Choose a chain for a chainsaw by brand

Design features

In a medium and high-end chain, each cutting link is equipped with two shanks, which inevitably increases its cost. Owners of their own chainsaws are offered more affordable models of the through or semi-through type.

In the first case, additional chain elements are located immediately after the cutting link. In the second version, the connecting elements are mounted after every second pair.

In standard, through and half through chains, the number of saw links is 50, 40 and 37.5 percent, respectively. The simplification of the design of cheap products is inevitably accompanied by an increase in the load on the saw links, the need for frequent sharpening and a reduction in its service life.

Pro tips for the use and maintenance of saw chains

A significant part of the operated headsets do not fully develop the assigned resource.

The main reasons for forced wear are:

  • low efficiency of the lubrication system;
  • high wear of the drive sprocket;
  • excessive tension on the saw chain;
  • use of substandard and surrogate chain oils.

Experts advise using a set of several chains, changing them as needed. This option can take advantage of the more productive mechanized sharpening.

Worn and damaged chains should be discarded promptly. Even in the presence of an emergency stop brake and a safety device, the operation of worn-out parts is characterized by an increased risk of injury.

Criterias of choice

choose, chain, chainsaw, brand

The quality of budget and branded chains is significantly different. Many owners of cheap household chainsaws prefer to operate their equipment with more advanced sawing headsets from the leading brands Stihl, Husqvarna and Oregon. An unofficial rating recorded an increase in consumer demand for similar products of the Hammer and PowerSharp brands.

The standard length of the bar for a household saw is 2-2.5 HP. is 40-45 cm.The size of high-performance analogs of a professional class reaches 70 cm.

The higher price level of branded bars and chains is compensated by the high quality of complex sawing operations, increased resource, stability of performance throughout the entire period of service specified by the manufacturer.

Professional chain design features

The range offered can be divided into chains with chisel and chipper cutter link configurations. In the first case, the link in the section is similar to the number 7. This profile provides increased productivity of cutting operations of increased complexity.

A significant disadvantage of the chisel “seven” is the complexity of manual sharpening, since even a slight deviation from the given angle, the main advantages of the seven-fold profile are canceled.

The chipper links are crescent-shaped. The increased contact area with the wood being cut puts additional stress on the engine. On the positive side. the design of chipper chains is appreciated for the stability of operation with a high level of contamination and less stringent requirements for the accuracy of finishing the cutting edges.

Shank parameters

An equally important condition for choosing the right saw chain is the thickness of its shank, which varies from 1.1 to 2 mm. In the inch standard, shanks are presented in sizes 0.043 / 0.04 / 0.05 / 0.058 / 0.063 and 0.08 inches, respectively.

Chains with a minimum thickness are used in lightweight low-cube models of a budget level. In household and semi-professional chainsaws, analogues resistant to constant and variable loads, with a thickness of 1.3 to 1.6 mm, are more in demand. Reinforced chains with 2 mm shanks, professional chainsaw equipment is completed.

Length

This indicator of the chain is determined by the number of links. Leading manufacturers indicate in the accompanying documentation the chain length in inches or the number of links. When buying any model yourself, it is recommended to know both parameters.

Properties of wear-resistant chains for general and special purposes

The types of chains for household and professional grade intended for working with wood differ in the quality of the material, the duration of the resource and the cost. Designed for work on concrete, the diamond chain, unique in terms of wear resistance, belongs to the category of special rescue equipment.

Wear-resistant carbide chain is one option. The overhaul life of such a product is an order of magnitude higher, but to sharpen it, you need special equipment that allows you to sharpen the cutting links at different angles, respectively, for standard transverse and longitudinal sawing.

The carbide chain is designed for productive sawing of hardwoods and lightweight building blocks. It should be borne in mind that when working on aerated concrete or foam concrete, the resource of the saw headset, even the most prestigious brand, is reduced by 2-3 times.

Professional chain design features

The range offered can be divided into chains with chisel and chipper cutter link configurations. In the first case, the link in the section is similar to the number 7. This profile provides increased productivity of cutting operations of increased complexity.

