There is nothing worse than the dull chainsaw chain. The professionals have swear sharpening the chain regularly often after every use. Yet, like any other serviceable part, the chainsaw’s chain wears out and requires replacement. When it comes to the replacement of the chain, it can be tiring to know where to start if you have not done it ever since.
Referring to your chainsaw’s operation manual is a good starting point. However, if you want a different cut, you must know its different types. Chainsaw Chains help you understand the different features, such as:
- Sizes
- Measurements
- Types
If the time comes to replace the chainsaw chain and you are unsure where to start, you will learn it from here.
Identify and replace chain
There are multiple saw chain options for your chainsaws. You can determine the right saw chain fit for a chainsaw and different chain types to meet the needs of the chainsaw users. You must learn to identify and replace chains by finding the right features:
- chain pitch
- chain gauge
- cutter type
- sequence
Saw chain identification
- Gauge. The chain gauge is the drive link’s thickness, which fits into the guide bar groove. The chain’s gauge and the gauge of the bar should match. There are several gauges of saw chain, such
- .043″
- .050″
- .058″
- .063″
Normal wear makes it difficult to measure the chain gauge on a worn chain accurately. To ensure getting the right gauge, always order according to the number stamped on the drive link of the old chain.
- Pitch. The size of the chain is the pitch and is defined as the distance between any 3 consecutive rivets divided by 2. The chain can be made in several pitches, such as:
- 1/4″ is the smallest
- 3/8″ is the most popular
- 3/4” is the largest
Pitch is important as the drive sprocket has a similar pitch as the chain. Look at the number stamped on the drive link as the easiest way of determining the pitch of the chain.
- Cutter type. There are different types of cutters:
- Chamfer-Chisel
- Chipper
- Chisel
- Micro-Chisel
- Semi-Chisel
- Sequence. Saw chain sequences may include:
- Standard
- Semi-skip
- Skip
Considering that it is hard to know the different types of chainsaw chains, you may wonder about the difference in a chainsaw chain. There are different chainsaw blades. Every type is made up of a configuration of these five elements:
- Chain arrangement
- Chain gauge
- Chain pitch
- Cutter material
- Cutter style
The gauge and pitch are predetermined by the chainsaw. After you know this, you can pick from the remaining elements of designing a chain. When ensuring you get the right replacement chainsaw blade, you might not cut corners with the chainsaw’s chain.
