choose your chainsaw chain

How to choose the right chainsaw chain?

The chainsaw chain is an essential accessory for all users of this type of machine. When it breaks or becomes dull, it is necessary to replace it.ar a model just as efficient as the old one.

Whatever your brand of chainsaw, how to recognize the chain you need and when to change the chain.

Know every part of a chainsaw chain well

1 - Constitution of a chainsaw chain: when each link counts

A chainsaw chain brings together several spare parts, each playing a specific role during the operation of your chainsaw. To start par the successive links:

- the connecting links linking the links together,

- gouges or gouge edges, also called cutting teeth, which ensure cutting,

- the driving links (which drive the chain and are housed in the groove of the guide).

But also rivets (types of nails which allow parts to be assembled together), depth gauges and depth limiters.

2 - The chainsaw guide

What is chainsaw guide?

The guide is a long, narrow, flat piece of metal. This part located at the end of the handle of the device and surrounding the chain, plays an essential role car it guarantees the stability of the latter during cutting. It holds the chainsaw chain in place and guides it when the machine's engine is engaged.

The chain guide is an accessory, there is no "original assembly", there are just assemblies that are more common than others. On almost all chainsaws, there are at least two or three compatible chain guides. It is the chainsaw guide that determines the cutting length. But be careful, it is not he who determines the type of chainsaw chain (.325', 3/8', etc.).

Good to know: When you change guides, never reuse old chains that would have worked on another guide. Chains have the annoying habit of transferring defects from a chainsaw guide to a new chainsaw guide.

What is the purpose of the measurement in this guide?

The length of the guide, expressed in centimeters, allows you to find the right chainsaw chain. This information appears on the guide itself, on its packaging or on the machine instructions. If you have the length of the guide bar, you will have the length of the chain (or cutting length) itself. This length is simply determined par the number of driving links. Generally, the unit of measurement is inches but you can also have products whose length is translated into centimeters or millimeters.

Good to know : the information is on the chain guide Some brands indicate all the useful chain references (caliber, depth limiters, essential details in short) on the chainsaw chain guide.

Caution : In spare parts catalogs for chainsaws, the mention “guide length” does not designate the total length of this object. This is only the length of the guide protruding from the chainsaw, i.e. useful for cutting.

How to measure a chainsaw bar?

In the absence of packaging or instructions, you can manually measure your chainsaw guide. This operation only requires a few minutes. Simply measure the object using a meter, without dismantling it. The guide length (or “cutting length”) that must be taken into account is that which protrudes beyond the protective casing of the motor (the motor housing) of the machine.

What type of chainsaw chain to choose?

The elements to take into consideration when choosing the right chainsaw chain are the guide, the length of the guide (or chain guide), the number of driving links to which the gauge should be added, the chain pitch, the sequence or even the profile of a gouge.

1 - The caliber of the chainsaw chain

In order to identify the right chainsaw chain, you need to determine the gauge of the chain. This is the thickness of the driving links (also called gauge) which is important when choosing a chainsaw chain.

In general, the gauge of a chain is the same as that of the bar. There are different gauge thicknesses including:

- the gauge of 1,09 mm (i.e. .043''),

- the gauge of 1,27 mm (i.e. .050''),

- the gauge of 1,47 mm (i.e. .058''),

- the gauge of 1,60 mm (i.e. .063''), the gauge of 2,03 mm (i.e. .080''),

- gauge 3,09 mm (i.e. .122'').

2 - How to measure the chain gauge of your chainsaw?

A coach's gauge is its thickness. This value also indicates the depth of the groove which, around the edge of the chain guide, accommodates the drive links. The gauge size of a chain is expressed in inches.

How to know the gauge of a chainsaw chain?

The gauge size is listed on the chain packaging. Some brands include this information directly on the chain guide. However, with wear and tear over time, friction and bad weather, this information may have become illegible.

In order to determine the gauge thickness, you need to make measurements using a caliper by simply measuring the thickness of a driving link. To do this, disassemble the chain, using the caliper measure the thickness of one of its drive links. These are easy to recognize: they look like inverted, riveted triangles. Finally, convert the number obtained into inches: one inch is equal to 2,54 centimeters.

Good to know: Gauge can be expressed in both inches and millimeters.

3 - Chain pitch of the chainsaw

Last criterion for finding the chainsaw chain that matches your machine: its chain pitch.

What is the chain pitch of a chainsaw?

The chain pitch corresponds to the distance separating three rivets, that is to say three circular metal parts which hold the links together. Just like bar length and drive link gauge, chain pitch is essential information. It appears:

- on the packaging of your guide,

- on the packaging of your old channel,

- in the documentation for your chainsaw,

- and for certain devices, on the chain guide.

How to calculate the chain pitch of a chainsaw?

Can't find your chain pitch measurement anywhere? Have your guide's inscriptions faded over time?

Here's how to measure the chain pitch of your chainsaw:

- remove the chain to be replaced,

- lay it flat on your work surface,

- place the caliper on the chain,

- spread the moving part of the foot until it surrounds three rivets of the chain (the measurement is taken at the center of the two exterior rivets),

- note the distance indicated on your caliper,

- divide the obtained value par of them,

- convert it to inches.

