Chain 3 inches. Chainsaw chain pitch

In some situations, owners of chainsaws may experience 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 according to standards it must correspond to the engine power level. How are chains marked? Let's figure it out!

Step and its dimensions

The pitch is the intermediate distance between three rivets that are located side by side. To correctly calculate the chain pitch, you should measure the distance between the axes of three rivets placed close to each other. In formula form 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 outermost rivets out of three.

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

Pattern : the greater the distance between the cutting teeth, the deeper they will go into the material being cut

By increasing the chain pitch size, it becomes possible to increase the performance of the chainsaw. However, in such a case, the degree of force applied to rotate the drive sprocket changes. And the higher the chain pitch, the greater the engine power should be and the more physical strength is spent for pulling it when sawing materials.

Chainsaw chain pitch. Table

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

№	Distance between rivets	Chain pitch (width in inches)
1	6.35mm	1/4
2	8.25mm	0,325
3	9.3mm	3/8 (0,375)
4	10.26mm	0,404
5	19.05mm	3/4

As can be seen from the table, the chain pitch is designated as a regular number (3/4) and a decimal number - “0.375”. This division is caused by the similarity of the decimal values - “0.325” and “0.375”, since the difference in one digit created confusion when selecting a saw. Therefore, at one time it was decided to establish two different notations: decimal and ordinary fractions.

The step is stamped into the area of a special cutting depth limiter on each tooth.

The advantages of large pitch chains include:

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

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

The advantages of fine pitch chains are:

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

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 peculiarities of their marking depending on the pitch, which is intended for specific needs and is produced for a specific power of electrical equipment. To better understand each type of step, they should be considered separately.

Basic circuit parameters

Marking of the chain assumes the presence following parameters:

Step:

"0.325"- the most common and minimum size step, which is used in semi-professional and household chainsaws with low power. The standard power value for such a step ranges from “0.325” to “3 hp,” but not higher than “3.5 hp.” When working with this type of chain, cutting occurs more smoothly, comfortably, without “breaking” the workpiece.
"0.375" ("3/8")– applied to chainsaws with a power of “4 hp”. This chain is used when sawing wood of medium and small thickness.

The accuracy and quality of the cut created depends on the pitch value. In cases where it is not important to achieve high quality when working with a chainsaw, sometimes special meaning has precision cutting. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the dependence of the step on the dissolution of wood according to pre-applied markings.

The thickness of the leading links (tails). When a chainsaw is operating, its chain bears the majority of all loads. Taking this into account, one more main characteristic The work of the saw is the thickness of the elements of the link that fits into the grooves of the bar. This parameter also determines the overall thickness of the fastening links, which is measured using a conventional caliper. TO standard values thicknesses include:

"1.1 mm" ("0.043") and "1.3 mm" ("0.05")– used in the production of entry-level chains, which are intended for small amounts of work. Often, with such values of link thickness, the chain pitch length can be “0.325”, which implies the presence of low loads and a gentle operating mode. Therefore, they are used in household and semi-professional devices;

"1.5 mm" ("0.058")– the most common thickness value on the market for chainsaws and their accessories. This value can ensure safe operation with a step size of “3/8”. A 1.5mm thick chain is not intended for professional cutting;
"1.6 mm" (0.063) and "2.0 mm" (0.08)– designed for the most difficult work. The metal used in the manufacture of such chains is steel of special grades, and the design includes characteristics of increased strength.

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

Cutting depth- is distinctive feature produced chains and is characterized by the profile height of the cutting teeth. It is measured by the gap between the stops and the cutting upper 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 profile height is usually written down in the specifications for the tool.

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

Household types of chainsaws are equipped with a low profile. In semi-professional devices they can be combined different variants types of circuits. However, in most cases the following principle is followed:

In a chain with a large pitch, a low profile is installed, and with a pitch of “0.325” - a high one

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

Geometry of cutting teeth– the profile can be of two main types:

chipper (popularly “sickle”)– has a crescent shape and is different high performance. During operation, it is easier to sharpen and does not require strict sharpening angles. Disadvantage: risk of high loads and deterioration of cutting characteristics;
chisel (popularly “seven”)- It has work surface straight form in the form of the number “7”. Used in chains with a pitch of “0.404” or “3/8” on professional saws. Main disadvantage chisel links - the difficulty of sharpening the cutting elements and sensitivity to dirt.