Choosing the right Chainsaw for the job

A significant disadvantage of the chisel “seven” is the complexity of manual sharpening, since even a slight deviation from the given angle, the main advantages of the seven-fold profile are canceled.

The chipper links are crescent-shaped. The increased contact area with the wood being cut puts additional stress on the engine. On the positive side. the design of chipper chains is appreciated for the stability of operation with a high level of contamination and less stringent requirements for the accuracy of finishing the cutting edges.

How to choose the best chainsaw chain

Even with the most careful operation of the chainsaw, the owner sooner or later is faced with the need to replace the saw chain. The assortment is presented in several types, differing in pitch, configuration of cutting links and other indicators. The best chainsaw chain is the model recommended by the instructions for use.

The guide bar and the chain are interchangeable equipment, so owners of budget chainsaws are given the opportunity to choose a more wear-resistant and durable saw set.

The desire to increase the performance of the saw by installing a longer headset can only be realized if the engine has a sufficient reserve of power and torque.

It is best to choose a chain for a chainsaw that is optimal in cost and performance after consulting an experienced specialist. The wrong choice of component parts of the headset can reduce the performance of the chainsaw or initiate its early failure.

Chain models for cross and rip sawing

The main range of saw chains with a 25-35 ° point angle is designed for standard cross-cutting of wood. Models for longitudinal sawing on the domestic market are present in a minimum quantity.

If necessary, the problem of shortage is simply solved by changing the sharpening angle of standard chains to 5-15 °. The tire in this version is operated without changing the design.

All information provided is valid for Chinese chainsaws and their accessories. Most of the Chinese chainsaw range are more or less successful copies of leading European developers, so all standards are almost identical.

Properties of wear-resistant chains for general and special purposes

The types of chains for household and professional grade designed for working with wood are distinguished by the quality of the material, the duration of the resource and the cost. Designed for work on concrete, the diamond chain, unique in terms of wear resistance, belongs to the category of special rescue equipment.

Wear-resistant carbide chain is one option. The overhaul life of such a product is an order of magnitude higher, but to sharpen it, you need special equipment that allows you to sharpen the cutting links at different angles, respectively, for standard transverse and longitudinal sawing.

The carbide chain is designed for productive sawing of hardwoods and lightweight building blocks. It should be borne in mind that when working on aerated concrete or foam concrete, the resource of the saw headset, even the most prestigious brand, is reduced by 2-3 times.

Design features

In a medium and high-end chain, each cutting link is equipped with two shanks, which inevitably increases its cost. Owners of their own chainsaws are offered more affordable models of the through or semi-through type.

In the first case, additional chain elements are located immediately after the cutting link. In the second version, the connecting elements are mounted after every second pair.

In standard, through and half through chains, the number of saw links is 50, 40 and 37.5 percent, respectively. The simplification of the design of cheap products is inevitably accompanied by an increase in the load on the saw links, the need for frequent sharpening and a reduction in its service life.

Types of materials

Standard saw chains are manufactured from high quality chromium-nickel steel. Carbide link chains are recommended for heavy and frozen wood. A significant drawback of such models is the increased cost and the need to use special sharpening equipment with corundum nozzles.

Criterias of choice

The quality of budget and branded chains is significantly different. Many owners of cheap household chainsaws prefer to operate their equipment with more advanced sawing headsets from the leading brands Stihl, Husqvarna and Oregon. An unofficial rating recorded an increase in consumer demand for similar products of the Hammer and PowerSharp brands.

The standard length of the bar for a household saw is 2-2.5 HP. is 40-45 cm.The size of high-performance analogs of a professional class reaches 70 cm.

The higher price level of branded bars and chains is compensated by the high quality of complex sawing operations, increased resource, stability of performance throughout the entire period of service specified by the manufacturer.

Shank parameters

An equally important condition for choosing the right saw chain is the thickness of its shank, which varies from 1.1 to 2 mm. In the inch standard, shanks are presented in sizes 0.043 / 0.04 / 0.05 / 0.058 / 0.063 and 0.08 inches, respectively.

