What is the best chain to put on a chainsaw. How to choose a chain for a chainsaw correctly Types of chains for chainsaws

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

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

The first criterion that speaks of heavy wear is stretching. As a rule, the chain wears out several times faster than the bar and the drive sprocket. Be sure to pay attention to the type of chips. If the saw is working properly and sharp enough, the sawdust will correct form. And if the chips are small and have a large number of wood dust, the chain has become unusable or urgently needs sharpening.

What is the marking of saw chains by pitch?

Before you buy saw chain, you need to understand its labeling.

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 a cut depth gauge.

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

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

There is a rule: the smaller the caterpillar pitch, the lower the productivity. In addition, the steps of the saw chain affect the parameter, which is called "aggressiveness". It implies ease of operation during operation. Simply put, as the pitch increases, the saw chain cuts harder into the wood and begins to “tear” it. Therefore, the force that a person must apply must also increase. Even with an increase in the pitch, the dimensions of the links will increase. This will result in a wider cut. Therefore, we can conclude: chains with a large pitch are not suitable for low-power and household power saws.

What other chainsaw chain classifications exist?

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

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

1.1 mm. Used on low power saws.
1.3 mm. Most often used also on low-power chainsaws.
1.5 mm. This thickness has found wide distribution on semi-professional saws.
1.6 mm. Chains with this link thickness are also used on semi-professional units.
2 mm. Chains with this thickness are used on chainsaws that operate under high shock loads.

Another saw chain is selected taking into account the depth of its cut. Depending on the height of the profile, the depth of cut and, accordingly, the performance of the tool will change. 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 right for your saw.

If you use professional or semi-professional chain saws, you should know what 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 working edge is straight and is able to provide good penetration into the wood. However, this profile has several disadvantages. The first of these 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 profile in a section it resembles a sickle. It is no secret that the contact area of the chipper link is much smaller than that of the chisel link. As a result, working with it impairs the cutting ability of the chainsaw. However, the operation of the chipper cutting link has its advantages. For example, it is easier to sharpen and is immune to dirt.

Most often, saws are used for transverse cuts, and for longitudinal cuts, it is more rational to use circular saws.

In order to choose the right chainsaw, you should also pay attention to the sequence of chain links. As a rule, at least one cutting link should have two tails. However, nowadays you can easily find chains on which the number of links for cutting 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-skip chains, the cutting link is located between each cutting tooth.

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

You should also pay attention to the tire parameters.

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

In order to choose the optimal saw chain, you should pay attention to the way the wood is cut. It is longitudinal and transverse. The first type must be used if the wood is cut along the grain. A 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, to work with a transverse and longitudinal cut, you need to use a different angle. For a longitudinal cut, the angle should be from 5 to 20 degrees, for a transverse cut - 20-35 degrees.

The chain is the most important component 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 comes down to how to choose a chainsaw chain.

Many people believe that the performance of a chainsaw depends entirely on its power. But this is far from true. Performance depends more on which chain is selected for the chainsaw. It is she who can determine both the quality and the speed of sawing. The discrepancy between the parameters of the leading elements of the saw can make the tool practically inoperable.

How to choose a chain by step: basic rules

The chain pitch is the distance between the centers of adjacent links. It is one of the main chain parameter for chainsaws. 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 the effort required for sawing also increases. Thus, this parameter is directly related to the power of the chainsaw itself.

Chainsaw chains are available in five various 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" pitch is used in professional chainsaws with at least 5.5 hp. Pitch 0.25 and 0.75 inches are extremely rare nowadays.

The choice of chain by step is determined by the purpose of the chainsaw. If sawing is planned wooden products small size(beam, thin log, etc.) or delimbing, a 0.325" cutting element is recommended.

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Accounting for tail thickness

The next important parameter in order to choose a chain for a chainsaw is 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 size of the groove on the chainsaw bar for pulling the chain. Naturally, when selecting a new specimen according to the size of the tail, it is necessary to check whether it will fit in the groove of the tire.

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

The most common for domestic purposes is a tool that uses links with a tail thickness of 1.3 mm. Their capabilities are expanding, and they can be used at a semi-professional level. In terms of quality and reliability, they fully satisfy 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. A chain with a tail thickness of 2 mm is installed only in powerful high-performance tools.

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Choice by depth of cut

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

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

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

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Chain length consideration

The length of the chain depends entirely on the parameters of the chainsaw itself: dimensions, sizes of sprockets and power. With a normalized tension, the length for a particular chainsaw is determined and indicated in the passport.

Another issue is the number of links, i.e. the number of cutting teeth at that length. This parameter is completely dependent 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 step of the links. In general, increasing the length requires an increase in chainsaw power, but improves performance.

