How to choose a chain for a chainsaw
What is Chisel and Chipper Configuration
Sawing equipment is of two types in shape:
- The chipper link shape resembles a sickle. The performance of such a headset is low. But the advantage lies in the simple sharpening, which is done with a file. Due to the affordable sharpening of the cutting element, many people prefer the sickle-shaped links.
- The chisel shape is similar in appearance to the number 7. The corner part is pointed. It is very convenient to work with such a headset, it is distinguished by high performance. However, sharpening can be difficult.
Advantages and disadvantages
PATRIOT 91VS-45E 12 “3/8” 1.3mm 45 links.
| Number of links | 45 |
| Groove width, mm | 1.3 |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 ″ |
| Bus length | 12″ |
| Features of the | rounded cutter edges, high quality metal |
| Weight, kg | 0.17 |
| Price, rub. | 490 |
Chain Husqvarna H25 LowVib 5018404-72 18 “0.325” 1.5mm 72 links.
| Number of links | 72 |
| Groove width, mm | 1.5 |
| Chain pitch | 0.325 ″ |
| Bus length | eighteen” |
| Chainsaw parameters, engine displacement | 35-60 cm3 |
| Equipment type | professional |
| Gross weight, kg | 2 |
| Price, rub. | 1005 |
Makita 528099672 20 ″ 3/8 ″ 1.5 mm 72 links.
| Product function | saw blade |
| Number of links | 72 |
| Groove width, mm | 1.5 |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 ″ |
| Bus length | 21 ″ |
| Price, rub. | 1445 |
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a chain step by step: basic rules
The chain pitch is the distance between the centers of adjacent links. It is one of the main parameters of the chainsaw chain. In practice, the pitch is measured as the distance between the centers of the first and third rivets in a row. The pitch determines the dimensions of the link: the larger the pitch, the greater the length and width of the link. As the pitch increases, the distance between the cutting teeth increases. These circumstances lead to the fact that with an increase in the step, the productivity increases, but also the effort required when cutting increases. Thus, this parameter is directly related to the power of the chainsaw itself.
The main parameters of the chainsaw chain.
Chainsaw chains are available in five different pitch options. This parameter is usually expressed in inches, and its value is indicated on the side of any product. The following steps are used:
- 0.25 (1/4);
- 0.325;
- 0.375 (3/8);
- 0.404;
- 0.75 (3/4) inch.
For household chainsaws, chains with a pitch of 0.325 (for 3 hp chainsaws) and 0.375 (4 hp chainsaws) inches are common. The 0.404 inch pitch is used in professional chainsaws with at least 5.5 hp. Pitch 0.25 and 0.75 inches are currently used extremely rarely.
The choice of chain step by step is determined by the purpose of the chainsaw. If you plan on sawing small wood products (beams, light logs, etc.) or trimming branches and limbs, a 0.325 ” cutting element is recommended.
Choice by depth of cut
The depth of cut (depth of cut) is an important characteristic of a chainsaw that determines its performance. The cutting depth is determined by the parameters of the cutting tool, i.e. the height of the chain tooth profile. Increasing the tooth height increases the depth of cut in one pass, which increases the cutting speed. It should be borne in mind that an increase in the height of the tooth reduces its strength characteristics and requires an increase in effort when sawing wood.
Saw chain structure.
In a conventional chainsaw chain, such a characteristic as the tooth height is determined by the profile and parameters of the cutting depth limiter, which is installed on any working tooth. In a new circuit, this parameter is set by the manufacturer. The consumer can change the height of the tooth by grinding the stopper, but this operation should be treated with caution.
The chains are serially produced with two tooth profile heights. 0.635 mm and 0.762 mm. The chain with a lower tooth height is called low-profile, the second is called high-profile. For household chainsaws, low-profile ones are mainly used. Chainsaws with high-profile chains require increased effort and vibration during operation. To reduce the impact of negative factors, you can use an alternative approach. for high-profile links, the pitch of the links is reduced, and for low-profile links, vice versa.
Taking into account the thickness of the tail
The next important parameter in order to choose a chain for a chainsaw is the thickness of the tail, which determines the thickness of the elements and the width of the entire drive link. This characteristic is directly related to the dimensions of the groove on the bar of the chainsaw for pulling the chain. Naturally, when choosing a new copy according to the size of the tail, you need to check whether it fits into the groove of the tire.
Saw chain design.
This parameter itself determines the strength of the chain, its quality, reliability and the ability to ensure the cutting process under heavy loads. Variants with five tail sizes are available. 1.1; 1.3; 1.5; 1.6 and 2 mm. The narrowest chain for a chainsaw with a tail thickness of 1.1 mm is used for miniature household chainsaws of low power. Small-sized specimens with such links are not able to withstand significant loads when sawing.
