a chain set, you should carefully study specifications the saw itself.

The order of the cutting links

The list of the main parameters of the saw chains also contains the order of the cutting links. In the standard design, there is a pair of shanks for each cutter. In a chain with a half-pass, every third cutter is replaced by a leading link, and in headsets with a full pass - every second. Chains of the second and third types are not produced - they are made by a handicraft method from factory products.

Skip and half-skip headsets are significantly cheaper than standard headsets, but they are inferior to them in performance, reliability and usability.

Saw chain lubrication system

The reliability and efficiency of the latter directly depends on the quality. In order to ensure the normal operation of the tool, manufacturers supply it with an oil pump, which supplies oil to the cutting system through special holes. The chain itself is responsible for the even distribution of the oil - its shanks, passing through the sprocket, capture the lubricant, which, as a result of the movement of the headset, spreads over it and the saw bar. Often, to increase the efficiency of lubrication, special channels are made in the driving links using a cutter or drill, and additional grooves in the connecting links.

The chain saw lubrication system works to reduce the damaging effects of friction and, of course, heat. This significantly increases the service life of both the chain attachment and the tool as a whole. Therefore, the user must control the lubrication process. If, when accelerating the chain, there is no oil trace on the cutting line, this means that the saw is overheating, and the chain itself can become blunt rather quickly, or even burst altogether.

In order to increase the lubricating effect, world manufacturers produce organic-based saw oils. They cost a little more, however, they provide a quarter less consumption, and when allocated in environment self-degrade within a few hours.

Chains and tires with different parameters can be installed on modern chainsaws. However, before purchasing a new headset for a specific model, you should make sure that its lubrication system will cope with its functions during operation.

Vibration and kickback when cutting

Neither the first nor the second can be avoided when working with a chainsaw, but you can reduce their intensity. occurs due to the collision of cutters with wood. At the moment of contact of the cutting edge with the tree, it is sandwiched between it and the tire for a split second. Part of the shock energy is transmitted to the user's hands through the headset, the drive sprocket and the saw body.

To reduce the effect of kickback due to vibrations when cutting wood, they are used:

beveled cut limiter (provides a smooth movement of the chain due to the smooth sliding of the wood from the cutter);
shock-absorbing protrusions on shanks and connectors (help to damp vibration when it is transmitted to the sprocket);
beveled or raised heel of the cutter (ensures the chain subsidence at the moment of impact, which helps not only to damp vibration, but also to reduce wear on the chain set and the saw bar).

Thanks to the use of these structural elements in the chain, the risk of injury when the saw kicks back due to the contact of the bar nose with a hard surface is significantly reduced.

Saw chain maintenance: highlights

The saw head, bar and drive sprocket are consumables... Therefore, the most important questions when buying a tool and a headset, they concern reliability and durability. They largely depend on the type and intensity of work that the user will perform. An equally important role is played by:

headset lubrication;
running in and tensioning the chain;
sharpening of incisors;
tool care.

Running in the chain set is carried out by soaking it for a while in oil, followed by a short run at idle speed and adjusting the tension. If the chain is not tensioned enough, it will constantly jump off, while overtightening leads to an increase in the load on the chain and its premature wear.

The cutting edge of the saw chain becomes dull due to intensive use. So that every time you do not have to buy a new headset, the user can sharpen the cutting elements on their own. In this case, it is necessary to strictly observe the correspondence of the sharpness of the cutter corners and the height of the limiter to the factory parameters. In addition, it must be ensured that all cutting links in the chain are equally sharpened. Otherwise, the performance of the tool will decrease or vibration and stress on the saw motor will increase.

Another important point when working with a chainsaw is to control the integrity of the chain. If the slightest cracks, scuffs or damage occur, it should be replaced. In conclusion, we note that only competent selection, as well as timely and proper care behind the tool and headset can ensure the normal performance, durability, reliability and, of course, the safety of the chainsaw.

Chainsaw service, video

The chain is the most important part of any chainsaw. It is she who perceives most of the loads, and therefore wears out faster. Very often, the question of how long a chainsaw will last is how to choose a chain for a chainsaw.

Many people think that the performance of a chainsaw depends entirely on its power. But this is far from the case. Performance depends more on which chain is selected for the chainsaw. It is she who can determine both the quality and the cutting speed. Inconsistency of the parameters of the leading elements of the saw can make the tool practically inoperative.