Chains with a minimum thickness are used in lightweight low-cube models of a budget level. In household and semi-professional chainsaws, analogues resistant to constant and variable loads, with a thickness of 1.3 to 1.6 mm, are more in demand. Reinforced chains with 2 mm shanks, professional chainsaw equipment is completed.

Shank parameters

An equally important condition for choosing the right saw chain is the thickness of its shank, which varies from 1.1 to 2 mm. In the inch standard, shanks are presented in sizes 0.043 / 0.04 / 0.05 / 0.058 / 0.063 and 0.08 inches, respectively.

Chains with a minimum thickness are used in lightweight low-cube models of a budget level. In household and semi-professional chainsaws, analogues resistant to constant and variable loads, with a thickness of 1.3 to 1.6 mm, are more in demand. Reinforced chains with 2 mm shanks, professional chainsaw equipment is completed.

Length

This indicator of the chain is determined by the number of links. Leading manufacturers indicate in the accompanying documentation the chain length in inches or the number of links. When buying any model yourself, it is recommended to know both parameters.

Criterias of choice

The quality of budget and branded chains is significantly different. Many owners of cheap household chainsaws prefer to operate their equipment with more advanced sawing headsets from the leading brands Stihl, Husqvarna and Oregon. An unofficial rating recorded an increase in consumer demand for similar products of the Hammer and PowerSharp brands.

The standard length of the bar for a household saw is 2-2.5 HP. is 40-45 cm.The size of high-performance analogs of a professional class reaches 70 cm.

The higher price level of branded bars and chains is compensated by the high quality of complex sawing operations, increased resource, stability of performance throughout the entire period of service specified by the manufacturer.

Pro tips for the use and maintenance of saw chains

A significant part of the operated headsets do not fully develop the assigned resource.

The main reasons for forced wear are:

  • low efficiency of the lubrication system;
  • high wear of the drive sprocket;
  • excessive tension on the saw chain;
  • use of substandard and surrogate chain oils.

Experts advise using a set of several chains, changing them as needed. This option can take advantage of the more productive mechanized sharpening.

Worn and damaged chains should be discarded promptly. Even in the presence of an emergency stop brake and a safety device, the operation of worn-out parts is characterized by an increased risk of injury.

Chain models for cross and rip sawing

The main range of saw chains with a 25-35 ° point angle is designed for standard cross-cutting of wood. Models for longitudinal sawing on the domestic market are present in a minimum quantity.

If necessary, the problem of shortage is simply solved by changing the sharpening angle of standard chains to 5-15 °. The tire in this version is operated without changing the design.

All information provided is valid for Chinese chainsaws and their accessories. Most of the Chinese chainsaw range are more or less successful copies of leading European developers, so all standards are almost identical.

Design features

In a medium and high-end chain, each cutting link is equipped with two shanks, which inevitably increases its cost. Owners of their own chainsaws are offered more affordable models of the through or semi-through type.

In the first case, additional chain elements are located immediately after the cutting link. In the second version, the connecting elements are mounted after every second pair.

In standard, through and half through chains, the number of saw links is 50, 40 and 37.5 percent, respectively. The simplification of the design of cheap products is inevitably accompanied by an increase in the load on the saw links, the need for frequent sharpening and a reduction in its service life.

Saw chain pitch characteristics

The selected chain must be suitable for the length of the guide bar and its design. One of the main parameters for the selection of a chain is its pitch, which is traditionally measured in inches.

Smooth-running and safe 3/8 ″ (9.53 mm) or 0.325 ″ (8.25 mm) chains are used in the cutting sets of household chainsaws.

Analogues with an increased pitch of type 0.404 ″ are intended for a complete set of powerful and efficient professional-grade chainsaws, therefore they are practically not used in household chainsaws.

Self-installation of a headset with an increased pitch must be consistent with the type and traction characteristics of the power unit.

How to choose a chain for a saw with a gasoline engine step by step

Chain pitch is measured in inches. It is indicated on the product and affects the quality of the cut. The higher the saw power, the more you adjust the step. For non-professional instruments up to 2500W, standard 0.325 ” pitch.

