What is the chainsaw chain pitch and what does it affect? Everything you need to know about chainsaw chain pitch for efficient operation Chainsaw chain.

Buying a chainsaw headset for many turns into a real test.

How to measure and choose the pitch, size, chain length for a chainsaw, what exactly do you need to know about them?

Incorrectly selected accessories for the tool are a waste of money and time. Difficulties with choosing a tire for chainsaws primarily arise due to the fact that headset parameters are usually marked in inches. Therefore, users who are accustomed to the metric system do not always calculate correctly. the right dimensions details. Experts point to typical mistakes when choosing a saw set for a tool and give recommendations on determining the optimal characteristics of components.

Chainsaw tires: dimensions

The data necessary to determine the characteristics of a suitable headset are indicated in the instructions for the tool. But that doesn't mean that you don't have to be aware of the issue. correct selection accessories. Protect yourself from buying the wrong headset, use the advice of experts in choosing a chainsaw tire. To characterize the dimensions of the part, the following parameters are taken into account:

• length in inches;
• groove width;
• chain pitch.

Among chainsaw users, tires ranging in size from 10 to 22 inches are considered the most popular. Often, tools of the same model are offered for sale, but with different length details. These features are indicated in the device passport. The slot width is also given in inches. Five sizes are especially common, some of them are 0.043, 0.050, 0.058. It is quite difficult to remember these data, therefore, for convenience, the parameters are often indicated in millimeters. Self-respecting sellers should be armed with a size chart in inches and millimeters. They will help you select the part that matches the required data. The chain pitch when calculating the tire parameters for a chainsaw is determined by the size of the driven sprocket. The most commonly used sizes are 0.325 and 3/8. Remember - the data for the circuit and the bus must match.

Important points when choosing a chainsaw tire

If you have a previously used part on hand, show it to the seller as a sample. It can be difficult for inexperienced users to correctly determine chainsaw bar length in inches, groove width, and chain pitch. Remember - the necessary data must be sought in the instructions that came with the tool, or on the part itself. When choosing a headset, do not forget to make sure that the tail of the chainsaw tire you are purchasing, as well as the position of the oil supply holes, match the sample. In any case, do not rush to buy a part, if you find it difficult to determine its optimal characteristics, consult with professionals.

Technical parameters of saw chains

When choosing a chain for a chainsaw, you need to pay attention to several important characteristics:

• number of links;
• chain pitch;
• thickness of the leading link;
• purpose of use.

In addition, on our website you can choose a chain according to the saw model through the chain saw guide.

Number of chain links. Determined by the internal teeth of the chain.

Chain pitch- the distance between three successive rivets, divided by two.

Tables of sizes of saw chains and bars for chainsaws by model

This is a defining parameter, and depending on its value, all existing chains are divided into five groups with a step of 1/4'', 0.325'', 3/8'', 0.404'' and 3/4''.

1/4” (6.35 mm) pitch is typical for small chains mounted on low-power single-handed saws.

0.325'' (8.25mm) and 3/8'' (9.3mm) pitch chains are the most common options. More than 80% of saws produced worldwide are equipped with them.

0.404” (10.26mm) and 3/4” (19.05mm) pitches feature larger link chains with higher performance. For several decades, they completed saws Russian production, but now they are installed only on powerful felling saws and harvester equipment.

The larger the chain pitch, the larger the links that make it up and the higher its performance, but the wider the cut. A more powerful saw is required to overcome the increasing cutting resistance. Chains with a small pitch have other advantages - more teeth per unit length, smooth movement in the cut and, accordingly, reduced vibration, a cleaner cut.

Drive link thickness. During operation, the chain slides in the groove of the bar, and this sliding should be smooth, without hooks and at the same time without unnecessary “chatter”. The thickness of the shank and the thickness of the groove must strictly correspond to each other, which increases the reliability of the chain fit and eliminates the possibility of its "jumping off". All provided in five standard sizes:

• 1.1 mm (0.043’’) for low power saws
• 1.3 mm (0.050’’) household and semi-professional chains,
• 1.5 mm (0.058’’) powerful and productive saws,
• 1.6 mm (0.063’’) and 2.0 mm (0.080’’) highly professional saw blades.

