I was just inspecting the chain on my 021 to order a few new loops. The height of the cutters & tie straps are lower than all of my 3/8 chains. I had always assumed it was a .325 chain --- after careful inspection, the 021 has a stihl "pico" 3/8 pitch chain. Oregon calls these "low profile".
Why would Stihl do this? Since it is a small saw, why dont they just use .325? stihl usa indicates that the 025 & other small saws use .325. But on the 021 its 3/8 pico. The kerf the chain produces seems to be about as wide as a regular 3/8 chain. The cutters are the same width as a regular 3/8 chain -- just shorter.
It has always worked OK. Should I stay with the low profile chain, or just go ahead and use regular 3/8 chain for my new loops? The bar is still in good shape, and I dont want to buy a new one if I dont have to -- is there any compelling reason to switch to .325?
Why would Stihl do this? Since it is a small saw, why dont they just use .325? stihl usa indicates that the 025 & other small saws use .325. But on the 021 its 3/8 pico. The kerf the chain produces seems to be about as wide as a regular 3/8 chain. The cutters are the same width as a regular 3/8 chain -- just shorter.
It has always worked OK. Should I stay with the low profile chain, or just go ahead and use regular 3/8 chain for my new loops? The bar is still in good shape, and I dont want to buy a new one if I dont have to -- is there any compelling reason to switch to .325?