The chain pitch must match the pitch on the drive sprocket of the engine and tire. If you change it together with the tire, replace the engine sprocket with a collapsible one and install the drive ring on it with the desired pitch.

How to choose a chain for a chainsaw in the shape of a cutting tooth

The choice of chain for a chainsaw should take into account the shape of the cutting tooth. When viewed along the tooth, the cutting edges form a similarity to the number 7. The rounded tooth is called Chipper, with an acute angle. Chisel.

Chisel teeth are characterized by high productivity and cutting speed because their configuration reduces the contact area of ​​the tooth with the wood during operation. A serious drawback of the “chisel” tooth is that it quickly becomes blunt on wood contaminated with grains of sand. Resharpening such a tooth requires very precise adherence to all standard angles and parameters.

The Chipper tines have a larger cutting area with the wood and thus lower cutting speed. But this drawback compensates for the undemanding quality of regrinding. The rounded corner of the “chipper” will tolerate sharpening errors more easily and shows itself well in working with contaminated wood.

How to choose a chain for a chainsaw: types, sizes, nuances

How to choose a chain for a chainsaw according to the thickness of the shank

The shank is the part of the chain link that fits into the guide bar. Its thickness must strictly correspond to the groove of the tire so that the chain moves as smoothly as possible, the cut is smooth and there is no excessive tire wear.

How to choose a chain for a chainsaw in length

Its total length is determined by the number of links that make it up (it is also equal to the number of shanks). The chain for one bar may not fit on a bar of the same length on another saw. Therefore, see what length the manufacturer recommends in the instructions for the saw.

Watch the video review of Makita chainsaws

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How to choose the right chain for a chainsaw?

Professional lumberjacks know that the quality of a chainsaw and the convenience of its operation depend not only on the power of the tool, but also on its configuration, and especially on the cutting element, that is, the chain. The chain is a very important part of a chainsaw. If it is incorrectly selected, this will create an additional load on both the operator and the gasoline unit, which can lead to its premature failure. Therefore, it is very important to know how to choose the right chain for a chainsaw, which will be discussed further.

Chainsaw device diagram.

Selecting the thickness of the driving link

The thickness of the shank is an equally important parameter of the chain for a chainsaw. During operation, the cutting blade moves into the groove of the bar. This movement should be smooth, without snagging, but also without excessive bumpiness. This is achieved by strictly matching the thickness of the drive link and the width of the groove. According to this parameter, all chains for chainsaws are divided into groups such as:

Chainsaw chain sharpening scheme with a file.

  • 0.043 ”;
  • 0.050 ”;
  • 0.058 ”;
  • 0.063 ”;
  • 0.080 ”.

Products of the first group are mainly used on low-power equipment, which is not intended for heavy and frequent work. The canvases of the second group have increased strength, so they can withstand heavy loads. It is these products that are the most popular all over the world, since they are equipped with almost all saws for household use, as well as some semi-professional units.

The third group is also very popular, but already among professionals. Most professional and semi-professional saws are equipped with such blades. Chains with a shank thickness of 1.6 and 2 mm are used on professional equipment of high power, which is used in procurement work.

The main parameters of the chainsaw chain

The chainsaw chain has such basic characteristics as:

  • step;
  • the thickness of the driving link (shank);
  • profile size and depth of cut;
  • length.

Knowing all these parameters, you can easily find the right chain of any company for any gasoline saw. These parameters are indicated in the passport to the gasoline unit or applied to the guide tire.

Gasoline Saw Chain Design

To choose the right cutting element for a chainsaw, you need to know its main parts. Any cutting blade consists of a cutting, driving and connecting links.

How To Buy The Proper Chain For A Chainsaw. Video

The cutting link is the most difficult part. It consists of a cutting depth gauge and a cutting part (Fig. 1). The upper edge of this link is slightly wider than the blade itself, which allows you to get a fairly wide kerf, with the result that cutting resistance will be minimal. The cutting link works like a planer, and the further the top edge is extended, the thicker the chips will be.

