what size chain

[Pulsar]

hello
my dad and i wanted to to start making our own chains but were are unsure of what size chain to buy

ive looked at a old chain and it has 3/8 on there
i've look at baileys and seen .325, .375, etc which of these would work for our chainsaws which are stihl 029,038 mag, and a 044

thank you
bruce

 

[Diesel JD]

The 038 and 044 should be using 3/8" pitch...the 029 could go either way....325 or 3/8". I was told that the 3/8" may be too heavy for the 029, but what size bar?

 

[begleytree]

I run 3/8 half skip on my 029 (20"). Makes it a completely different saw. almost impressive.
-Ralph

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Yeah, the 029 will have no trouble with a 3/8" and a 20". It's one of the most common set ups around here.

Jeff

 

[Lakeside53]

yes, 029 is shipped from Stihl NW with 3/8 as standard.

 

[Pulsar]

thanks for the replys

the 038 mag is my dads with a 18" bar
the 044 is my brothers with a 20"
and the 029 is mine and i run a 18" bar runs likes a dream

so would i need to buy a spool of 3/8 .050 gauge ??
or is the 3/8 the same as .325,or .375, or .404 or they completely different chains

thanks for the help
bruce

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

They are indeed completely different. They're not interchangeable, as the saw's rim (or sprocket) and the bar's sprocket tip are in their repsective pitches.

Jeff

 

[Pulsar]

fishhuntcutwood thank you
thats what i need to know

bruce

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Glad we could help.

Jeff