Number of cutting teeth– is defined as the ratio of the number of teeth to the number of guides in the tire. Well-made chainsaws should combine two guide links in the cutting part of the tool.
Type of sharpening of links– directly depends on the type of future work. Classic views Chainsaws are mostly used for cross cutting of trees and are rarely used for longitudinal cutting. Taking into account the resistance of the tree, in both cases the chains can use different angles of placement of links. On construction counters you can now find chains with the following types: cutting links:

longitudinal type of chain - involves cutting wood along its grain. The cutting angle reaches 5-15 degrees.
transverse type - the cut is made crosswise. The cutting angle in chains is 25-35 degrees.

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.
The order of the links – the sequence of links may be different:

standard - for each cutting link in the chain there are two leading links;
with semi-pass - every third link in the chain is replaced by the so-called connecting link;
with a gap - a connecting link is installed at the location of every second cutting link.

Why do you need to skip links in a chain? In the chains themselves, the most valuable thing is the quality of the cutting links, since they are manufactured using special technologies and are more expensive, unlike 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 skipped links show reduced performance and wear out quickly.

In general, if you want to purchase a tool for cutting wood with maximum efficiency, take the time to further study the markings of chainsaws, which are also indicated in the instructions for the tool.

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

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

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

1. Chain pitch

Chain pitch is usually denoted in inches; it is calculated as follows: measure the distance between the nearest drive links of the chain, or the distance between the three closest 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 should always match the pitch of the saw drive sprocket and the driven one.

Chain with a pitch of 0.25" aka 1/4". The distance between the three rivets (drive links) is 12.7 mm ÷ 2 = 6.35 mm, converted to inches (÷ 25.4) in inches this is 0.25" (more often referred to as 1/4").
0.325" pitch chain. The distance between the three rivets (drive links) is 16.5 mm ÷ 2 = 8.25 mm converted to inches (÷ 25.4) in inches this 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 this is 0.375" (usually denoted as 3/8" so as not to be confused with 0.325").
0.404" pitch chain. The distance between the three rivets is 20.5 mm ÷ 2 = 10.25 mm, converted to inches (÷ 25.4) in inches this is 0.404".
Chain with 3/4" pitch. 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 caliper). This size must always match the thickness of the groove.

Total for electrical 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 length of the chain is determined by counting the number of drive (internal) chain links. Important:

The cutting links do not determine the length of the chain (don't count them).
The length of the guide bar does not determine the exact length of the chain (for example, on a saw with a 16" (40 cm) bar, a chain with a length of 55, or 56, or 57 links can be installed, depending on the chain tensioning mechanism of the particular saw model).
a chain with a length of approximately 55-57 links will not suit you, only specific size recommended by the saw manufacturer.

What is the bar length on my chainsaw?

The length of the cutting part of the tire differs from its overall length. The length of the bar is usually considered to be the cutting length (working part) - this is the distance from the front of the saw to the rounded tip of the nose of the bar. This measurement is rounded to the nearest inches or centimeters. An inch is denoted as " equals 2.54 cm.

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

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

How to choose a tire for a chainsaw?

The chain is key element any chainsaw. From type cutting tool installed on the unit, the quality and speed of work when sawing wood depends. For novice chainsaw users, choosing a saw chain seems like a complicated process, since you need to know what types of this part there are, its characteristics, etc. This article will cover the main factors to consider when choosing a good chainsaw chain.

Those who have dealt with sawing wood know that it can be sawed either along the grain or across it. Based on this, they issue different types chainsaw chains: for cross or longitudinal cutting wood In both cases, the difference in material resistance will be significantly different. For rip sawing the teeth are sharpened at an angle from 5 to 15°. Cross cutting requires sharpening the tool at an angle of 25-35°. The figure below shows how the tooth sharpening angle is determined.

What type of saw element is can be found out from the markings on it; in addition, the sharpening angle is determined visually.

Chains for rip sawing are used extremely rarely, because it is much easier to unravel the workpiece on a circular machine. Due to low demand, manufacturers of this tool do not particularly improve it, and it is quite difficult to find a chain for rip sawing on sale. Most chainsaw buyers choose a tool with a cross-cut type, and it is the most popular among both professionals and home craftsmen. But, before choosing a chain for a chainsaw, you should study the main parameters that affect the performance and quality of the tool.

Existing step sizes

Chain pitch is a key parameter that requires special attention when choosing a cutting element for a chainsaw. It is measured in inches and is defined as the gap between the cutting links or the gap between the three rivets of the saw element. The following image clearly illustrates how chain pitch is determined.