How to choose a chain step by step: basic rules

The chain pitch is the distance between the centers of adjacent links. It is one of the main parameters of the chainsaw chain. In practice, the pitch is measured as the distance between the centers of the first and third rivets in a row. The pitch determines the dimensions of the link: the larger the pitch, the greater the length and width of the link. As the pitch increases, the distance between the cutting teeth increases. These circumstances lead to the fact that with an increase in the step, productivity increases, but also the effort required when cutting increases. Thus, this parameter is directly related to the power of the chainsaw itself.

Chainsaw chains are available in five different options step. This parameter is usually expressed in inches, and its value is indicated on the side of any product. The following steps are used:

0,25 (1/4);
0,325;
0,375 (3/8);
0,404;
0.75 (3/4) in.

For household chainsaws, chains with a pitch of 0.325 (for 3 hp chainsaws) and 0.375 (4 hp chainsaws) inches are common. The 0.404 inch pitch is used in professional chainsaws with at least 5.5 hp. Pitch 0.25 and 0.75 inches are currently used extremely rarely.

The choice of chain step by step is determined by the purpose of the chainsaw. If you plan to saw wooden products small size(cant, thin log, etc.) or pruning and limb trimming, 0.325 inch cutting element recommended.

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Taking into account the thickness of the tail

Next important parameter in order to choose a chain for a chainsaw, the thickness of the tail, which determines the thickness of the elements and the width of the entire drive link. This characteristic is directly related to the dimensions of the groove on the bar of the chainsaw for pulling the chain. Naturally, when choosing a new copy according to the size of the tail, it is necessary to check whether it will fit into the tire groove.

This parameter itself determines the strength of the chain, its quality, reliability and the ability to ensure the cutting process under heavy loads. Variants with five tail sizes are available - 1.1; 1.3; 1.5; 1.6 and 2 mm. The narrowest chain for a chainsaw with a tail thickness of 1.1 mm is used for miniature household chainsaws low power... Small-sized specimens with such links are not able to withstand significant loads when cutting.

The most common tool for domestic purposes is a tool that uses links with a 1.3 mm ponytail. Their capabilities are expanding and they can be used at a semi-professional level. In terms of quality and reliability, they fully meet the basic requirements for household chainsaws. Chains with a tail thickness of 1.5-1.6 mm are widely used in professional chainsaws with their frequent and prolonged use. The 2 mm ponytail chain can only be used on powerful high performance tools.

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Choice by depth of cut

The depth of cut (depth of cut) is important characteristic chainsaw, which determines its performance. The cutting depth is determined by the parameters cutting tool, i.e. the height of the chain tooth profile. Increasing the tooth height increases the depth of cut in one pass, which increases the cutting speed. It should be noted that an increase in the height of the tooth reduces it strength characteristics and requires an increase in effort when sawing wood.

In a conventional chainsaw chain, such a characteristic as the tooth height is determined by the profile and parameters of the cutting depth limiter, which is installed on any working tooth. In a new circuit, this parameter is set by the manufacturer. The consumer can change the height of the tooth by grinding the stopper, but this operation should be treated with caution.

The chains are serially produced with two tooth profile heights - 0.635 mm and 0.762 mm. The chain with a lower tooth height is called low-profile, the second is called high-profile. For household chainsaws, low-profile ones are mainly used. Chainsaws with high-profile chains require increased effort and vibration during operation. To reduce the impact of negative factors, you can use an alternative approach - for high-profile links, the pitch of the links is reduced, and for low-profile links, vice versa.

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Taking into account the chain length

The length of the chain completely depends on the parameters of the chainsaw itself: dimensions, sprocket sizes and power. With a standardized tension, the length for a specific chainsaw is determined and indicated in the passport.

Another question is the number of links, i.e. number of cutting teeth, at this length. This parameter depends entirely on the pitch of the links. Thus, the problem of how to choose a chain taking into account the length is solved in a complex, taking into account the pitch of the links. In general, increasing the length requires an increase in the power of the chainsaw, but increases productivity.

When using household chainsaws, they usually strive to reduce their dimensions, therefore, preference is given to chainsaws with a short chain length.

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Selection by link type

Chainsaws for professionals use many specific forms of chain working elements. The main ones that have found widespread use are the chisel and chippel types. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, but can be successfully used in chainsaws and most often in household ones.

The cross-section of a chisel-type link is shaped like a number 7. Experience with such chains shows that they provide high productivity and high-quality sawing of wood. With such a profile, the working section of the link has a straight surface, which allows it to evenly penetrate into the material being cut. The disadvantages of chisel options include the complexity of sharpening. Even small deviations from the specified profile angles significantly reduce the cutting performance. In addition, during operation, closed areas which become a collection of dust and dirt.