The most common tool for domestic purposes is a tool that uses links with a 1.3 mm ponytail. Their capabilities are expanding and they can be used at a semi-professional level. In terms of quality and reliability, they fully meet the basic requirements for household chainsaws. Chains with a tail thickness of 1.5-1.6 mm are widely used in professional chainsaws with their frequent and prolonged use. The 2 mm ponytail chain is only suitable for powerful high performance tools.
Sequence of links
In any high quality standard chain, all cutting links have two tails. Typically, cutting teeth are made from high strength materials and will largely determine the overall cost. Despite the high cost, it is better to choose a chain based on its quality. At the same time, options should be considered that reduce the cost of the tool, especially if the chainsaw is rarely used.
In order to reduce the cost of chains, they can be made with skipping or half-skipping cutting links. With a half-pass, additional connecting links are installed in every second pair of cutting teeth. If skipped, additional links are installed after each cutting tooth. In a standard chain, the number of cutting teeth is 50% of all tails, in a half-pass. 40% and with a pass. 37.5%. Naturally, the load on the cutting teeth increases, and they fail much faster.
Selection by link type
Chainsaws for professionals use many specific forms of chain working elements. The main ones that have found widespread use are chisel and chippel types. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, but can be successfully used in chainsaws and most often in household.
The cross-section of a chisel-type link is shaped like a number 7. Experience with such chains shows that they provide high productivity and high-quality sawing of wood. With such a profile, the working section of the link has a straight surface, which allows it to evenly penetrate into the material being cut. The disadvantages of chisel options include the complexity of sharpening. Even small deviations from the specified profile angles significantly reduce the cutting ability. In addition, during operation, closed areas arise, which become a reservoir of dust and dirt.
Chainsaw Performance Comparison Chart.
The cross-section of a chip-type link is shaped like a sickle. The working area of the link has no pronounced corners. they are rounded. Due to this, the total area of the working area increases, which leads to an increase in loads during sawing and somewhat reduces the functional capabilities of the cutting element. At the same time, the chippel type gains advantages when sharpening teeth, since it does not require strict adherence to dimensions and angles, and also does not have the disadvantage associated with the accumulation of dirt and dust, which is important when working with wood.
Choice by type of sawing
For the final solution of the issue, the type of sawing should be taken into account. In general, wood can be cut transversely or along the grain, and the mechanism of these cuts is different from each other. In this regard, for different types of sawing, it is advisable to use a cutting element of different shapes. Accordingly, it is customary to distinguish between two types. longitudinal and transverse.
Chain types differ in the angle of sharpening of the cutting link. For the transverse type, the sharpening angle is smaller than for the longitudinal type. So, the sharpening angle for cross-cut is 25-35 °, and for longitudinal. 5-15 °. The value of this parameter is applied (marked) to the surface of the cutting teeth. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the value of the angle depends on the type of wood and its density.
Chainsaw Chain Types Explained
How to choose the right chain for a chainsaw?
The chain is the most important part of any chainsaw. It is she who perceives most of the loads, and therefore wears out faster. Very often, the question of how long a chainsaw will last is how to choose a chain for a chainsaw.
Chainsaw circuit diagram.
Many people believe that the performance of a chainsaw depends entirely on its power. But this is far from the case. Performance depends more on which chain is selected for the chainsaw. It is she who can determine both the quality and the cutting speed. Inconsistency of the parameters of the leading elements of the saw can make the tool practically inoperative.
Trouble with a leading star
Sometimes chain slack is due to drive sprocket problems. The most common situation is when it is poorly secured. Step-by-step algorithm to twist the asterisk:
- Remove the engine cover.
- Remove the air filter and unscrew the candle, putting in its place a special stopper to fix the piston in an immovable position.
- Using the angle grinder wrench, turn the clutch disc clockwise to the highest position. Check the tightness of the sprocket, adjust its position. Figure 3. the driving star on the chainsaw
After tightening, reassemble the chainsaw, be sure to put on the protective cover. When assembling, check that the chain fits snugly on the bar.
How to put a chain on a chainsaw correctly: instructions, recommendations, basic methods
The chain is an important element in the construction of a chainsaw. It is she who has the greatest load during work, so high-quality and systemic care is required. When using any model, it is important to know how to put on the chain correctly, to monitor its tension. If it is not secured correctly, there is a risk of stretching and coming out of the grooves. Reduced saw performance and increased risk of injury at high power.
- Why did the chain fly off?
- Loose tire
- The chain is stretched
- Trouble with a leading star
- How to properly put a chain on a chainsaw?
