The Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Chainsaw Chain

The Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Chainsaw Chain

Summary

When you're shopping for chainsaw chain, it's helpful to know how the types of chainsaw chains differ. Below we explain how the different chainsaw chains work so you can make an informed decision.

The Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Chainsaw Chain
Chainsaw chain
Chainsaw chain is one of the most valuable and low-effort tools used by farmers, gardeners, and homeowners. As a result, more people than ever are using these very popular tools, and the chainsaw market is expected to grow by more than 5% over the next five years.

At some stage, every chainsaw owner will need to replace their chainsaw chain. However, with so many different chainsaw chains to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your application.

Choosing the best chainsaw chain for the cut you're making can make a huge difference. The heart of a chainsaw may be the engine, but the chain is just as vital to cutting wood efficiently and safely.

Whenever you're shopping for chainsaw chain, it's helpful to know how there are different types of chainsaw chains. In this guide, we'll explain how the different chains on your chainsaw work so you can make an informed decision.

Chainsaw Chain Basics

Before we look at the different types of chainsaw chains, let's take a look at the basic components of a chainsaw chain.

All chainsaw chains have drive links at the bottom. These need to fit snugly into the grooves on the guide bar to keep the chain connected. When the engine turns the sprocket, the drive link transfers that force to the chain and causes it to spin.

Straps are rectangular chain sections riveted to the drive links. They create gaps in the chain, which are essential for removing wood chips during cutting.

At the top of the chain is a series of depth gauges and knives. The depth gauge controls the movement of the tool. The incisors are the part of the chain that penetrates the wood and come in many shapes and sizes.

Chainsaw Chain Cutter Types

Every chainsaw chain can be classified according to its blade type. It is important to understand how different knives work because they are designed for different applications. Always clearly indicate the type of knife on the saw chain packaging.

1. Thin Tools

This type of chainsaw chain is an excellent choice for the beginner or amateur chainsaw enthusiast. They are the safest chain cutters to use and the easiest to sharpen.

Another advantage is that they don't need to be sharpened as often as other types of knives. You can use thin knives equally effectively on hardwoods and softwoods. They also work with any chainsaw.

2. Square (Full Chisel)

These cutting teeth have a square profile and are often used by professional chainsaw operators. They are designed for larger chainsaws with at least a 45cc engine. You can use a full chisel chain to cut hardwood trees such as blue gum and red gum. However, they tend to dull quickly and require experience to sharpen properly.

3. Round (Semi-Chisel)

If you mainly cut softwood trees like pine or fir, circular tooth chains are the best choice for you. You can use them on chainsaws that are smaller and less powerful than square teeth.

Round teeth are easy to sharpen, you will need to sharpen them regularly, especially if you are using them on hardwoods. Half-chiseled chains are safer to use than full-chiseled chains.

Chain Arrangement

The size of the chainsaw engine and the length of the arbor determine which chain arrangement is best for your chainsaw. The more teeth there are on the chain, the more power is required to keep the chain moving fast.

By reducing the number of teeth on the long bars, it puts less stress on the engine and keeps the chain moving fast. The disadvantage is that there are fewer teeth and the cutting will not be so smooth.

1. Full Complement/Standard Chain

These chains have the most cutting teeth with only one tie between each cutting chain pitch. They produce the smoothest cuts and are often used for milling wood.

You should only use full chain on bars that are 24" or shorter. This will give you the fastest and smoothest shortcut cutting experience.

2.Full Skip/Skip Tooth Chain

If you are cutting large diameter trees with poles longer than 32 inches, it is best to use full chain. There are two ties between each cutter to reduce stress on the engine and keep the chain moving quickly.

The full skip chain also provides more room for wood chips to move during cutting. The only downside is that the cut is rougher than a standard chain.

3. Semi Skip

In this configuration, the chain alternates between one and two lacing between the cutting teeth. This makes it suitable for 24 to 32 inch rebar.

The extra space between the teeth allows the shavings to move out of the cut while having more teeth than a full skip chain. This makes it ideal for cutting medium-sized hardwoods.

Criteria to Consider When Buying a Chainsaw Chain

1. Guide Bar Length

Chainsaws come in a variety of bar lengths measured in inches. Therefore, when shopping for a new chainsaw chain, it is crucial to choose the correct size chain for your saw blade.

2. Drive Link Count

Knowing how many drive links your chain requires is critical to finding the right length of chain for your handlebars. Some bars are wider than others but are the same length. The number of drive links required is printed on each strip.

3. Chain Pitch

The pitch of the new chain needs to match the pitch of the guide bars and drive sprockets. Chain pitch is the distance between drive chain links, calculated by measuring the distance between three rivets and dividing by two. This information can also be found on your guide bar or chainsaw manual.

4. Chain Gauge

This is the thickness of the drive link. It needs to precisely match the thickness of the groove on the guide rod. Choosing the correct chain gauge will help reduce vibration. You can also find this information on the guide bar.

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