Chains

[Mange]

Why is there different types of chains? In my understanding .325, .375 is pointless, 3/8 and .404 the same. You can get all cinds off different capacitys, qualites and prices 3/8 chains.
Please educate me in this chain buissnes, I beleve I missed much.

Mange

 

[Shade]

the pitch is the size of the chain links, specifically the length across three rivits divided by 2 (3/8 pitch will be 3/4 when you measure across 3 rivits).

guage is the width of the drive link and how it fits in the corresponding bar.

there are various cutter types depending on what you prefer, and what you are doing.

there's a lot of good info at http://www.oregonchain.com/tech/manual_maint.htm

edit: I had a little bit of that misinformation in there myself, adding to that internet confusion....

 

[Mange]

Will dive in to the sea of chain facts.
Thanks, Shade.

Mange

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Basically, it has to do with the size of the chain and cutters.
The progression goes like this (from small to large):

3/8" Narrow kerf, low profile (LP)
.325 Narrow kerf LP
3/8" LP
.325
3/8"
.404
1/2"
3/4"

The size of the cutters get progressively bigger, the weight goes up, the height goes up, the width of the cut gets bigger, the guage of the metal gets thicker, and the drive link spacing gets longer.
You want to match the size of the saw's motor with the chain. Small motor, small chain. Big motor, big chain.
Some saws work about the same with two different size chains, but by changing the the sprocket size and cutting presure you might get a faster cutting speed with one chain over another.
The guys that soup up their saws will often have to go to a larger size chain to get them to cut the best. Filing a racer's edge on a larger chain is much easier too, but if you don't have the power, a larger chain will slow you down.

 

[Tony Snyder]

Mange,

One thing I don't understand; your own country is the most advanced on this subject of any in the world. Why come to the U.S. for your info? You will just get multi-national stuff mixed in and you are considering business in Sweden I assume.

Another thing is that I can tell by the questions you are asking that you are not ready to be a dealer. You are not even ready to be an informed customer.

 

[Mange]

Well, Tony Thanks for the input.
I do not get any informaiton here where i live. Not from dealers or grossists. After looking at another thread here, I got confused
I have looked on the manufactuers webs, and I get confused........
I ask here why there is so many Types of chains, I beleve it is possible to get same effects with 3/8 linked, as with .325 linked.
All can be adjusted after each saws purpus. So if it nothing else than pesonal perferens I still Don`t understand.
My point beeing If you look at Mike Maas response There is 3/8 in different places of the list. If I want different qualeties out of my saw, I shoud not have to change sprockets, and bars, just chain.
This is to my knollege not possible.
With all dealers araund here (exept Stihl) skream oregon almost before you ask the question.
So here its not easy to get knollege. Tryed for ex. to find the info oregon has on Sweadish, no luck.
And If I want to know i ask, Is there a better place than A.S to ask, Please let me know.

Mange

 

[Husky372]

as long as you stay with the same pitch you dont need to change sprokets just chain types.

 

[Mange]

That`s my point, Even same bar in some cases.

Mange

 

[Shade]

If the bar is a sprocket nose, you can only use the correct pitch chain on it, if it's a solid tip or a roller tip (not very common these days), you can use any pitch chain, provided the gauge is correct.

that oregon manual has a lot of information in it, you can learn a lot by reading it. The problem with web based discussions are many people lack the communication skills to be concise in a response, leading to a lot of confusion.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Each size chain should be run with a bar that matches the chain.
3/8" NK, 3/8" LP, and 3/8" chain all need a different bar. The difference is the size of the chain and the power needed to pull the chain.
Bigger chains cut better but need more power.
If you run too small a chain on a big saw, the chain will break.

Think of it like tires. You can't put truck tires on a car rim, nor would you want to. You also can't put car tires on a truck rim.

 

[Crofter]

Mange; There is a lot of the information here on past threads about various chain sizes and types. There is probably a bit of reluctance for someone to type it in again. You will still have to read a lot to get it straight in your mind. It cannot be explained and absorbed in any 5 minute session. If you cannot find lots of information by using the search function and still have questions, then ask for more help. I am not trying to be harsh, but it is a fact that help is more available when the person appears to be doing everything he can to help himself first.

Frank

 

[glens]

Yeah.

If a hitch-hiker is walking and turns to stick his thumb out as he hears me coming, he's got a ride.  If he's just sitting there with his thumb in the air, I ain't his chauffeur.

Glen

 

[Mange]

Well, sorry I coud not ask in a way so you understand, but it was worth a try. There is not many places with so much experience at the same time.

Mange

 

[Crofter]

Mange', I am not trying to give you a hard time. Yes there is lots of collective experience here. The question you ask is not a simple one. There is lots of confusion about the answers. It takes a lot of reading to be able to understand all the various combinations and their affects on your choices of chain. There have been hundreds of discussions here that are preserved in the archives. I do not know how much effort you have made to dig into this information. If you need help using the search function, such as how to word your search, let us know. There are users here that are very skillfull at digging up a specific category of information.

Frank

 

[Mange]

I have now lokated about 480 chains! from 3 manufactuers.

Mange

 

[NeTree]

Maas... ya forgot 1/4".

 

[Mange]

Mike.
No, I have much to read, I have just as rekomended searched this site and websites. It`s hard for me, try reading teknikal on a different language, you will see.

Crofter.
I will get bac to reading now....



Mange

 

[Mange]

Still learning a lot about chains.

This one I can not find info on.

It is 30mm between drivelink tip

 

[Grande Dog]

Measure across 3 rivets center to center and divide by 2 to get your pitch.

Grande Dog
Master Mechanic
Discount Arborist Equipment and Tree Care Supplies

 

[NeTree]

Interesting drivers.