Difference of chain 3 8 from 0.325. Everything you need to know about the pitch of your chainsaw for efficient operation. Dependence of the pitch on the additional characteristics of the saw chains

If you are unable to decide on consumables for your chainsaw, send a request through the form below. Our experts will select everything you need and contact you.

No results were found for your search. Fill out the form below to search Supplies specialist

If you want to purchase a saw chain or a guide bar for an electric or chainsaw, but do not know which saw headset will fit your saw model, fill out the form with the parameters you know. Our technician will select the consumables for your saw and contact you.

To choose a chain for a chainsaw, you need to know three parameters:

1. Chain pitch;
2. Chain thickness (drive link thickness);
3. Chain length (number of drive links).

Knowing these three parameters, you can easily select, a pole saw or a harvester head.

1. Chain pitch

It is customary to designate the chain pitch in inches, calculate it as follows: measure the distance between the nearest drive links of the chain, or the distance between the three nearest rivets of the chain (from the center of the rivet), divide by 2 and convert to inches (1 inch = 25.4 mm).

The chain pitch must always match the pitch of the drive sprocket and the driven one.

• Chain with a pitch of 0.25 "aka 1/4"... The distance between the three rivets (driving links) 12.7 mm ÷ 2 = 6.35 mm is converted into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches it is 0.25 "(more often denoted as 1/4").
• Chain with a pitch of 0.325 "... The distance between the three rivets (driving links) 16.5 mm ÷ 2 = 8.25 mm is converted into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches is 0.325 ".
• Chain with a pitch of 0.375 "aka 3/8"... The distance between the three rivets 19 mm ÷ 2 = 9.5 mm is converted into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches is 0.375 "(usually denoted as 3/8" so as not to be confused with 0.325 ").
• Chain with a pitch of 0.404 "... The distance between the three rivets 20.5 mm ÷ 2 = 10.25 mm is converted into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches is 0.404 ".
• 3/4 "pitch chain... The distance between the three rivets 38.1 mm ÷ 2 = 19.05 mm is converted into inches (÷ 25.4) in inches this is 0.75 "(usually denoted as 3/4").

2. Thickness

Chain thickness is the thickness of the drive link (can be measured with a vernier caliper). This dimension must always match the groove thickness.

In total, for electric and gasoline saws, as well as harvesters, there are 6 sizes that determine the thickness of the drive link:

• 1.1 mm (0.043 ");
• 1.3 mm (0.05 ");
• 1.5 mm (0.058 ");
• 1.6 mm (0.063 ");
• 2.0 mm (0.08 ");
• 3.1 mm (0.122 ").

3. The third main parameter when selecting a chain: Chain length (Number of drive links).

The chain length is determined by counting the number of drive (inner) chain links. Important:

• the cutting links do not determine the length of the chain (do not count them).
• the length of the guide bar does not determine the exact length of the chain (eg a 16 "(40 cm) bar saw may have 55 or 56 or 57 links, depending on the chain tensioning mechanism of the particular saw model).
• a chain with a length of about 55-57 links will not work for you, only a certain size recommended by the saw manufacturer will work.

How long is my chainsaw bar?

The cutting length of the bar differs from its total length. The length of the bar is considered to be the length of the cut (working part) - this is the distance from the front of the saw to the rounded tip of the nose of the bar. This dimension is rounded to the nearest inch or centimeter. An inch is referred to as "equals 2.54 cm.

For example, the cutting length of a bar for chainsaw Stihl MS180 - 40 cm.40 cm ÷ 2.54 = 15.7 in. Rounding to 16 "(inches).

For the Stihl MS180 chainsaw, a 16 inch (40 centimeter) tire Oregon article 160SDEA074 is suitable.

How to choose a tire for your chainsaw?

In some situations, the owners of chainsaws may have some confusion in understanding all the chain markings for these tools. As a result, this leads to unsuccessful purchases. The choice of chainsaws is often determined by just a few basic criteria, one of which is the chain pitch. This indicator helps to highlight the future capabilities of the tool, including its cutting speed, and also, according to the norms, must correspond to the level of engine power. How are chains marked? Let's figure it out!

