Stihl bar/chain gauge .050 or .063

[zeke573]

Between the two bar gauges, is there a general rule when deciding on which gauge to go with when you have a choice? The .050 should cut a bit faster-correct? But the .063 would likely be more durable? Given the cutters are the same style,is there much difference in cutting speed between the two gauges,say on a 026 or 361?

 

[tdi-rick]

Between the two bar gauges, is there a general rule when deciding on which gauge to go with when you have a choice? The .050 should cut a bit faster-correct? But the .063 would likely be more durable? Given the cutters are the same style,is there much difference in cutting speed between the two gauges,say on a 026 or 361?

Cutting speed doesn't alter a zot as the kerfs are identical.

The drive links on Stihl chain are stepped down from 063" at the cutter to 050" at the drive dog on their 050 chain.

Availability appears to be a regional thing.
Here in Australia Stihl uses 063 exclusively, West Coast US all you'll find is 050.

 

[mtngun]

Not much difference in how they cut so go with the size that is more available.

Look at the Bailey's bar selector for your saw and see if one gage has more bar options than the others.

Sometimes a particular bar or a particular chain is available in one gage but not another. For example, 063 bars seem to be the most common for a Stihl 066, but if you want to run 3/8 low profile chain, you'll want an 050 gage bar. Decisions, decisions.

 

[BobL]

I agree with what mtgn and tdi said.

But the .063 would likely be more durable

It's not just durability, while 3/8lp chain helps improve cutting speed over regular 3/8, a problem with using it on longer bars is it can stretch to the point where it can just fall off the bar! (mind you so can 3/8)