Purpose of use imposes its own requirements on the circuits used. For example, when sawing hard and dirty wood, or when demolishing and building structures, it is better to use Picco Duro or Rapid Duro special carbide chains, which have carbide teeth or linings, giving them unsurpassed strength and durability of use. Some jobs simply cannot be done without their help.

It is also known that for longitudinal sawing of wood (along the fibers) it is desirable to use special chains. The main difference between longitudinal and transverse type chains is the angles of attack of the cutting links. For crosscut chains, they are 25-35 degrees. Rip chains (such as Stihl Picco Micro X chains) have sharper angles of 5 to 15 degrees.

The use of chains inconsistent with their purpose leads either to reduced performance or to increased "aggressiveness", strong vibration and additional load on the chainsaw engine.

Additional characteristics of the chain are the height of the profile and the depth of cut.

Profile height.

Chains are available in high and low profile depending on the height of the cutting edge above the plane of the guide bar. High profile chains are usually used in professional applications to obtain maximum sawing performance. Low-profile chains are installed on household and amateur class chainsaws, because. thanks to the increased bearing area of ​​the cutting links and the reduced thickness of the sheared chips, they are safer.

Depth of cut- this is the size of the gap between the upper edge of the tooth and the kerf stop, which regulates the thickness of the chips. Most often there are samples with gaps of 0.025 inches (or 0.635 mm) and 0.030 inches (or 0.762 mm), less often - with gaps up to 0.07 inches (or 1.778 mm), the latter are intended for machine felling units.

Depth of cut largely determines sawing performance. The larger the gap, the higher the performance. The flip side of performance is vibration. So chains with a small depth of cut in the cut move softer, “twitch” less. Therefore, to balance vibration and performance, often large pitch chains are fitted with shallow cutting depths, and vice versa.

OREGON is a major manufacturer and one of the main innovators in the saw chain industry. We believe that not only the quality of the tool, but also its competent selection is important for a perfectly executed job. Let's see what you need to pay attention to in this case in order to make a choice that will meet your needs.

Chain pitch

This is the distance between the axes of three adjacent rivets, divided by two. It should match the pitch on the saw's drive sprocket and on the sprocket in the nose of the bar.

Pitch is measured in inches, the most common values ​​are:

“325 is one of the most popular options, often installed on household and semi-professional saws of low and medium power;
3/8 - comes in low profile for the most common light saws and just 3/8 for powerful professional saws;
“404 - used on professional saws with a capacity of at least 5.5 liters. with., it is not economically feasible to put on low-power saws.

To choose the right chain for the chainsaw, taking into account this factor, just read the instructions - it will indicate what step it is designed for. Except for some professional models, most saws are designed with one specific step in mind.

chain saw chain

Leading links

They ensure the movement of the chain along the tire due to the engagement with the drive sprocket of the saw.
They measure the length of the chain: it is equal to the number of leading links in the ring. To determine it, it is enough to fold the ring in half, count the pairs of leading links and double the result. Also on the leading links is a marking by which you can determine the series of the product.

chain thickness

Measured at the drive link shank moving inside the bar groove and must match the thickness of the bar groove.

cutting links

They are responsible for cutting wood. They differ in shape, sharpening angle and thickness of chrome. The most commonly used types are:
Chisel (chisel, super). The most aggressive type of link, cuts quickly but requires frequent sharpening and wears out faster;
Received The cutting is smoother, sharpening is required much less frequently.

Connecting links

They retain lubrication and are responsible for the strength of the product.