Step and its dimensions

A step is an intermediate distance between three rivets, which are located side by side. For correct calculation chain pitch, measure the distance between the axes of three rivets placed close to each other. In the form of a formula, it looks like this:

Where, L is the step length, which in chainsaws characterizes the degree of distance between two teeth in relation to each other;

S - the value of the gap between the two outer rivets of the three.

The step size can also be equal to the length of the distance between two adjacent shanks.

Regularity : the greater the distance between the cutting teeth, the deeper they will enter the material being cut

By increasing the chain pitch, it becomes possible to increase the performance of the chainsaw. However, in such a case, the amount of force applied to rotate the drive sprocket changes. And the higher the chain pitch, the greater the power of the motors must be and the more physical forces are expended to pull it when cutting materials.

Chainsaw chain pitch. table

Taking into account the step size, at the moment the chains are divided into several subtypes:

As you can see from the table, the chain pitch is designated as a regular number (3/4) and decimal - "0.375". This division is due to the similarity of the decimal values ​​- "0.325" and "0.375", since the difference of one digit created confusion when choosing a saw. Therefore, at one time it was decided to establish two different designations: decimal and ordinary fractions.

The pitch is stamped in the area of ​​the special cut depth stop on each tooth.

The pluses of chains with a large pitch include:

• high level of productivity due to wide cut;
• possibility of performing complex work(felling of large trees).

But it should be borne in mind that a wide cut requires the use of a more powerful motor, which in turn significantly increases resistance.

The advantages of small pitch chains are:

• low vibration;
• smooth movements when cutting;
• cleanliness of the cut.

The advantages are achieved due to the large number of teeth and the small distance between them.

All known classification of circuits is based on the features of their marking, depending on the step, which is designed for specific needs and is produced for a specific power of electrical equipment. For a better understanding of each type of step, they should be considered separately.

The main parameters of the chains

Applying the marking of the chain assumes the presence of the following parameters:

1. Step:

• "0.325"- the most common and minimum step size, which is used in semi-professional and household chainsaws with low powers. The standard power value for such a step ranges from "0.325" to "3hp", but not higher than "3.5hp". When working with this type of chain, the sawing is smoother, more comfortable, without "gusts" of the processed products.
• "0.375" ("3/8")- applied to chainsaws with a power of "4hp". This chain is used when sawing wood of medium and small thickness.

The accuracy and quality of the created cut depends on the value of the step. In cases where it is not important to achieve high quality when working with a chainsaw, the accuracy of the cut is sometimes of particular importance. To do this, it is imperative to take into account the dependence of the step for the release of wood according to pre-applied markings.

1. The thickness of the leading links (tails). When the chainsaw is operating, its chain accounts for most of all loads. With this in mind, another main characteristic the saw's work is the thickness of the elements of the link, which enters the grooves of the bar. This parameter also determines the total thickness of the fastening links, which is measured with a standard caliper. Standard thicknesses include:

• "1.1 mm" ("0.043") and "1.3 mm" ("0.05")- used in the production of entry-level chains, which are designed to carry out small amounts of work. Often, with such values ​​of the link thickness, the chain pitch length can be "0.325", which implies the presence of low loads and a gentle mode of operation. Therefore, they are used in household and semi-professional devices;

• "1.5 mm" ("0.058")- the most common thickness on the market for chainsaws and accessories for them. This value can provide safe work with a step size of "3/8". The 1.5mm chain is not suitable for professional cutting;
• "1.6 mm" (0.063) and "2.0 mm" (0.08)- are designed for the most difficult work. Steel of special grades serves as the metal in the manufacture of such chains, and the characteristics of increased strength are laid in the design.

The greater the thickness of the link and the wider the groove of the tire, the higher quality the chainsaw is considered, since it is able to withstand heavy loads.