The cross-section of the chip-type link is shaped like a sickle. The working area of the link has no pronounced corners - they are rounded. This increases the total area working area, which leads to an increase in cutting loads and somewhat reduces the functionality of the cutting element. At the same time, the chippel type gains advantages when sharpening teeth, since it does not require strict adherence to dimensions and angles, and also does not have the disadvantage associated with the accumulation of dirt and dust, which is important when working with wood.

It happens that users of chainsaws have confusion about the designation of tire and chain sizes. This confusion leads to purchases of the wrong headset for the saw, and as a result, wasted money. In this article we will try to point out typical mistakes and we will help you not to commit them.

Most of the errors are due to the fact that traditionally the parameters of the saw headset are indicated in inches. For people accustomed to using the metric system, this is not convenient. This is the reason for most of the errors: in Russia, for the convenience of memorization, it turned out that the characteristics of the saw headset use parameters expressed both in inches and in millimeters at the same time, which is generally not correct.

Chainsaw tire.

Three parameters are used to characterize the dimensions of the tire: its length, groove width and chain pitch for which it is intended. In the vast majority of cases, manufacturers indicate the length in inches. Most often in Russia you can find seven tire sizes from 10 to 22 inches... Often on sale you can find the same saw model, but with a different bar length. It is okay if it matches the tire manufacturer's stated tire sizes. This is indicated in the saw's passport.Some sellers indicate dimensions not in inches, but in centimeters, believing that this is more understandable. Here is a table of correspondence between inches and centimeters.

Length in inches	Length in centimeters

Length is often indicated in terms of the number of driving links in the chain for that bar, for example a 72 or 76 link bar.

The groove width is also indicated in inches. Five sizes are most commonly used. Here are some numerical values for the widths in inches: 0.043, 0.050, 0.058. As you yourself can see, it is difficult to remember this data without errors. Therefore, for convenience in Russia, the groove width is often indicated in millimeters. Here is such a collision in dimensions: indicate the length of the tire in inches or centimeters, or in the number of links, and the width of the groove in millimeters. But, despite this, any more or less competent seller will understand you. Below is a table of correspondence of the groove width in inches and millimeters

Width in inches	Width in millimeters
0,043
0,050
0,058
0,063
0,080

The chain pitch in the tire parameter set characterizes the size of the driven sprocket. It is important that this parameter is the same for the net and the bus. If there is no such match, then both parts will fail. The most common sizes are 0.325 and 3/8. We will talk about the chain step below.

Chains for chainsaws.

Three parameters are used in the circuit characterization: chain pitch, chain length and driving link width. Chain pitch always in inches. For ease of memorization, their designations are alternated in fractional and decimal notation. Below is a table of the most common chainsaw steps:

Width in inches	Width in millimeters
	6,35
0,325	8,25
	9,52
0,404	10,26

Chain length is measured by the number of leading links, that is, in pieces. Errors are not permissible here: an unsuitable chain in length cannot be correctly installed and tensioned. We draw your attention to important point: When the chain is pulled out during operation, some users remove the extra links. Remember this when you tell the seller the length of your chain in the store. When pulling the chain, do not remove unnecessary links - this is dangerous to your health.

And finally driving link width... It must match the width of the busbar groove. Everything that has been said about the tire groove width is also true for this parameter.

As a result, we have the following:

To choose the right tire you need to know its length in inches, the pitch of the chain used and the width of the groove. This data can be found either on the tire itself or in the saw's instruction manual. Even so, we recommend that you take your tire as a sample when going to the store. Besides these parameters it is important that the tail of the new tire matches your sample. It is important to buy tires specifically for your saw model, and not select "similar" ones. Pay attention to the position of the oil feed holes: they should match on your old and new tire.
To choose the right chain you need to know its pitch in inches, length in links (pieces) and width of the driving link. This data can be determined by yourself, you can find out from the manual for the chainsaw. Better to take your old chain as a sample and show it to a specialist in a store. If you have shortened your chain, keep this in mind when adjusting the length of the chain.
Before starting to use a new bar and chain, it is required to make special (very simple) preparatory activities... You can read how to do this in our article.
For the saw headset to serve for a long time, it is important to properly tension the chain. This is stated in the article "How to properly tension the chainsaw chain"
The drive sprocket, chain and bar form the so-called saw headset. You can find out why these nodes wear out from our article. "Saw headset. Wear factors"... You can learn about what erroneous actions lead to rapid wear from the article "Saw headset. What you CAN'T do".