Stupid Chain Question

[acbell]

Hi All,

Is saw chain standard after you account for pitch and guage? In other words, does all the chain hook into the drive wheel the same way? If not, what variants are out there?

Thanks,

-- Andrew Bell
[email protected]

 

[Erick]

Not quite sure if I understand the question correctly but yes they all use the same type system just drive links on the chain and a drive sprocket (rim or spur) on the saw. Assuming the correct pitch any chain will work.

 

[acbell]

Drive Link Shape

So, the shape of the drive link is the same (or close enough) to make a Husky chain work on a Stihl, or an Echo work on a Dolmar, you are saying. Why, then does Oregon package things based on brand, rather than by guage/pitch/link count? I know that they have that info on the package, but seems like kind of an afterthought.

Thanks Again!

-- Andrew Bell

 

[SawTroll]

Hi All,

Is saw chain standard after you account for pitch and guage? In other words, does all the chain hook into the drive wheel the same way? If not, what variants are out there?

Thanks,

-- Andrew Bell
[email protected]

Just be aware that the 3/8" low profile has different drivers from the regular 3/8" chain - they don't interchange.

 

[Erick]

So, the shape of the drive link is the same (or close enough) to make a Husky chain work on a Stihl, or an Echo work on a Dolmar, you are saying. Why, then does Oregon package things based on brand, rather than by guage/pitch/link count? I know that they have that info on the package, but seems like kind of an afterthought.

Thanks Again!

-- Andrew Bell

Sad to say but most "homeowner's" have no idea what pitch and gauge are much less what they actually have on their own saw. Oregon has made it simple for these guys by putting their saw model on the box. The info on the box is really kind of a generalization and could be wrong. Since the only place you can get Stihl chain is at a Stihl dealer then they know there will be (or supposed to be) a knowledgeable person there to assist you in getting the right chain, so no need for the info on the box.

Yes the different brands of saw chain are interchangeable as long as the pitch and gauge are the same. (except as ST pointed out the 3/8's low profile is not interchangeable with the regular 3/8's) Husqvarna chain is actually rebadged Oregon chain. You can run Stihl chain on a Husky, Dolmar, Red Max, Jonsered, Mac Cullouch, Poulan, etc. etc. as long as they are the same pitch and gauge.

Hope this helps.