Figure 1. Construction of a chain of a gasoline saw.

In order for the saw chain teeth to have a specific set of technical characteristics, they are designed at specific angles. The sloping upper end of the tooth forms the posterior angle of the upper blade. Its main purpose is to cut the blade into wood. The blade of the tooth forms a clearance angle, which is used for side cutting of the chips. The edge of the end blade forms a rake angle with the surface of the cutting link, the value of which lies in the range of 60-85 °. When sharpening the chain, all of the above angles must be strictly observed, because even a slight change in them can lead to undesirable consequences.

The drive links transmit the rotation from the gas engine to the cutting element through a special sprocket, due to which the chain is set in motion, which is carried out along a special groove. Another function of the drive link is to pick up and distribute the lubricant along the entire length of the web. The connecting links connect the driving and cutting links together into a single mechanism.

Chainsaw chain pitch selection

Figure 2. Cutter pitch.

The cutter pitch is the distance between the three rivets divided by 2 (fig. 2). This value is expressed in millimeters, but almost always the pitch is indicated in inches. This characteristic is decisive, depending on which all cutting blades are divided into the following groups:

  • 1/4 ” (6.35 mm);
  • 0.325 ” (8.25 mm);
  • 3/8 ” (9.3 mm);
  • 0.404 ” (10.26 mm);
  • 3/4 ” (19.05 mm).

The first group includes small products that are used in conjunction with low-power gasoline saws. Such a tool is not intended for everyday use and cutting bulky logs. But for private use in the country, it will be just right.

The chains of the second and third groups are the most popular models. They are installed on more than 75% of the gasoline saws produced worldwide. The last two groups are blades that are installed on high-power chainsaws, as a result of which their productivity is significantly increased. Previously, such cutting elements were equipped with the Taiga and Druzhba saws, and today they are used to complete forestry tools (for example, harvesters).

Chainsaw tire diagram.

The efficiency of the chainsaw directly depends on the step of the chain: the larger the step, the higher the productivity, but the wider the cut. An increase in the step also requires an increase in the power of the gasoline unit, since when working with such a blade, the cutting resistance will be quite large. Chains with a small pitch are not characterized by high productivity, but due to the fact that they have a large number of teeth per unit length, the cut is better.

The most popular are the chains of the second group (with a pitch of 8.25 mm), because they are designed for household chainsaws. The recommended capacity of the petrol unit in this case should be no more than 2.5 liters. from. If you have a chainsaw with a higher power, then you can already install a cutting element on it with a step of 9.3 mm, since the efficiency of work in this case will be better.

Profile height, cutting depth and chain length

Comparative table of characteristics of chainsaws.

Depending on the height of the profile, the cutting blades are of low and high profile. The first type is completed with household equipment, and the second. semi-professional and professional.

Depth of cut is the amount of clearance between the top of the tooth and the cut stop. The most popular are products with gaps of 0.635 and 0.762 mm. The efficiency of the chainsaw largely depends on this parameter: the larger the gap, the better the performance.

Do not forget that with an increase in the depth of cut, vibration during work also increases, which negatively affects the quality of the cut.

Therefore, manufacturers quite often design cutting elements in which a large cutting depth is combined with a small tooth pitch and vice versa. This allows you to balance vibration and performance of the gasoline unit.

Knowing some of the characteristics of your chainsaw (brand, number of drive links, tire groove width and length), you can choose the right chain that will serve you for many years.

PowerSharp. what is it

This is a known system that allows you to sharpen without removing the cutting element from the chainsaw bar. It includes four important elements:

  • Chain.
  • Abrasive bar.
  • Saw bar.
  • Sharpening device.

Chain marking

Before deciding which chain to choose for a chainsaw, you need to pay attention to its marking. The main parameter is the step. Pitch refers to the distance from adjacent teeth on the chain.

An important fact is that a large number of professional and semi-professional chainsaws are capable of working on different types of chains at once. Therefore, when choosing this tool, give preference to just such chainsaws. As a result, it will be easier for you to select the required cutting element.