Additional engineering solutions OREGON

Vibe-Ban - Suppresses vibrations, improves operator safety and speeds up cutting.
LubriWell - optimizes the distribution of lubricant along the length of the groove on the guide bar.
LubriLink - Reinforces connecting links and retains lubrication.
Witness Mark - simplifies maintenance. Her marks indicate optimal angle sharpening the horizontal edge of the cutter. Available on all chains with chisel cutters.

Main types

The 91 designates OREGON's low profile 3/8 pitch chain with 1.3mm drive link. This is the most demanded series from OREGON, its sales provide 70% of the market.

91P is the most popular a budget option, with a minimum of engineering functions;
91VXL - premium class, excellent value for money (equipped with all the above-mentioned special engineering solutions);
Multicut - designed to work in an abrasive environment;
SpeedCut (narrow kerf) - new for 2017, featuring increased cutting speed and smoothness;
PowerSharp is a unique self-sharpening option, an innovative development of OREGON. Now used primarily with OREGON's heavy duty 15 amp CS1500 chain saw, the world's only self-sharpening power saw.

Table for chainsaw chains

Drive roller chains

Drive roller chains designed for power mechanical transmission of various machines and mechanisms. Of all drive chains received the most distribution.
There are three main standards that regulate the parameters of drive roller chains - GOST 13568-97, adopted in Russia; ISO/R 606, the British standard adopted in European countries, and ANSI B29.1M, adopted in the USA. Chains of this type can be made collapsible, with a straight and curved contour of the plates, as well as with various types anti-corrosion coatings. The sizes of roller chains have full analogs among chains of the American and British standards.

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Regulations:
GOST 13568-97 Driving roller and sleeve chains.
International Standards: ISO/R 606, ANSI B29.1M.

There are the following types of drive roller chains:

Single-row roller drive chains GOST 13568-97 (PR)

PR-12.7-18.2-1
PR - drive roller GOST 13568-97
12.7 - chain pitch in mm

SPR12.7-18.2-1 - connecting link to the chain
PPR12.7-18.2-1 - transitional link to the chain
P2PR12.7-18.2-1 - double transitional link to the chain

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Double-row roller drive chains GOST 13568-97 (2PR)

Example symbol chains:2PR-31.75-177
2 - chain row GOST 13568-97
PR - drive roller
31.75 - chain pitch in mm

An example of a symbol for components:
C - 2PR - 31.75-177 - link connecting to the chain
P - 2PR - 31.75-177 - transitional link to the chain
P2 - 2PR - 31.75-177 - double transitional link to the chain

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Three-row roller drive chains GOST 13568-97 (3PR)

An example of a chain symbol:3PR-38.1-381
3 - chain row GOST 13568-97
PR - drive roller
38.1 - chain pitch in mm

An example of a symbol for components:
S-3PR - 38.1 - 381 - link connecting to the chain
P - 3PR - 38.1 - 381 - link transition to the chain
P2 - 3PR - 38.1 - 381 - double transitional link to the chain

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Four-row roller drive chains GOST 13568-97 (4PR)

An example of a chain symbol:4PR-50.8-900
4 - chain row GOST 13568-97
PR - drive roller
50.8 - chain pitch in mm

An example of a symbol for components:
S-4PR - 50.8 - 900 - link connecting to the chain
P-4PR - 50.8 - 900 - transitional link to the chain
P2-4PR - 50.8 - 900 - double transitional link to the chain

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Drive roller chains with curved plates GOST 13568-97 (PRI)

To increase wear resistance, chains are made with curved plates.

What is the best chain to put on a chainsaw

Curved plate drive roller chain can only have an odd number of links.

An example of a chain symbol:PRI-103.2-650
DRIVE - driven roller with curved plates
103.2 - chain pitch in mm

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Long link roller drive chains GOST 13568-75 (PRD)

Drive roller long link chains are designed for use in gears with large center distances and in gears with low peripheral speeds and large diameter sprockets. Long link chains are designed on the basis of PR drive roller chains with doubled pitch. Chain workload of this type lower than conventional roller chains of the same pitch.