1. Cutting depth- is an distinctive feature produced chains and is characterized by the height of the profile of the cutting teeth. It is measured by the gap between the stops and the cutting top edge. Both high-profile (0.762 mm) and low-profile (0.635 mm) types of chain products can be presented on the market.

The higher the profile height, the higher the entry into the material (depth) and the cutting speed.

High-profile chains are installed on chainsaws with increased engine power. Information about the height of the profile, as a rule, is written in the characteristic for the instrument.

The profile affects the occurrence of vibrations, which subsequently cause wear of the drive or problems when holding the tool in the hands. In this case, the higher the cutting parts, the stronger the vibration will be.

Household types of chainsaws are equipped with a low profile. Semi-professional devices can combine different variants types of chains. However, in most cases, they adhere to the principle:

In a chain with a large pitch, a low profile is set, and with a pitch of "0.325" - a high

Such variations increase the cutting speed not due to the step, but due to the change in the depth or height of the profile. Although in professional tools, the emphasis is on increasing the step, explaining this by the fact that the chainsaw becomes more controllable.

1. Cutting tooth geometry- the profile can be of two main types:

• chipper (popularly "sickle")- has a crescent shape and is characterized by high performance. It is easier to sharpen during operation and does not require strict sharpening angles. Disadvantage: risk of high loads and deterioration of cutting performance;
• chisel (popularly "seven")- It has work surface straight form in the form of the number "7". They are used in chains with a pitch of "0.404" or "3/8" on professional saws. The main disadvantage of chisel links is the difficulty in sharpening the cutting elements and sensitivity to dirt.

1. Number of cutting teeth- is defined as the ratio of the number of teeth to the number of guides in the tire. Chainsaws of good manufacture should combine two guide links in the cutting end of the tool.
2. Link sharpening type- directly depends on the type of future work. Classic views Chainsaws are used mostly for cross-cutting trees and are rarely used for ripping. Taking into account the resistance of the tree in both cases, the chains can use a different angle of the links. On construction counters, you can now find chains with the following types of cutting links:

• longitudinal type of chain - involves sawing a tree along its fibers. The cutting angle reaches 5-15 degrees.
• transverse type - the cut is carried out across. The cutting angle in the chains is 25-35 degrees.

1. Chain length - depends on the parameters and technical characteristics the chainsaw itself: power, dimensions, etc. With standard or normalized chain tension, its length is most often indicated in the passport.
2. The order of the links - the sequence of the links can be different:

• standard - there are two driving links for each cutting link in the chain;
• with a half-pass - every third link in the chain in terms of placement is replaced by the so-called connecting link;
• with a pass - a connecting link is installed at the locations of every second link for cutting.

Why skip links in a chain? In the chains themselves, the most valuable is the quality of the cutting links, since they are manufactured using special technologies and are more expensive than connecting links. If it is impossible to shorten the chain, the only option to reduce the cost of the chain is to skip cutting elements. In operation, chains with missing links show reduced performance and wear quickly.

In general, wanting to purchase a tool for cutting wood with maximum efficiency, do not be lazy to further study the marking of chains for chainsaws, which is also indicated in the instructions for the tool.

There are several basic parameters for choosing a chainsaw, one of them is the pitch of the saw headset. The pitch depends on the power of the chainsaw, and greatly affects the cutting speed.

How much the step matches the power determines the performance and service life of the chainsaw. Also, from his correct selection fuel consumption depends.

Pitch is half the distance between adjacent shanks or between three adjacent rivets.

There are several sizes, 1/4 "is the smallest, 3/4" is the largest, and 3/8 and 0.325 "are the most popular.

Step is a parameter that is available not only for the headset, but also for the sprockets of the tire and chainsaw.

Important! All three elements, chain, sprocket and bar, must have the same pitch parameter, otherwise the installation and correct work impossible.

What does the distance between the teeth affect?

In a saw chain, the distance between the cutting teeth directly affects its performance. The more, the deeper the cutting edge can cut into the wood, provided the stop is sharpened correctly.