Each saw has an individual chain pitch.

It is worth noting that the pro-class tool works with any type of circuit.

Chains with a certain pitch are always intended for units of a certain power, taking into account torque. Reducing the pitch not only reduces the performance of the device, but also reduces the load on the engine. And vice versa, when big step The productivity of the device increases, but more power is required.

Moreover, there is such a thing as “aggressiveness” of the unit. IN in this case This means ease of control. The larger the step, the more force the teeth “tear” the wood. In addition, due to the large size of the cutting links, the width of the cut also increases, which means that the operator will need to make more effort to hold the device in his hands. Based on the above, it is not worth using a chain with a large pitch on a low-power unit, since this can render the device unusable.

0.325" pitch

This is the minimum step value, but nevertheless most common. Saw elements with this pitch are usually installed on amateur and semi-professional units that have low power - in the range of 3-3.5 hp. This is enough to easily cut branches, fell thin trees, perform small construction works. The 0.325-inch pitch chain operates smoothly, vibration-free, does not “rip” wood, does not overload the engine or fatigue the operator.

Pitch 0.375 or 3/8

The marking may look like decimal or ordinary. There is no difference between these notations: three divided by eight equals 0.375. Common fraction in the marking is intended to eliminate confusion between the numbers 0.375 and 0.325.

For this reason, there are times when it is difficult to find an element with a pitch of 0.375 inches on sale. If so, try looking for the same part marked 3/8.

These chains are installed on more powerful units - those with 4 hp. These saw blades can be used to cut down trees of medium diameter. Chains with a pitch of 3/8 inches are installed on semi-professional chainsaws and pro-class units.

Step 0.404

Saws with this pitch are installed only on professional units with a power of at least 5.5 hp. A saw with a pitch of 0.404 inches can cut down trees of any thickness, and the units for this cutting element have a large torque, which greatly facilitates human work.

It is important to know that the chain pitch always corresponds asterisk pitch, both slave and leader. It follows from this that if the documentation for the device indicates that it works with a chain with a pitch of 0.404, then you should not put a chain on a chainsaw with a pitch of 3/8. Before installing a chain with a different pitch, it is necessary to purchase a complete kit, including both the bar and both sprockets: drive and driven.

In addition to the above pitch values, there are two more: these are 1⁄4 (0.25) inches and 3⁄4 (0.75) inches. Saws with this pitch are not very popular among both professionals and home craftsmen.

Thickness of the leading link (tail)

This parameter is the second most important when choosing a saw element. You should know that the tire width will vary on different brands of chainsaws. The drive links are also designed only for a certain type of tire.

Drive links come in the following sizes.

0.043” or 1.1 mm. This is the smallest leading link. It is usually installed in miniature circuits, which are intended for “weak” household units not intended for heavy loads.
0.05” or 1.3 mm. Although the difference with the previous example is insignificant, the cutting element is designed for more noticeable loads. Chains with a 1.3 mm link are most common among owners of household and semi-professional chainsaws; they are light in weight and quite reliable.
0.058” or 1.5 mm. This type saw is no less popular than the previous one, but is no longer used only in semi-professional tools, but also in pro-class devices.
0.063” or 1.6 mm. Chains with such a tail thickness are more durable and are only used on tools for professionals.
0.08” or 2 mm. This size is the final size among the types of drive links. The chain is designed for long-term operation and heavy loads. It is not difficult to guess that the element is used only on highly professional chainsaws with high power.

As a result, the greater the thickness of the drive link, the stronger and better the chain, and the greater the load it can withstand. But when choosing a cutting element, you need to check the instructions for the device, which indicate what size tire can be installed on it.

Cutting depth and profile height

The depth of cut depends on how high the chain profile is. The higher the profile, the more the chain “bites” into the material, and as a result, the performance of the tool increases. With a low profile, thinner chips are removed and the chain does not sink as deeply into the material. Typically, the depth is adjusted by grinding off the stops that are located on each cutter.

The following profile sizes are available:

high profile - 0.03” (0.762 mm);
low profile - 0.025” (0.635 mm).

This information can be found in the documentation that came with your chainsaw. These types of profiles are installed on amateur and professional units. But you should know that professional-class tools cannot always be equipped with high-profile chains, and household tools are always equipped with low-profile cutting elements.