An example of a chain symbol:PRD-38-4000
GOST 13568-75
PRD - drive roller long link
38.0 - chain pitch in mm

Examples of symbols for components:
SPRD38,0-4000 - connecting link to the chain
PPRD38,1-4000 - transitional link to the chain

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When buying a chainsaw, different aspects are important. One of the main parameters is the pitch of the chainsaw chain. It affects how fast the machine will cut wood. At the same time, for chains of different pitch, an engine of at least a certain power is also required. The correct matching of the chain type and motor power allows you to extend the life of the unit, as well as the most efficient use of fuel.

What is chain pitch and how is it determined?

Traditionally, in any field, a step means a certain distance between objects following one after another. If we talk about chainsaw chains, then here the pitch determines the distance between the axes of the rivets located one rivet apart from each other. The same length will also coincide with the distance between the tips of the links that go into the groove of the tire. Therefore, to determine the pitch of the chainsaw chain, it is enough to measure the indicated distances. You will get it in millimeters, but the step is indicated in inches, which means that the resulting value must be divided by 25.4. As a result, get your step. True, on old stretched chains this value will be slightly larger, but nevertheless it will still be close to one of the standard sizes.

Chains with a larger pitch also have greater performance. This is due to the fact that at long distance between the teeth, the latter bite deeper into the wood. Hence the greater performance. But for the use of such productive chains, a sufficiently powerful chainsaw is also needed. Since not all saws have more power, there are chains with a smaller pitch. However, it is worth noting that there are also low-profile chains with smaller teeth. If you take a low profile chain with a larger pitch and compare it with a high profile chain with a smaller pitch, then the latter will have more performance. In general, low-profile chains are used on the most low-power saws used in everyday life.

So what are the steps on chainsaw chains? The dimensions will be:

• 0.325″
• 0.375″ (but more commonly referred to as 3/8″)
• 0.404″

And if the chain is low profile, then the letter P is usually added to the designation. For example, 3/8″P. Actually, with a pitch of 3/8 ″, low-profile chains are mainly made.

Well, when comparing chains of different pitch, it should be noted that a chain with a larger pitch due to the fact that it cuts deeper into a tree creates more vibration. Because of this, the accuracy of the cut is reduced, since the chainsaw is more difficult to hold evenly in your hands. Therefore, for greater cutting accuracy, when productivity is not so important, it is better to use a chain with a smaller pitch.

Chainsaw power depending on the chain pitch

As mentioned above, the larger the chain pitch, the greater the power of the chainsaw engine should be. What exactly are these numbers? Let's consider.

In order for the saw to work confidently for each step of the chain, the engine power must be at least the following values:

• 3/8″P - from 1.6 hp (1.2 kW);
• 0.325” - from 1.8 hp (1.47 kW);
• 3/8” - from 3 hp (2.21 kW);
• 0.404” - from 4.5 hp (3.31 kW).

Compliance with these parameters will allow the saw to maintain the required speed of rotation of the chain, as a result of which the motor will not feel overloaded and, accordingly, will not heat up. You will also avoid unnecessary fuel consumption, as well as the phenomenon of chain jamming in wood.

If you put a chain with a small step on a chainsaw that is too powerful, this will lead to unreasonably high gas mileage. But if there is no less powerful apparatus, but at the same time greater cutting accuracy is needed, then there will be nothing wrong if you use a chain with a smaller pitch.

However, the above power characteristics are suitable if the chainsaw is not supposed to be used constantly, but only occasionally. For a permanent professional activity the following conditions will need to be met:

• 0.325” - from 2.5 hp (1.84 kW);
• 3/8” - from 4 hp (2.94 kW);
• 0.404” - from 6 hp (4.41 kW)

Pitch 3/8″P is not specified, as it is not used for professional activities.

Compliance with such ratios will allow the chainsaw to last as long as possible.