Accordingly, on more powerful chainsaws, it is permissible to install a headset with a large distance between adjacent links and vice versa.

If you put a ¼ ”saw headset on a powerful chainsaw, then the performance will drop significantly, and the load on the engine will increase, because the saw will run at overshoot and exceed the maximum permissible speed, which ultimately can lead to overheating and seizure of the CPG.

Conversely, installing a chain with a large pitch on a weak chainsaw will lead to the fact that the saw power will not be enough for normal cutting, of course, this will not entail severe consequences, as in the first case, but working with such a tool is not comfortable.

Also, the quality and accuracy of the cut depends on the distance between the links. The farther from each other adjacent cutting teeth, the stronger the vibration during work and the lower the cutting accuracy. For a more accurate cut, choose a saw head with a smaller pitch. This factor must be taken into account by those who are engaged in curly.

The chain pitch has a great influence on the so-called "rebound". The greater the distance between the teeth, the more likely the saw will bounce.

Important! Most often, "bounce" occurs when working with the tip of the tire, for example, when performing internal cuts... In this case, you need to be extremely careful, regardless of the step with which the chain is used.

When choosing a chain, the rule is that the pitch (distance between the teeth) is proportional to the power, but the cutting accuracy is inversely related, i.e. the greater the distance, the lower the accuracy.

3/8 or 0.325 which is better and why

Determine which parameter is better and which is not worse, since each of them has its own characteristics and is intended for chain saws of a certain power. Depending on how the saw head is correctly selected, the performance of the tool will have different indicators. If the headset is selected optimally, i.e. the distance between the links corresponds to the recommended power, then the performance of the chainsaw will be maximum. If selected incorrectly, the motor will experience overloads that can lead to malfunctions.

Optimal power ratings for 0.325 inches are 1.8-2 kW. It is for this reason that chains with such a pitch are used on the Husqvarna 142/137 chainsaw.

For parameter 3/8, a tool with a power of up to 3 kW is required. In this case, the question arises, why on Calm 180, with a power of 1.5 kW, 3/8 inch chains are used. The answer is simple: with Stihl chainsaws, power is not the most important thing, great importance has a maximum number of revolutions. Calm 180 produces more than 13,500 rpm, due to which it is able to cut with a 3/8 inch headset.

For 0.404 inches, the optimal power is 4.5 - 5 kW.

Important! The indicated values ​​of power and chain pitch do not necessarily bear character, the user himself has the right to choose the parameters of the headset, which he plans to use on the chainsaw.

How to choose

In the case when it is necessary to choose the optimal chain pitch for the chainsaw, it is best to take into account the manufacturer's recommendations and, based on them, choose the type of saw headset.

Important! When choosing, do not forget that the distance between the links is not the only parameter that you need to pay attention to.

It is also worth choosing the thickness of the link, the type of cutting tooth, the number of links. Productivity is highly dependent on the angle of sharpening, depth of cut and the shape of the stop teeth. The sharper the restraining tooth, the higher the cutting speed and the lower its quality.

Below we suggest watching a video on choosing a chain pitch for a chainsaw. The video tells and shows how to determine it, for which chainsaws, which chain pitch to use.

How to find out

There are several ways to find out the pitch of the chain:

1. View the pitch value on the guide bar. Manufacturers of the saw headset must indicate the length of the bar, the width of the groove and the pitch of the driven sprocket on the shank of the saw blade.
2. Measure the distance between the shanks of adjacent teeth or the centers of three adjacent rivets.
3. A method that works for chains in branded packaging is to look at the characteristics of the chain on the box.

The firm packaging of Shtil chains contains comprehensive information about the products, after reading which you can find out not only the distance between adjacent links, but also the type of teeth, the width of the link, the recommended file size for sharpening.

Chainsaw chain table

In conclusion of the article, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the table in which technical specifications popular models of chains for chainsaws of different capacities.