High profile chains- these are the most productive elements, which means they have increased “aggressiveness” and, in addition, noticeable vibration. The latter significantly reduces labor productivity, as it does not allow working with the unit for a long time. Therefore, manufacturers have found a middle ground: with a large pitch, a chain with a low profile is made, and vice versa, if the pitch is smaller, then the profile is made high. These changes remove as much as possible everything side effects, the unit begins to work with less “aggressiveness” and normal performance.

It’s hard to say which profiles are better. When choosing, you should always focus on the expected working conditions, the hardness or viscosity of the wood, etc.

The cutting links have 2 types of profile.

Tire size

In addition to the thickness of the tire, which was mentioned above, when choosing a chainsaw, one more parameter should be taken into account - the length of the tire. It is measured in millimeters or inches. The following tire sizes are often used: 11″, 12″, 13″, 14″, 15″, 16″, 18″, 20″, 21″, 22″.

For simple work, for example, cutting branches, cutting thin boards, you can use small tires - 11 or 13 inches. The chain on such tires accelerates to high speeds, which has a good effect on performance. The most universal tire sizes are considered to be in the range of 14-16 inches. In addition to using the unit as a lopper, a chainsaw can be used when preparing firewood (sawing thin logs). To saw thick log, install 18-22 inch tires. They are usually used on semi-professional and more powerful professional chainsaws.

You should not install a tire of a larger size than indicated in the passport for the unit, as this will inevitably lead to an increase in the load on the engine and, as a result, rapid wear.

Chain size

This parameter always depends on tire size installed on the unit. If you accidentally purchased a chain that is smaller than your tire, you will not be able to fit it. If this element is larger than the tire size, you will not be able to tension it. Both options prevent the use of inappropriate chain sizes. They are usually indicated in inches and have the following values: 10″, 12″, 13″, 14″, 15″, 16″, 18″ and above.

The chain length is determined by number of links. Links refer to the connecting links that fit into the groove of the bar, rather than the cutting teeth. When purchasing, you can indicate to the seller either the length of the part in inches or the number of links included in its composition. Some manufacturers, instead of length, indicate the number of links in the saw element. As a rule, this number does not depend in any way on the thickness of the tail, the pitch and the height of the profile. For example, a low-profile chain with a drive link thickness of 1.3 mm may consist of 72 links, 56 links, or some other number.

The order of the cutting links

In most cases, the order of placement of cutting elements can be of three types.

Cutting links are the main elements of the saw chain and have high cost due to a complex manufacturing process. Manufacturers, changing the order of cutting teeth, reduce their number and thereby reduce cost finished product. But at the same time, due to missing links, the efficiency of the tool is noticeably reduced, and the chain wears out faster.

Carbide chains

Pobedit is a very hard alloy, superior in strength to glass. Therefore, household glass cutters, various cutting metalworking and turning tools are made from pobedit, and it is also applied to saw chains of chainsaws. Pobedit is soldered onto the cutting links, where it acts as a strong cutting edge. But despite its hardness, this alloy is brittle.

The service life of chains tipped with Pobedite significantly exceeds the service life of standard cutting elements. Carbide chains are used for sawing frozen and hard wood, as well as in emergency situations where reinforced or regular concrete needs to be quickly cut.

The disadvantages of carbide chains include their high cost, which is several times higher than the price of conventional cutting elements.

Chainsaw chains with pobedit soldering in amateur practice they are used very rarely, since they are intended for semi-professional and professional tool having good power and high torque.

The best brands of chainsaw chains

Based on reviews from the owners of these units, a rating of chains for chainsaws has been compiled. Below are the manufacturers that make the best chainsaw chains.