- How to install a bar with a chain on a chainsaw?
- Fitting the tire on Stihl and Husqvarna
- Chain tension
The chain is stretched
Any functional changes in the chain lead to a decrease in the productivity of the tool, injuries during operation.
It should be regularly monitored so that there is no deformation of the metal and stretching of more than 1 cm.
If this problem still occurs, you need to purchase a new chain or correct the old one.
Disconnect the chain links on the machine or fix it in a vice, file off the rivets and knock them out with a bit (it is not recommended to use an angle grinder).
Remove 1-2 links depending on the chain stretch. After that, put all the elements in place, insert the rivet and beat it off with a hammer, use a special rivet tool. For reliability, it is recommended to use a welding machine. At the end of the work, grind off excess and burrs with a thin file.
Why did the chain fly off?
There are several reasons why the chain can fly off during operation. This may be due to improper tire operation or insufficient tire tension. The problem sometimes appears even with an insufficiently secured drive and driven sprocket. Determination of the cause allows you to accurately select the required repair, tools.
Fitting the tire on Stihl and Husqvarna
Chainsaw models from the manufacturer Stihl may differ during the assembly process. Step by step guide:
- Open the wing nut, remove the chain sprocket cover. Turn it on the tire all the way to the right.
- Place the chain on the bar, starting from the top, the cutting tooth on the top side must point straight ahead.
- Attach the assembled tire to the chainsaw, pull the structure over the sprocket. Slide the guide onto the shoulder bolt. Close the cover by placing the pins in the holes provided by the manufacturer.
- Turn wing nut until sprocket cover contacts motor housing.
- Turn the clamping bolt forward, the drive links should fit into the grooves in the bar. Tighten the wing nut completely.
At the end of work, check the tension, if the headset does not move well, adjust the tension with a nut. Engage the chain brake before starting.
The Husqvarna saw chain installation algorithm is almost identical. The main difference is that in most models, the tension and adjustment of the position of the headset to the body is controlled not by one, but by two wing nuts. There is rarely a separate adjustment lever on the outer sprocket guard, so the tension should be adjusted using bolts only.
Important! Before starting to work with the chainsaw, you should carefully study the owner’s manual. It describes in detail all the stages of setting up and assembling the instrument.
How to install a bar with a chain on a chainsaw?
Often, problems in the operation of a chainsaw arise when the tire is incorrectly installed. This can be determined by the characteristic rattling, vibration and low performance of the saw during operation. The tire is fastened to the body between the outer plate, fixing is carried out with a special bolt.
Popularly referred to as the “engine assembly”, this part consists of a drive sprocket and locking bolts. It is not difficult to install the tire together with the saw. you need to remove all protective covers, unscrew the fixing bolts by a third of the length and put the headset. Then tighten all the nuts tightly, turn the tensioner with a special lever.
How to properly put a chain on a chainsaw?
In most chainsaw models, the chain is easy to put on the tire by unscrewing the main screw, then the links must be placed on the drive sprocket. Before starting work, the general condition of all cutting surfaces and the guide groove and setting wheel should be inspected. Often, dirt and small chips accumulate in it, which will subsequently lead to planned repairs, deterioration of sliding. Step-by-step algorithm of work:
How To Buy The Proper Chain For A Chainsaw. Video
- Loosen the screws securing the sprocket protection cover, usually it is tightened with a wing nut.
- Turn the tensioning sprocket to the right until it stops.
- Place links on the headset starting at the top. Drink so that they fall into the corresponding grooves.
- Fasten back the chain sprocket mount, tighten the nut. The guides must fall into a special chute.
- Release the chain brake, pull the chain along the mowing line to check the tension. Tighten the tensioner lever if necessary. Figure 4. Installing the chain on the chainsaw
The setting wheel should turn freely after installing the chainsaw chain. At the end of the work, it is imperative to lubricate all moving parts of the tool to avoid rapid wear.
Important! Installation of the headset should only be carried out with heavy protective gloves. This will protect you from injury and cuts from the sharp edges of the cutting edge of the teeth.
Loose tire
When the chain tension is reduced, the problem is often accompanied by a weakening of the tire itself. To check its condition, you need to inspect the place between the top plate on the headset casing and the inner surface on the case. When the locking bolts are loosened, the bar begins to move, which can be seen by the characteristic vibration during sawing. For frequent use, it is recommended to tighten the bolts regularly.
Figure 1. Loose tire
If you decide to tighten the tire yourself, then you need to find and lower the chain brake. Turn the tension screw so that the chain fits snugly into the grooves. After that, pull back the chain in the direction of travel, if it is too tight, loosen the screw.