Conclusion

The distance between the chain links of a chainsaw is one of the most important parameters that should never be neglected. When buying a replacement headset, you need to know which pitch is suitable for the tire and sprocket installed on your chainsaw, or change the chain, tire and drive sprocket as a set.

The choice of gasoline saws is determined by several criteria. One of them is the chain pitch of the chainsaw. This parameter determines the capabilities of the equipment, the speed of cutting materials and must correspond to the power of the engine, only in this case it will be possible to extend the service life of the tool and reduce the specific consumption of fuels and lubricants.

The concept of a step and its meaning

Chain pitch refers to the distance between any three rivets. In saw chains, this length refers to the distance between the two cutting teeth. The step size is also equal to the length between the vertices of two adjacent chain shanks (guide elements that go into the groove of the bar). In order to correctly determine the pitch of the chainsaw, measure the distance between the axes of three consecutive rivets.

There is a well-founded rule that the greater the distance between the cutting teeth of the chain, the deeper they enter the material being cut. By increasing the chain pitch of the chainsaw, you can increase its performance. In this case, the force for rotation of the drive sprocket changes accordingly. It is required to understand that the higher the step, the more force must be applied to pull it while cutting the material and the more the engine power must be.

Modern manufacturers of gasoline saws use three main types of saw chains with the following pitch values, measured in inches:

• 0.325;
• 0.375 (marking 3/8 is used in the classification);
• 0.404.

The quality and accuracy of the created cut in the material depends on the chain pitch. If the quality of cutting when working with a chainsaw does not have a global significance, then the accuracy of the cut is sometimes important when breaking up logs or boards, for this you need to take into account the dependence of the saw pitch on breaking wood according to the given markings.

The chain selection rule indicates that the pitch between the teeth is directly proportional to the productivity, the power reserve of the motor and is inversely proportional to the accuracy of the cut being created.

Back to the table of contents

Correspondence of engine power and distance between the cutting teeth of the chainsaw chain

Based on empirical data, it is recommended to select a chainsaw, considering the ratio of drive power and distance between cutting edges. It is known that the higher the step, the more force must be applied to rotate the drive sprocket and the higher the maximum torque developed by the gasoline engine must be.

To correctly select the correct tool configuration, it is necessary to use the minimum wattage data for each of the three typical chain pitches.

Critical indicators of the power of gasoline engines rotating the drive:

• step 0.325 ”- power not less than 1.8 HP. (1.47 kW);
• step 3/8 ”- power not less than 3 hp. (2.21 kW);
• step 0.404 ”- power is not less than 4.5 HP. (3.31 kW).

If the power of the driving motor is less than the specified values, then during the dissolution process the following phenomena: The chain gets stuck in the tree, the drive speed decreases, resulting in overheating of the motor, longer sawing times and increased fuel operating costs.

The use of powerful small pitch chain motors is impractical as it will also increase breakup time and increase fuel costs. However, this combination is allowed when you need to make precise work with wood.

The specified minimum drive ratings indicate the ability of the equipment to operate reliably, but do not indicate continuous use in a professional environment. Rather, these values ​​are given as guidelines for occasional work or for long-term operating conditions of the tool. For long-term use of equipment that implies professional mode, the following conformity of technical data is required:

• step 0.325 ”- power 2.5 hp (1.84 kW);
• step 3/8 ”- power 4 HP (2.94 kW);
• step 0.404 ”- power 6 HP (4.41 kW).

The choice of a tool should not be justified by the desire to have the maximum possible chain pitch, as this entails the presence of a powerful motor, a long tire, which significantly makes the saw heavier.

And if, for example, it will be used occasionally or for conducting summer cottage works, then such a choice is impractical.

Back to the table of contents

Dependence of the pitch on the additional characteristics of the saw chains

During the movement of the chain and cutting the wood, very high loads act on it, in this regard, an important characteristic is the thickness of the link element that enters the groove of the tire and slides in it. This value also indicates the thickness of the link fasteners. You can measure it with an ordinary caliper.