Relationship between chain pitch and chain thickness

Since the load on the chain, depending on the pitch, can be more or less, then the chain must be either thicker or thinner. This refers to the thickness of those chain links that enter the groove of the bar. Their thickness can be as follows:

• 1.1mm
• 1.3mm
• 1.5mm
• 1.6mm
• 2.0 mm

On household saws, as a rule, this thickness, and hence the width of the groove on the tire, leaves 1.1 or 1.3 mm. In this case, with a thickness of 1.1 mm, as a rule, a low-profile chain with a pitch of 3/8 "is used. At 1.3 mm, there is also either a low-profile pitch of 3/8″ or 0.325″.

1.5mm chains can be either 0.325″ or 3/8″. And they always have a high profile. Chains of this thickness are used on medium power devices.

Chains with a link thickness of 1.6 and 2.0 mm are used on high-power professional chainsaws designed for many hours of daily work in the harshest conditions. The step can be any - and 0.325 ″, and 3/8 ″, and 0.404 ″.

Additional Circuit Options

In addition to the pitch and thickness, the chain for chainsaws has a number of important characteristics that cannot be ignored. These include:

• tooth shape
• number of links
• sharpening angle

The shape of the tooth can be of two types: chisel and chipper. The chisel tooth has the shape of the number 7, that is, the upper and side surface connected at an acute angle. Chipper tooth instead acute angle has a curve. The chisel chain is more productive, but it also exerts more load on the engine, as it encounters more resistance along the way, since it has a wider cutting edge. A chipper, respectively, on the contrary, is easier, but its performance is less.

The number of links depends on the length of the bar. At the same time, with the same length of the bus, short-pitch chains naturally have large quantity links. By the way, this also affects the final price of the chain, since, as a rule, the price is determined per link. Therefore, for example, a chain from one manufacturer for a 40 cm tire for a 3/8 pitch will cost less than for 0.325.

The sharpening angle is either 30 degrees or 10. The first is the most common, as it is used for transverse cutting of wood (sawing for firewood, felling trees), while the second is used for longitudinal sawing, and these are operations that are less common (sawing a log onto boards, for example), which is why chains with such an angle are less common. You can buy a ready-made chain with the right angle right away, or you can sharpen one chain into another on the machine.

Choosing a chain depending on the work ahead

Before buying a chainsaw, it is important to understand in advance for yourself what kind of work you will do to it.

All work can be divided into three areas:

• garden care, minor firewood harvesting, minor work on the site;
• wood construction, large-scale firewood harvesting, infrequent felling of trees;
• daily professional operation associated with felling trees or significant volumes of firewood.

For the first sphere, chainsaws with a chain with a pitch of 0.325 ″ or a low-profile 3/8 and a thickness of 1.1 or 1.3 mm are suitable. Such devices are small in size and weight, so they are very convenient to use on own site. Since the volume of work in domestic use is not too large, the margin of safety and performance of such chainsaws will be more than enough.

For the second sphere, devices with 3/8 and 0.325 ″ chains with a thickness of 1.5 mm are suitable. The margin of safety of these chainsaws and their performance is more than enough for such work.

In the professional field, chainsaws with a thick chain of 1.6 or even 2 mm cannot be dispensed with. The step here will be 3/8 or even 0.404″. The power of such chainsaws is large, so they can easily work with such chains, despite the fact that the resistance during operation is quite large. At the same time, the productivity, of course, is simply huge - it turns out to cut down trees and harvest firewood very quickly.

From the foregoing, it becomes clear that it is not worth putting the wrong types of chains on chainsaws. Even if you put in a suitable drive sprocket and tire (and for chains of different pitch and thickness, these parameters will also be different), the chainsaw will either be overloaded if on low power model put a coarse pitch, high profile chain, or it won't perform to its full potential if you put a fine pitch or low profile chain on a powerful saw. In this case, it will simply burn gasoline in vain.

Summarize

So, as we found out, chains can differ both in pitch and in thickness, number of links, sharpening angle and tooth shape.

When choosing a new chainsaw, you must clearly understand what work you need it for and, depending on this, choose a unit with a chain suitable for this.