Here are some examples of how the tooth pitch is chosen in relation to the power of the chainsaw:

  • Step 0.325. Ideal for devices up to 3.5 l / s. This type of chain is ideal for cutting small knots and the like.
  • Step 0.375. Optimal for units with a capacity of 4 l / s. This step is effective for working with thin wood. Often used in semi-professional installations.
  • Step 0.404. It is used for powerful units, more than 5 l / s.

It is important to understand the truth. the productivity of a chain depends on its step. The smaller the step, the lower the productivity and vice versa. Plus, with an increase in the pitch of the teeth, it is necessary to apply more labor during work, since the teeth will bite into the wood more and pull it out.

Self-sharpening principle

So, the sharpening process is very simple and easy. The unit has a red handle that must be pulled towards you for five seconds. This handle can be found between the guard and the handle.

This action will reverse the saw. As it moves, the chain will pass through a special mechanism where the whetstone is fixed. As a result, the sharpening process takes place. The whole job can take about three seconds.

Features of choosing a chain for a chainsaw: specialist recommendations

  • Chain design feature
  • Chain marking
  • Important parameters
  • Drive link thickness
  • Cutting depth
  • Cutting tooth geometry
  • Sharpening type
  • Following the links
  • Self-sharpening chain
  • PowerSharp. what is it
  • Self-sharpening principle
  • Stihl chainsaw chain

The presence of a chainsaw on the farm simplifies and speeds up a large number of repair and construction processes.

The chainsaw chain is an essential element of this tool. And given that it is she who often needs to be replaced or sharpened, it is important to know how to choose a chain for a chainsaw.

Chain design feature

This canvas includes the following parts:

  • cutting;
  • leading;
  • link connector.

The most difficult element is the cutting one. The principle of this link is like a plane. If the top edge extends further, the chips will be thick.

The chainsaw teeth themselves are at a certain angle. So, the tooth should bite into the wood and cut off the shavings. When sharpening a chain, it is extremely important to respect the base angle of each tooth. If we speak for the driving links, then they transfer the necessary rotation to the cutting element from the engine. Energy transfer is carried out by means of a special sprocket.

In its design, an important role is played by the intake and distribution of lubricant along the entire web. By means of connecting links, the cutting and driving links are connected in one piece.

Cutting tooth geometry

There are 2 types of profile:

  • Chipper. In another way it is known as “sickle”, as it looks like it. Has high performance. In the process of work, it does not need to strictly observe the sharpening angle. over, such a profile is much easier to sharpen. There is also a minus of such a profile. the occurrence of high loads and a decrease in cutting parameters.
  • Chisel. Also known as the figure eight. The disadvantage of this profile is that chisel links are difficult to sharpen. If you suddenly get dirt on the cutting element, then difficulties arise.

Cutting depth

The high profile height allows for increased cutting speed and immersion depth in the material. All household models are equipped with a low cut profile.

Semi-professional chainsaws combine several types of chains at once. So, if the chain has a large pitch, then a low profile is mounted. If the step is 0.325, then in this case it is high. This increases the cutting speed.

Self-sharpening chain

There is another type of saw chain. self-sharpening. This means that the chain sharpening process is carried out directly on the bar without dismantling it. Also, you do not need to use any sharpening tools. It is known as PowerSharp. All chainsaws equipped with this system are of an advanced design. They also have high performance.

For example, at a speed of 14.7 m / s with a 450 mm bar and with a saw power of 2.4 kW from 220 W, you can easily handle hard wood.

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Chain 34 teeth 1.5 3/8 RM Goodluck 20 Husqvarna 18 tire

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The main element that affects the quality of the chainsaw is a good chain. STIHL chain for Husqvarna produced by the best German manufacturer.

Chain 34 teeth 1.5 3/8 RS Husqvarna 365 18 Goodluck 5200 20 68 links

Chain 34 teeth 1.5 3/8 RS Husqvarna 365 18 Goodluck 5200 tire 20 68 links.