Typical values ​​of the thickness of the guide element:

• 1.1 mm;
• 1.3 mm;
• 1.5 mm;
• 1.6 mm;
• 2.0 mm.

Thicknesses of 1.1 and 1.3 mm are used for the manufacture of entry-level chains intended for minor work. Most often the stride length at these values ​​is 0.325 ”, which implies gentle operation and low loads.

The size of 1.5 mm is the most common on the market for chainsaws and accessories, this value is enough to ensure safe operation at 3/8 ”pitch. However, this value will always indicate that the chain is not intended for professional activities.

The rails, which are 1.6 and 2.0 ”thick, are designed for the most difficult jobs, that is, they can be used in shifts. At the same time, you need to know that these two values ​​are a certain classifier, indicating that the metal for the manufacture of these chains is smelted from special grades of steel, that is, increased strength is incorporated into the structure.

All produced chains may have different cutting depths. It is characterized by the height of the cutting tooth (profile). Height is measured between the top flange of the cutting edge and the stop (all on the same segment). There are low profile and high profile chain products.

The higher the profile, the higher the entry into the wood and the higher the cutting speed. The height of the profile affects the occurrence of vibrations, which can cause increased wear on the drive or problems with holding the tool in the hands, the higher the cutting edge, the more severe the vibration will be. Also, a high profile chain requires increased engine power.

Household chainsaws always have a low profile chain. Professional devices combine different options, but they always adhere to the fact that if the chain is with a large pitch, then its profile is low, and if the pitch is 0.325, the profile is made high.

Such variations make it possible to increase the cutting speed not in steps, but in the profile height (cutting depth). Nevertheless, most professional felling tools focus on increasing the step, and not the height of the profile, arguing that the chainsaw in this version is more controllable.

Back to the table of contents

Some important points when choosing chains or chainsaws

There are other indicators that affect the performance of the tool and the specifics of the work.

• cutting tooth (profile) geometry;
• number of cutting links;
• type of sharpening of the cutting edge of the link.

The cutting profile is of two types: chisel and chipper. The first option has a straight work surface and is more productive. The second type has a sickle shape and reduced productivity. In maintenance, the chipper chain is easier, since it is easier to sharpen, strict observance of sharpening angles is not required. Chisel options are more commonly used in 3/8 and 0.404 ”spacing.

The number of cutting teeth is always determined by their ratio to the number of guides included in the saw bar. That is, the cutter link has two guide links. If such a combination is not observed, this means that the chain is of dubious production.

The type of sharpening of cutting profiles is regulated by the type of future work. Usually a classic chainsaw is used for cross-cutting a tree and extremely rarely for longitudinal cuts. In rare cases, there are chains with cutting links oriented for longitudinal cuts.

Back to the table of contents

When purchasing a tool, you need to clearly understand the scope of its use and, depending on this, determine the desired chain step.

Chain links: a - cutting or cutter, b - locking.

Conditional types of use of chainsaws for private users:

• pruning branches in the garden, simple summer cottage work;
• individual construction, procurement of firewood, occasional felling of trees;
• frequent use (implying the performance of work for hire), procurement of very large volumes of firewood, operation in your own workshop.

In the first version, a chainsaw with a small (0.325 ”) pitch chain is recommended. This will allow you to get a light and maneuverable tool, it is easy to prune branches, including lifting along ladders and tree branches. This equipment allows you to carry out simple wood splitting, and occasionally it is allowed to fell small trees.

The second option involves choosing a saw with a 3/8 ”pitch and a guide link thickness of at least 1.5 mm. Such saws allow you to easily carry out the whole range of work on site maintenance, a small workshop, and stockpile firewood for the winter.

The third option suggests the use of 3/8 and 0.404 ”chains paired with a powerful motor, as the list of work to be done is only for professional tool, it is important to take into account the thickness of the guide link, it should be 1.6 or 2.0 mm. Steel for the manufacture of such chains is made taking into account possible overheating when breaking wood without losing the hardness of the cutting edges of the links.