In the chainsaw chain market, there are four standardized categories for chain pitches. These refer to lengths in millimeters and can be expressed in fractions of inches. Here they are indicated par Ascending :

- 6,35 millimeters of chain pitch corresponds to ¼ inch,

- 8,25 millimeters corresponds to 0,325 inches,

- 9,52 millimeters correspond to 3/8 of an inch,

- 10,26 millimeters corresponds to 0,404 inches.

4 - The chainsaw chain sequence

The distance between the gouges of the chainsaw chain is called sequence. You can find the sequence standard size, semi-skip and skip. The first sequence is the longestar it is this which contains the greatest number of gouges.

The shape (or profile) of the gouge or tooth of your chainsaw chain Gouges are spare parts that cut and can have several shapes (profiles):

- La super guard gouge perfect for powerful tools; the low kickback chain is reserved for logging work with very powerful chainsaws.

- La chisel gouge with a square profile and a reduced rebound; the reduced rebound chain, with vibration attenuation, intended for professional use, particularly for logging work.

- La multicut gouge for cutting professionals who use it intensively; the chain has a chrome coating, intended for intensive professional use.

- La gouge low profile, suitable for small chainsaws; the professional use chain designed for small chainsaws.

- La micro-lite gouge, ideal for a cut requiring surgical precision; the narrow kerf chain, designed for greater precision at lower power.

- La semi-chisel gouge featuring a rounded cut with vibration attenuation; the chain with reduced rebound and low vibration, sharpening is easy and its use is ideal for dusty and dirty environments.

- La super-chisel gouge, light and with attenuated rebound; the lightweight, low-kickback chain with a long lifespan, ideal for pruners;

- La micro-chisel gouge for an express and simple cut; for chainsaws intended for intensive pruning work, with vibration attenuation, reduced kickback, cutting is fast and sharpening easy.

- La xtraguard gouge, a catch-all profile for people who use a chainsaw randomly; the chain for everyday, versatile use, it is ideal for occasional DIY enthusiasts and reserved for chainsaws not exceeding 35 cc.

- La gouge chipper or micro-bit, with rounded finishes for cutting hardwood; the round gouge profile chain with rounded attack angles and side plate to facilitate cutting of very hard wood designed for very powerful engines.

The choice of teeth is made according to the nature of the cut to be made:

- opt for a square gouge if you have hard wood to cut and a device built for difficult work,

- a round gouge for rather soft wood and a small device,

- the half-round gouge is well suited to cutting both soft and hard wood; it is also suitable for both a medium power chainsaw and a professional one.

Channel number	Administrative staff	Gauge
Channel number	Administrative staff	IN	MM
11	3 / 4 "	.122 "	3.1
16 18	.404 " .404 "	.063 " .080 "	1.6 2.0
20 21 22	.325 " .325 " .325 "	.050 " .058 " . 063	1.3 1.5 1.6
25	1 / 4 "	.50 "	1.3
26 27	.404 " .404 "	.058 " .063 "	1.5 1.6
58 59	.404 " .404 "	.058 " .063 "	1.5 1.6
72 73 75 90 91	3 / 8 " 3 / 8 " 3 / 8 " 3 / 8 " 3 / 8 "	.050 " .058 " .063 " .043 " .050 "	1.3 1.5 1.6 1.1 1.3
95	.325 "	.050 "	1.3

5 - How to determine the number of chainsaw chain links?

The number of links varies from one chainsaw chain to another. Knowing this information allows you to quickly find the right spare part.

What is a link (or “coach”)?

On a chainsaw chain, the drivers are pieces of metal similar to the links on a bicycle chain. They are assembled to each other using rivets, and fit into the guide in order to impulser its circular movement on the chain.

How to know the number of links in a chainsaw chain?

The number of links is the easiest information to know when replacing a chainsaw chain. Count the number of links in a chainsaw chain in order to accurately determine the size of a chainsaw chain.

- First disassemble your chain

- Align the links face to face

- Count from the first two links located to your left and count par two until the end.

- Once the number is found, you add the last two links located at the ends of the chain.

Good to know: There are rolls of several meters of chain that can be cut to size depending on the number of links required. This presentation is reserved for professionals or enthusiasts equipped with a chainsaw chain riveter.

When should you change the chainsaw chain?

Changing a chainsaw chain becomes necessary in several cases including:

- Your chainsaw tends to stall or has difficulty starting

- It cuts less well than usual

- Your chainsaw consumes more fuel: remember to check and adjust the carburetor

- One or more drive gears are defective.

Which chain for which use?

There are numerous chain models available on the market. Make sure that the model you are considering purchasing matches the characteristics of your chainsaw, without necessarily being of the same brand.

There are several types of chains with varied characteristics and for various uses, some are versatile, others more specific. If you are an occasional user, opt for a standard or multi-purpose chain.

If you plan to carry out more intense work, choose chains with vibration attenuation and equipped with a rebound reduction system. Kickback occurs when the chain touches, on its upper quarter, an object which causes the chainsaw to be thrown backwards, which represents a major risk. Reduced kickback chains are designed to absorb shock and limit the kickback phenomenon.

What chain model do you ultimately need?

The first criterion is to choose a chainsaw chain based on the characteristics of your device.

Second criterion, the nature of the work you are considering. You can buy any type of channels but some will be basic and others more specific.

For occasional use, investing in a channel dedicated to logging professionals does not seem useful. If you use your chainsaw regularly or carry out delicate work, opt for a chain with comfortable features such as reducing vibration or kickback.