If you need a chain for an existing chainsaw, then you need to know all of the above parameters in order to buy a chain that suits you.

Well, it is better to buy a chain from well-known manufacturers, such as, for example, Stihl or Oregon. Yes, they are more expensive, but they also last much longer, as they are made of high-quality steel, so they stretch less, and the likelihood that it will break is also much less.

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

The concept of a step and its meaning

Chain pitch is the distance between any three rivets. In saw chains, this length characterizes the distance between two cutting teeth relative to each other. The pitch value is also equal to the length between the tops of two adjacent chain shanks (guides that go into the groove of the bar). In order to correctly determine the pitch of the chainsaw chain, the distance between the axes of three consecutive rivets is measured.

There is a reasonable pattern that says that the greater the distance between the cutting teeth of the chain, the deeper they enter the sawn material. By increasing the pitch of the chainsaw chain, you can increase its performance. In this case, the force for rotating the drive sprocket changes accordingly. You need to understand that the higher the step, the more power must be applied to pull it while cutting the material, and the greater the engine power should 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 is not of global importance, then the accuracy of the cut is sometimes important when dissolving logs or boards, for this you need to take into account the dependence of the saw pitch on the dissolution of wood according to given markings.

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

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

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

To correctly select the correct tool configuration, you must use the data on the minimum power ratings for each of the three typical chain pitches.

Critical power indicators 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);
• pitch 0.404” - power not less than 4.5 hp (3.31 kW).

If the power of the driving motor is less than the specified values, then the following phenomena are possible during the dissolution process: chain jamming in the tree, a decrease in the rotation speed of the drive, leading to motor overheating, an increase in sawing time and increased operating costs for fuel.

The use of powerful motors with a chain having a small pitch is impractical, as this will also increase the dissolution time and increase fuel costs. However, this combination is allowed, if necessary, to perform precise work with wood.

The specified minimum ratings for the drives are indicative of the ability of the equipment to operate reliably, but do not represent the continuous use of the equipment in a professional environment. Rather, these values ​​are given as guidelines for implementation. episodic works or for tool operating conditions with long breaks. For long-term use of equipment that implies professional mode, the following technical data conformances are required:

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

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

And if it, for example, will be used occasionally or for holding dacha works, then this choice is inappropriate.

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Dependence of the pitch on the additional characteristics of saw chains

During the movement of the chain and cutting the wood, it is affected by very high loads, in this regard, an important characteristic is the thickness of the link element entering the tire groove and sliding in it. This value also indicates the thickness of the fastening elements of the links. You can measure it with an ordinary caliper.

Typical guide element thicknesses:

• 1.1mm;
• 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 designed for minor work. Most often, the stride length at these values ​​​​is 0.325”, which implies a gentle mode and low loads.

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

The guides, which have a thickness of 1.6 and 2.0”, are designed for the most difficult work, that is, they allow the use of equipment in shifts. At the same time, you need to know that these two values ​​\u200b\u200bare a certain classifier, indicating that the metal for the manufacture of these chains is smelted from special steel grades, that is, increased strength is laid in the structure.

All manufactured chains may differ in the depth of cut. It is characterized by the height of the cutting tooth (profile). The 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, accordingly, the sawing speed. The height of the profile affects the occurrence of vibrations, which can cause increased wear of the drive or the problem of holding the tool in the hands, the higher the cutting part, the stronger the vibrations will be. Also, a high-profile chain requires increased engine power.

Household chainsaws always have a low profile chain. Professional devices combine different variants, but 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 increments, but in the height of the profile (depth of cut). However, most professional felling tools focus on increasing the pitch rather than the height of the profile, arguing that the chainsaw in this version is more controllable.

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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.

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

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

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

The type of sharpening of cutting profiles is regulated by the type of future work. Typically, a classic chainsaw is used for transverse cuts in wood and extremely rarely for longitudinal ones. In rare cases, chains come across with cutting links that have an orientation for longitudinal cuts.