The interchangeability of chains is only allowed for the pitch size specified by the manufacturer. This is explained by the number of teeth of the drive sprocket, which is calculated only for a certain distance between the links. The chainsaw tire has a groove for a certain thickness of the guides, this should be taken into account when changing the chain.

Replacing the drive sprocket for a larger pitch is not recommended due to the occurrence of a mismatch in power and loads when breaking wood. A weak motor will not develop required power for pulling cutting links through wood, which will lead to seizure or failure of the drive and clutch of the device.

The most versatile chain has a 3/8 ”pitch, this allows for versatility, combined with a high cutting speed and reasonably accurate cut line, satisfactory loosening of wood fibers.

Even with the most careful operation of the chainsaw, the owner sooner or later is faced with the need to replace the saw chain. The assortment is represented by several types, differing in pitch, configuration of cutting links and other indicators. Best chain for a chainsaw - this is the model recommended by the instructions for use.

The guide bar and chain are replaceable equipment, so owners of budget chainsaws are given the opportunity to choose a more wear-resistant and durable saw set.

The desire to increase the performance of the saw by installing a longer headset can only be realized if the engine has a sufficient reserve of power and torque.

It is best to choose a chain for a chainsaw that is optimal in cost and performance after consulting an experienced specialist. The wrong choice of component parts of the headset can reduce the performance of the chainsaw or initiate its early failure.

The quality of budget and branded chains differs significantly. Many owners of cheap household chainsaws prefer to operate their equipment with more advanced saw headsets from the leading brands Shtil, Husqvarna and Oregon. An unofficial rating recorded an increase in consumer demand for similar products under the Hammer and PowerSharp brands.

Standard length household saw tires with a capacity of 2-2.5 hp. is 40-45 cm. The size of high-performance analogs of a professional class reaches 70 cm.

The higher price level of branded tires and chains is compensated by the high quality of complex sawing operations, increased resource, stability of performance throughout the entire period of service specified by the manufacturer.

Properties of wear-resistant chains for general and special purposes

The types of chains for household and professional grade designed for working with wood are distinguished by the quality of the material, the duration of the resource and the cost. Designed for work on concrete, the diamond chain, unique in terms of wear resistance, belongs to the category of special rescue equipment.

A hard-wearing carbide chain is one option. The overhaul life of such a product is an order of magnitude higher, but for sharpening it, you need special equipment that allows you to sharpen the cutting links at different angles, respectively for the standard transverse and for rip sawing.

The carbide chain is designed for efficient sawing of hardwoods and lightweight building blocks. It should be borne in mind that when working on aerated concrete or foam concrete, the resource of the saw headset, even the most prestigious brand, is reduced by 2-3 times.

Saw chain pitch characteristics

The selected chain must be suitable for the length of the guide bar and its design. One of the main parameters for the selection of a chain is its pitch, which is traditionally measured in inches.

In the cutting headsets of the household group chainsaws, 3/8 inch chains, smooth and safe in operation, are used, in the metric standard - 0.325 mm.

Analogues with an increased pitch of type 0.404 ″ are intended for a complete set of powerful and efficient professional-grade chainsaws, therefore they are practically not used in household chainsaws.

Self-installation of a headset with an increased pitch must be consistent with the type and traction characteristics of the power unit.

Shank parameters

No less important condition the right choice a saw chain is the thickness of its shank, which ranges from 1.1 to 2 mm. In the inch standard, shanks are presented in sizes 0.043 / 0.04 / 0.05 / 0.058 / 0.063 and 0.08 inches, respectively.

Chains with a minimum thickness are used in lightweight low-cube models of a budget level. In household and semi-professional chainsaws, analogues resistant to constant and variable loads, with a thickness of 1.3 to 1.6 mm, are more in demand. Reinforced chains with 2 mm shanks, professional chainsaw equipment is completed.

Design features

In the medium and high-end chain, each cutting link is equipped with two shanks, which inevitably increases its cost. Owners of their own chainsaws are offered more affordable models of the through or semi-through type.