When using household chainsaws, they usually strive to reduce their dimensions, so chainsaws with a short chain length are preferred.

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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 wide application are the chisel and chipel 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 the number 7. Operating experience with such chains shows that they provide high performance And high-quality cut wood. With this 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 difficulty of sharpening. Even small deviations from the specified profile angles significantly reduce the cutting ability. In addition, during operation, closed zones arise, which become an accumulator of dust and dirt.

The cross section of the chippel type link is shaped like a sickle. The working area of the link does not have pronounced corners - they are rounded. This increases the total area working area, which leads to increased loads during sawing 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 observance of 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.

If you are unable to decide on the consumables for your chainsaw, send a request using the form below. Our experts will select everything you need and contact you.

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If you want to purchase a saw chain, or a guide bar for an electric or chainsaw, but don't know which saw set is right for your saw model, fill out the form with the parameters you know. Our technical specialist will select consumables for your saw and contact you.

To choose a chain for a chainsaw, you need to know three parameters:

chain pitch;
Chain thickness (drive link thickness);
Chain length (number of drive links).

Knowing these three parameters, you can easily choose a chain for a saw, pole cutter or harvester head.

1. Chain pitch

It is customary to designate the chain pitch in inches, calculate it as follows: measure the distance between the nearest chain drive links, or the distance between the three nearest chain rivets (from the center of the rivet), divide by 2 and convert to inches (1 inch \u003d 25.4 mm).

The pitch of the chain must always match the pitch of the saw's drive sprocket and bar's driven sprocket.

Chain with a pitch of 0.25 "aka 1/4". The distance between the three rivets (drive links) 12.7 mm ÷ 2 = 6.35 mm translate into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches it is 0.25 "(more commonly referred to as 1/4").
Chain with 0.325" pitch. The distance between the three rivets (drive links) 16.5 mm ÷ 2 = 8.25 mm translate into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches is 0.325".
Chain with a pitch of 0.375 "aka 3/8". The distance between the three rivets 19 mm ÷ 2 \u003d 9.5 mm is translated into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches it is 0.375 "(it is customary to denote it as 3/8" so as not to be confused with 0.325 ").
Chain with 0.404" pitch. The distance between the three rivets 20.5 mm ÷ 2 = 10.25 mm translate into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches is 0.404 ".
3/4" pitch chain. The distance between the three rivets 38.1 mm ÷ 2 \u003d 19.05 mm is translated into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches it is 0.75 "(it is customary to denote it as 3/4").

2. Thickness

The thickness of the chain is the thickness of the drive link (can be measured with a caliper). This dimension must always match the groove thickness of the guide bar.

In total, for electric and gasoline saws, as well as harvesters, there are 6 sizes that determine the thickness of the drive link:

1.1 mm (0.043”);
1.3 mm (0.05”);
1.5 mm (0.058”);
1.6 mm (0.063”);
2.0 mm (0.08”);
3.1 mm (0.122”).

3. The third main parameter when choosing a chain: Chain length (Number of drive links).

The chain length is determined by counting the number of drive (internal) chain links. Important:

cutting links do not determine chain length (don't count them).
the length of the guide bar does not determine the exact length of the chain (for example, a saw with a 16" (40 cm) bar can have a chain length of 55, or 56, or 57 links, depending on the chain tensioner specific model saws).
a chain with a length of approximately 55-57 links will not work for you, only a certain size recommended by the saw manufacturer will do.

What is the length of the bar on my chainsaw?

The length of the cutting part of the tire differs from its total length. The length of the tire is considered to be the length of the cut (working part) - this is the distance from the front of the saw to the rounded tip of the nose of the tire. This size is rounded to the nearest inch or centimeter. An inch is denoted as "= 2.54 cm.

For example, the length of the cutting part of the tire for Stihl chainsaws MS180 - 40 cm. 40 cm ÷ 2.54 = 15.7 inches. Rounding results in 16" (inches).

For the Stihl MS180 chainsaw, a 16 inch (40 centimeter) Oregon tire article 160SDEA074 is suitable.

How to choose a tire for a chainsaw?

The choice of a chain for a saw must be approached prepared, 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, the concept of "chain pitch", chain replacement situations, and working relationships with the drive sprocket. The choice of such cutting gear as a chain must be compared with another component of the saw set - the tire. How to do this for Partner, Stihl, Husqvarna saws - we will tell the owners of household and professional mechanisms.

