The dimension of the chainsaw chains have to be compatible with the dimensions of the chainsaw bar and chainsaw sprocket. Many person try to put a chainsaw chain onto there chainsaw based off the length of their chainsaw bar. However, the length of the bar are not the only measurement that is important for ensuring that the chainsaw chain will work effective.
The pitch and the gauge of the chainsaw chain must be correct for the saw to function proper. If either of these measurements are incorrect, the chain will not be able to fit onto the saw properly, and there is the potential for the saw to pose an hazard to the operator of that chainsaw. The pitch of the saw is the distance between the rivet of the saw chain.
How to Choose the Right Chainsaw Chain
This will determine how the teeth of the saw interact with the sprocket of the saw. If the pitch do not match, the saw chain will skip, make loud noises with its operation, and wear down quick. Depending on the type of saw that you have, the size of the saw chain will also differ.
For instance, smaller saw will use the type of saw chain with low profile chains that is considered safer for the individuals that use the saws occasionally. For the larger saws with the more powerful engines, the larger pitch saw chains will allow those saws to chop at more wood with their teeth. The gauge of the saw chain is the thickness of the drive link of the saw chain.
This should match the width of the groove of the bar of the saw. If the gauge is too narrow for the bar, the saw chain will not be able to enter the groove of the bar. If the gauge is too wide for the bar, the saw chain will wobble within the bar’s groove.
A wobbly saw chain is a liability as it can jump the rail of the chainsaw bar. Saw chain that are too tight for the bar may also shatter when use the saw. Therefore, making sure that the gauge of the saw chain match the groove of the saw bar will ensure that the saw chain remains stability.
Lastly, the cutter profile of the saw chain will determine how well the saw perform in the wood. Full-chisel teeth is the fastest but will dull quick when encountering dirt or frozen knot in the wood. Semi-chisel teeth are rounded and will remain sharp long than full-chisel teeth.
The rakers of the saw chain will determine how deeply the teeth of the saw chain will bite into the wood. If the rakers is filed too low, the saw will be too aggressive in its chopping of the wood. If the rakers are filed too high, the saw will not be able to make progress in cutting the wood.
Inspecting the drive sprocket of the saw are necessary for the longevity of the saw chain. The drive sprocket will dictate the life of the saw chain. If the teeth of the sprocket is hooked or sharp, the sprocket will destroy a new saw chain very quick.
Therefore, you should replace the sprocket frequent to avoid this scenario. Additionally, ensuring that the pitch and gauge of the saw chain match up with the rest of the saw will help to ensure the saw operate efficiently and effectivey.