In the first case additional elements the chains are located immediately after the cutting link. In the second version, the connecting elements are mounted after every second pair.

In standard, through and half through chains, the number of saw links is 50, 40 and 37.5 percent, respectively. The simplification of the design of cheap products is inevitably accompanied by an increase in the load on the saw links, the need for frequent sharpening and a reduction in its service life.

Length

This chain indicator is determined by the number of links. Leading manufacturers indicate in the accompanying documentation the chain length in inches or the number of links. When buying any model on your own, it is recommended to know both parameters.

Professional chain design features

The range offered can be divided into chains with chisel and chipper cutter link configurations. In the first case, the link in the section is similar to the number 7. This profile provides increased productivity of cutting operations of increased complexity.

Significant disadvantage chisel "seven" - difficulty manual sharpening, since even a slight deviation from the given angle, the main advantages of the sevenfold profile are canceled.

The chipper links are crescent-shaped. The increased contact area with the wood being cut puts additional stress on the engine. On the positive side, the design of chipper chains is valued for its stable operation at a high level of contamination and for less stringent requirements for the accuracy of finishing the cutting edges.

Types of materials

Standard saw chains are manufactured from high quality chromium-nickel steel. To work with tight and frozen wood carbide link chains are recommended. A significant drawback of such models is the increased cost and the need to use special sharpening equipment with corundum nozzles.

Sawing depth and chain profile height

These parameters should be known to owners of professional models who sharpen chains by hand at home. The depth of cut is adjusted by decreasing the stop height of each cutting link.

The low profile and high profile chain settings are 0.025 and 0.03 inches, respectively. Knowledge of the profile types is essential for the correct selection of the height of the restraints.

Chain models for cross and rip sawing

The main range of saw chains with a 25-35 ° point angle is designed for standard cross-cutting of wood. Models for longitudinal sawing on the domestic market are present in a minimum quantity.

If necessary, the problem of shortage is simply solved by changing the sharpening angle of standard chains to 5-15 °. The tire in this version is operated without changing the design.

All information provided is valid for chinese chainsaws and their components. Most of the Chinese chainsaw range are more or less successful copies of the leading European developers, so all the standards are almost identical.

How does the need to sharpen a chain appear?

Dull saw chain teeth significantly increase sawing time. The malfunction is manifested by increased vibration, reverse shocks when the headset enters the cut, the release of small chips and a clear smell of burnt wood.

With the help of a manual sharpening device installed on the headset, cylindrical and flat files, the cutting edge of the saw links is restored without removing the chain from the bar. A more perfect and productive way is to fine-tune the chain in a specialized workshop.

gives a significant time saving, guarantees the same angle on all cutting elements of the chain. User reviews for automated sharpening are mostly positive. On the negative side, there is a stereotyped refinement of each saw link, without taking into account its wear and other individual characteristics.

Pro tips for the operation and maintenance of saw chains

A significant part of the operated headsets do not fully develop the assigned resource.

The main reasons for forced wear are:

• low efficiency of the lubrication system;
• high wear rate of the drive sprocket;
• excessive tension on the saw chain;
• the use of substandard and surrogate chain oils.

Experts advise to operate a set of several chains, changing them as needed. In this case, you can take advantage of the more productive mechanized sharpening.

Worn and damaged chains should be discarded promptly. Even in the presence of an emergency stop brake and a safety device, the operation of worn-out parts is characterized by an increased risk of injury.

How to eliminate the risks of buying a chain counterfeit?

In the domestic market there is a small but stable assortment of counterfeit parts for chainsaws and component materials of Asian, mostly Chinese production.

With all the desire to meet the quality of the European level, the technical and operational properties of Chinese copies are far from perfect, since they develop their resource somewhere by 50-70%.

This disadvantage is compensated to a certain extent by the lower cost. On the other hand, practice shows that long-term and trouble-free operation of chainsaw equipment is guaranteed only by branded products.

Purchasing a part from a licensed or branded store can help avoid the risks of buying a branded Chinese counterfeit product.