Looking ahead, it is worth mentioning the use of high-quality oil for lubricating gear, 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 the 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 chain for a chainsaw to choose

So, we have already said that the chain needs to be changed according to its wear, or when it burst from overload, that is, in the absence of the performance of the part. We emphasize that the leading star changes along with the chain, and the bar of the saw set approximately once for the period of using five chains. Which chain for a chainsaw to choose– advice from KosiKosa specialists:

count the number of leading links of the old chain. You will be able to find out a more accurate parameter if you count the internal elements. This will be more correct than counting external ones.
pay attention to the pitch of the chainsaw chain. The pitch determines the length of the drive link and is usually measured in inches. You can find out the chain pitch from the instructions for the chainsaw or by looking at the information on old box from the previous tackle. The chain pitch must correspond to the pitch on the drive sprocket and the tire - it is in this characteristic that the first important relationship of the elements is manifested, their general state when choosing cutting gear.
determine the thickness of the chain groove. In the technical information for the chain proposed by the catalog, you can find the term "kerf thickness" or "width of the leading link". Must 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 call 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, as these are the most typical samples:

if the step on the instructions or in the characteristics for future gear 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 also the thickness of the guide links that are on inside gear and slide along the groove of the tire in working condition of the chainsaw;
“chain length” is much more common 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, “native” chains are suitable for Stihl saws, that is, the same Stihl or from the Oregon brand. Popular Stihl chains - with a sharp tooth for high-performance sawing without impurity and dirt, only pure wood. At the same time, the friction force decreases, but if the operator even accidentally allows sand or earth to get on the chain, it quickly becomes dull. For lightly soiled wood, it is better to use a chain with a semicircular clove. This type glides better over lightly soiled areas.

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

There is also a class of circuits with victorious soldering. They are used mainly by special services, because they are ready to cut not only pure 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 happy to offer all types of existing cutting gear, and you already independently select the chain you need according to its parameters.

Everything about chain selection from "KosiKosa" specialists

Chainsaw chain selection- the task is not simple, but not difficult, if guided by our advice. Do not overestimate the potential of a gas tool, but order a cutting tackle that is native to it. 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.

If you are unable to decide on the consumables for your chainsaw, send a request using the form below. Our experts will select everything you need and contact you.

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To choose a chain for a chainsaw, you need to know three parameters:

chain pitch;
Chain thickness (drive link thickness);
Chain length (number of drive links).

Knowing these three parameters, you can easily pick up a pole cutter or a harvester head.

1. Chain pitch

The pitch of the chain must always match the pitch of the saw's drive and driven sprocket.

Chain with a pitch of 0.25 "aka 1/4". The distance between the three rivets (drive links) 12.7 mm ÷ 2 = 6.35 mm translate into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches it is 0.25 "(more commonly referred to as 1/4").
Chain with 0.325" pitch. The distance between the three rivets (drive links) 16.5 mm ÷ 2 = 8.25 mm translate into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches is 0.325".
Chain with a pitch of 0.375 "aka 3/8". The distance between the three rivets 19 mm ÷ 2 \u003d 9.5 mm is translated into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches it is 0.375 "(it is customary to denote it as 3/8" so as not to be confused with 0.325 ").
Chain with 0.404" pitch. The distance between the three rivets 20.5 mm ÷ 2 = 10.25 mm translate into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches is 0.404 ".
3/4" pitch chain. The distance between the three rivets 38.1 mm ÷ 2 \u003d 19.05 mm is translated into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches it is 0.75 "(it is customary to denote it as 3/4").

2. Thickness

The thickness of the chain is the thickness of the drive link (can be measured with a caliper). This dimension must always match the thickness of the groove.

In total, for electric and gasoline saws, as well as harvesters, there are 6 sizes that determine the thickness of the drive link:

1.1 mm (0.043”);
1.3 mm (0.05”);
1.5 mm (0.058”);
1.6 mm (0.063”);
2.0 mm (0.08”);
3.1 mm (0.122”).

3. The third main parameter when choosing a chain: Chain length (Number of drive links).

The chain length is determined by counting the number of drive (internal) chain links. Important:

cutting links do not determine chain length (don't count them).
the length of the guide bar does not determine the exact length of the chain (for example, a saw with a 16" (40 cm) bar can have a chain length of 55, or 56, or 57 links, depending on the chain tensioning mechanism of a particular saw model).
a chain with a length of approximately 55-57 links will not work for you, only a certain size recommended by the saw manufacturer will do.

What is the length of the bar on my chainsaw?

For example, the length of the cutting part of the tire for the Stihl MS180 chainsaw is 40 cm. 40 cm ÷ 2.54 = 15.7 inches. Rounding results in 16" (inches).

For the Stihl MS180 chainsaw, a 16 inch (40 centimeter) Oregon tire article 160SDEA074 is suitable.