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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 by private users:

• pruning branches in the garden, simple country work;
• individual construction, firewood, episodic felling of trees;
• frequent use (implying work for hire), harvesting very large volumes of firewood, operation in one's own workshop.

In the first option, a chainsaw is recommended that has a chain with a small (0.325”) pitch. This will allow you to get a light and maneuverable tool, easy to trim branches, including climbing ladders and tree branches. This equipment allows you to carry out simple dissolution of wood, 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 make it easy to carry out the entire range of maintenance work on the site, a small workshop, and to prepare a supply of firewood for the winter.

The third option is to use 3/8 and 0.404” chains paired with a powerful motor, since the list of work performed is only for professional tools, it is important to consider 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 during the dissolution of wood without loss of hardness of the cutting edges of the links.

Interchangeability of chains is allowed only for the step size provided 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.

It is not recommended to replace the drive sprocket with a larger pitch due to the mismatch between power and loads during the dissolution of wood. A weak motor will not develop the necessary power to pull the cutting links through the tree, which will lead to jamming or failure of the drive and clutch of the device.

The most versatile chain has a 3/8” pitch, which allows for versatile use, combined with a high cutting speed and a fairly accurate cut line, satisfactory fraying of wood fibers.

There are several basic parameters by which a chainsaw is chosen, one of them is the step of the saw set. The step depends on the power of the chainsaw, and to a large extent affects the cutting speed.

How much the step corresponds to the power determines the performance and life of the chainsaw. Also, fuel consumption depends on its correct selection.

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.

Pitch is a parameter that is available not only for the headset, but also for tire sprockets and chainsaws.

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

What affects the distance between the teeth

V saw chain, the distance between the cutting teeth directly affects its performance. The larger, the deeper the cutting edge can cut into the wood, provided that the limiter 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 inch saw set on a powerful chainsaw, then productivity will drop significantly, and the load on the engine will increase, because. the saw will run over and exceed the maximum allowable speed, which can ultimately lead to overheating and scuffing of the CPG.

And vice versa, installing a chain with a large pitch on a weak chainsaw will lead to the fact that the power of the saw will not be enough for a normal cut, of course, this will not entail serious consequences, as in the first case, but it is not comfortable to work with such a tool.

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

Big influence chain pitch exerts on the so-called "rebound". The greater the distance between the teeth, the more likely the chainsaw will bounce.

Important! Most often, "bounce" occurs when working with the tip of the bar, for example, when making 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 (the 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

It is impossible to determine which parameter is better and which is worse, because each of them has its own characteristics and is designed for chain saws of a certain power. Depending on how the saw set is correctly selected, the performance of the tool will have different indicators. If the headset is optimally matched, i.e. the distance between the links corresponds to the recommended power, then the performance of the chainsaw will be maximum. If the selection is wrong, the motor will experience overloads that can lead to malfunctions.

The optimal power indicators for 0.325 inches are 1.8-2 kW. It is for this reason that chains with this 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 3/8 inch chains are used on Stihl 180, with a power of 1.5 kW. The answer is simple: for Stihl chainsaws, power is not the most important thing, great importance It has maximum amount revolutions. The Stihl 180 produces more than 13500 rpm, due to which it is able to cut with a 3/8-inch headset.

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

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

How to choose

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

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 largely dependent on the angle of sharpening, the depth of cut and the shape of the limiter tooth. The sharper the limiting tooth, the higher the cutting speed, and the lower its quality.

Below we offer to watch a video about choosing a chainsaw chain pitch. 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 chain pitch:

1. View the pitch value on the guide bar. Manufacturers of a saw set 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 is suitable for chains in original packaging is to look at the characteristics of the chain on the box.

The branded packaging of Stihl 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, link width, recommended file size for sharpening.

Chainsaw table

In conclusion of the article, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the table, which indicates 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 spare headset, you need to know what pitch is suitable for the bar and sprocket installed on your chainsaw, or change the chain, bar and drive sprocket as a set.