Stihl is a very famous Swiss brand that produces saw chains from high-strength chromium-nickel steel. They do not stretch when heated like regular ones. This is achieved through the use in production special method hot riveting. In addition, this manufacturer has patented a lubrication method - “grooves”, which are supplied to all drive links.
The company does not design chains, but manufactures them using the best patented technologies. Thanks to this, high quality products are achieved. The company also provides a wide range of services to customers, providing warranty service for its products. In addition, the company's clients have the opportunity to purchase original spare parts for mechanisms.
Oregon is a division of Blount Inc. The company is considered one of the best among companies producing saw elements for chainsaws. Oregon also produces various accessories and spare parts for instruments of other famous brands. The sawing elements of chainsaws are made of a special patented alloy, and a chromium alloy is applied to the teeth. To facilitate the sharpening process, marks are placed on the teeth indicating at what angle this operation must be performed. In addition, the chains have a system that reduces vibration and original design, thanks to which the lubricant is distributed evenly.
Carlton is a company from America. All chain elements from this manufacturer have increased hardness because they undergo shot blasting at the manufacturing stage. The cutting links have a long edge, making it possible to perform a large number of sharpenings.
Windsor. The company has patented a super-strong alloy that is highly heat-resistant and does not stretch. Windsor saw elements use stamped links and sealed rivets to ensure high reliability.
The chain is made of alloy steel with chrome-plated teeth. The latter are sharpened in a special way, and a hypoid lubricant is applied to the chain, facilitating the sawing process. The company also uses the shot-peening method in the manufacture of chains, which increases the strength of the links.

Even with the most careful use of a chainsaw, the owner will sooner or later be faced with the need to replace the saw chain. The range 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 in the instructions for use.

The guide bar and chain belong to replaceable equipment, therefore, owners of budget chainsaws are given the opportunity to choose a saw set that is more wear-resistant and durable in operation.

Photo: chainsaw chain

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

It is best to independently select a chain for a chainsaw that is optimal in terms of cost and operating parameters after consulting with an experienced specialist. The wrong choice of headset components can reduce the performance of the chainsaw or initiate its premature 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 sets from the leading brands Shtil, Husqvarna and Oregon. The unofficial rating recorded an increase in consumer demand for similar products from the Hammer and PowerSharp brands.

The standard length of a household saw bar with a power of 2-2.5 hp. is 40-45 cm. The size of high-performance professional class analogues reaches 70 cm.

The higher price level of branded tires and chains is compensated by high quality complex sawing operations, increased service life, stable performance characteristics throughout the service life assigned by the manufacturer.

Properties of wear-resistant chains for general and special purposes

The types of household and professional grade chains intended for working with wood differ in the quality of the material, service life and cost. The diamond chain, designed for working on concrete and unique in its wear resistance, belongs to the category of special rescue equipment.

One option may be a wear-resistant carbide chain. The service life between overhauls of such a product is an order of magnitude higher, but to sharpen it you need special equipment that allows you to sharpen the cutting links at different angles, respectively, for standard transverse and longitudinal sawing.

The carbide chain is designed for productive sawing of hardwood and light building blocks. It should be borne in mind that when working on aerated concrete or foam concrete, the service life of a saw set, even the most prestigious brand, is reduced by 2-3 times.

Saw chain pitch characteristics

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

The cutting sets of household chainsaws use smooth-running and safe-to-use 3/8-inch chains; the metric standard is 0.325 mm.

Analogs with an increased pitch of 0.404″ are designed to complete powerful and productive professional-level chainsaws, therefore they are practically not used in household chainsaw equipment.

Self-installation headsets with increased pitch must be consistent with the type and traction characteristics power unit.

Shank parameters

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

Chains with minimum thickness used in light, small-cube, budget-level models. In household and semi-professional chainsaws, analogues resistant to constant and variable loads, with a thickness of 1.3 to 1.6 mm, are in greater demand. Professional chainsaw equipment is equipped with reinforced chains with 2 mm shanks.

Design features

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

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

In standard, through and semi-through chains, the number of saw links is 50, 40 and 37.5 percent, respectively. 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 the chain length in inches or the number of links in the accompanying documentation. At independent purchase For any model, it is recommended to know both parameters.

Professional grade chain design features

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

A significant disadvantage of the chisel “seven” is its complexity manual sharpening, since even a slight deviation from a given angle, the main advantages of the seven profile are canceled.

Chipper links have a crescent shape. The increased contact area with the wood being cut creates additional loads on the engine. On the positive side, the design of chipper circuits is valued for its stability at high level contamination and less stringent requirements for precision finishing of cutting edges.

Types of materials

Standard saw chains are made from high-quality chromium-nickel steel. For working with dense and frozen wood, chains with carbide links are recommended. A significant disadvantage of such models is the increased cost and the need to use special sharpening equipment with corundum attachments.

Cutting depth and chain profile height

Owners should know these parameters professional models who sharpen chains by hand at home. The cutting depth is adjusted by decreasing the stop height of each cutting link.

The parameters of the low-profile and high-profile chain are 0.025 and 0.03 inches, respectively. Knowledge of profile types is necessary to correctly select the height of the limiters.

Chain models for crosscutting and longitudinal sawing

The main range of saw chains with a sharpening angle of cutting links of 25-35° is intended for standard transverse cutting of wood. Models for longitudinal sawing are present in the domestic market in minimal quantities.

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

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

How does the need to sharpen a chain manifest itself?

Blunt saw chain teeth significantly increase cutting time. The malfunction is manifested by increased vibration, reverse shocks when the headset enters the cut, ejection of small chips and a distinct smell of burnt wood.

Using a manual sharpening device mounted on the headset, cylindrical and flat files, cutting edge saw links are restored without removing the chain from the bar. A more advanced and productive way is to fine-tune the chain in a specialized workshop.

gives a significant saving in time, 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 formulaic finishing of each saw link, without taking into account its wear and other individual characteristics.

Pro recommendations for operation and maintenance of saw chains

A significant portion of the headsets in use do not fully exhaust the assigned resource.

The main reasons for forced wear:

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

Experts advise using a set of several chains, changing them as necessary. This option can take advantage of more productive mechanized sharpening.

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

How to eliminate the risks of buying a counterfeit chain?

On the domestic market there is a small but stable range of counterfeit chainsaw parts and component materials from Asia, mostly made in China.

Despite all the desire to meet the European level of quality, the technical and operational properties of Chinese copies are far from perfect, since they exhaust their service life by somewhere around 50-70%.

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

Purchasing a part from a licensed or branded store will help you avoid the risks of purchasing a Chinese counterfeit designed as a branded product.

There are several main parameters by which a chainsaw is selected, one of them is the pitch of the saw set. The pitch depends on the power of the chainsaw, and significantly affects the cutting speed.

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

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

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

Pitch 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 installation and correct work impossible.

What does the distance between teeth affect?

In a 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 correct sharpening limiter.

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

If you install a ¼-inch saw set on a powerful chainsaw, the performance will drop significantly, and the load on the engine will increase, because. the saw will run too fast and exceed the maximum permissible speed, which can ultimately lead to overheating and scuffing of the CPG.

Conversely, 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 normal cutting; of course, this will not lead to 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 further apart the adjacent cutting teeth are, the stronger the vibration during operation and the lower the cutting accuracy. For a more precise cut, you should choose a saw set with a smaller pitch. This factor needs to be taken into account by those involved in figure skating.

The chain pitch has a great influence on the so-called “rebound”. The greater the distance between the teeth, the higher the likelihood that the chainsaw will kick back.

Important! Most often, “bounce” occurs when working with the tip of the tire, for example, when making internal cuts. In this case, you need to be extremely careful, regardless of what pitch the chain is used with.

When selecting a chain, the rule is that the pitch (the distance between the teeth) is proportional to the power, but the cutting accuracy is in inverse relationship, 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, since each of them has its own characteristics and is intended for chain saws certain power. Depending on how correctly the saw set is 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. At wrong choice, the engine will experience overloads that can lead to malfunctions.

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 are 3/8-inch chains used on the Shtil 180, with a power of 1.5 kW? The answer is simple: with Shtil chainsaws, power is not the most important thing, it is of great importance maximum amount rpm The Stihl 180 produces over 13,500 rpm, making it capable of cutting with 3/8-inch saws.

For 0.404 inch, optimal power 4.5 – 5 kW.

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

How to choose

When it is necessary to select the optimal chain pitch for a chainsaw, it is best to take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations and, based on them, select the type of saw attachment.

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 selecting the thickness of the link, the type of cutting tooth, and the number of links. Productivity largely depends on the sharpening angle, depth of cut and shape of the stopper tooth. The sharper the limiting tooth, the higher the cutting speed and the lower its quality.

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

How to find out

There are several ways to find out the chain pitch:

View the pitch value on the guide bar. Manufacturers of saw sets 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.
Measure the distance between the shanks of adjacent teeth or the centers of three adjacent rivets.
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 product, by reading which you can find out not only the distance between adjacent links, but also the type of teeth, link width, and recommended file size for sharpening.

Chainsaw chain table

In conclusion of the article, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the table, which shows the technical parameters of popular models of chains for chainsaws of different power.

Conclusion

The distance between chainsaw chain links is one of the most important parameters, which in no case should be neglected. When purchasing a spare set, you need to know which pitch is suitable for the bar and sprocket installed on your chainsaw, or change the chain, bar and drive sprocket as a set.