Important! Tire loosening is observed in both professional and household chainsaws. If the tool is used intensively, check the tension before each start.
Chain size
This parameter always depends on the size of the tire fitted to the machine. If you accidentally buy a chain that is smaller than your bar, you will not be able to put it on. If this element is larger than the size of the tire, you will not be able to tighten it. Both options prevent the use of inappropriate chain sizes. They are usually indicated in inches and have the following meanings: 10 “, 12”, 13 “, 14”, 15 “, 16”, 18 “and above.
The chain length is determined by the number of links. Links are connecting links that fit into the groove of the tire, not cutting teeth. When buying, you can specify to the seller either the length of the part in inches, or the number of links included in its composition. Some manufacturers, instead of the length, indicate exactly the number of links in the saw unit. As a rule, this number does not depend in any way on the thickness of the tail, the step and the height of the profile. For example, a low-profile chain with a drive link thickness of 1.3 mm can consist of 72 links, 56 links or any other number of links.
Types of chains for chainsaws
Those who are faced with sawing wood know that it can be cut either along the grain or across. Based on this, different types of chains are produced for chainsaws: for transverse or longitudinal cutting of wood. In both cases, the difference in material resistance will be significantly different. For rip sawing, the teeth are sharpened at an angle of 5 to 15 °. Cross cutting requires sharpening the tool at an angle of 25-35 °. The figure below shows how the angle of sharpening of the teeth is determined.
The type of sawing element can be recognized from the markings on it, in addition, the sharpening angle is determined visually.
Rip sawing chains are rarely used because it is much easier to dissolve the workpiece on a circular. Due to low demand, manufacturers of this tool are not particularly involved in improving it, and it is rather difficult to find a rip saw chain on the market. Most chainsaw buyers choose a cross-cut tool, and it is the most popular among both professionals and DIYers. But, before choosing a chain for a chainsaw, you should study the main parameters that affect the performance and quality of the tool.
Which chain is better to put on a chainsaw
The chain is the key element of any chainsaw. The quality and speed of work when sawing wood depends on the type of cutting tool installed on the unit. For novice users of chainsaws, choosing a saw chain seems to be a difficult process, since you need to know what types of this part are, its characteristics, etc. This article will cover the main factors to consider in order to choose a good chainsaw chain.
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. Tires of the following sizes are often used: 11 “, 12”, 13 “, 14”, 15 “, 16”, 18 “, 20”, 21 “, 22”.
For simple jobs such as delimbing, cutting thin boards, you can use the smaller 11 ”or 13” tires. The chain on such tires accelerates to high speeds, which has a good effect on performance. Tire sizes between 14-16 inches are considered the most versatile. In addition to using the unit as a lopper, the chainsaw can be used when harvesting firewood (sawing thin logs). To cut a thick log, use 18-22 ”tires. They are usually used on semi-professional and more powerful, professional chainsaws.
It is not necessary to install a tire of a larger size than indicated in the passport for the unit, since this will inevitably lead to an increase in the load on the engine and, as a consequence, its rapid wear.
The order of the cutting links
In most cases, the order of placement of cutting elements can be of three types.
- With a pass. A connecting link is inserted after each cutting tooth.
- With a half-pass. A connecting link is installed between each pair of cutting links.
- Standard. Each cutting tooth is secured with two connecting links.
Cutting links are the main components of a saw chain and are expensive due to a complex manufacturing process. Manufacturers, by changing the order of the cutting teeth, reduce their number and thereby reduce the cost of the 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 locksmith and turning tools are made from pobedit, and it is also applied to the 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 Pobedit brazed chains significantly exceeds the service life of standard cutting elements. Tungsten carbide chains are used for sawing frozen and hard wood, and for emergency rescue operations when you need to quickly cut reinforced concrete or regular concrete.
The disadvantages of carbide chains include their high cost, which is several times higher than the price of conventional cutting elements.
Chains for chainsaws with victorious soldering are very rarely used in amateur practice, since they are designed for semi-professional and professional tools with good power and high torque.
Step 0.404
Saws with such a pitch are installed only on professional units with a power of at least 5.5 hp. With a saw with a pitch of 0.404 inches, you can cut trees of any thickness, and the units for this cutting element have a large torque, which greatly facilitates the work of a person.
It is important to know that the pitch of the chain always corresponds to the pitch of the sprockets, both driven and driven. 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 the chain on the chainsaw with a pitch of 3/8. Before installing a chain with a different pitch, you need to purchase a complete kit, including both the bar and both sprockets: the master and the follower.
In addition to the above steps, there are two more: these are 1⁄4 (0.25) inch and 3⁄4 (0.75) inch. Saws with such a pitch are not very popular, both among professionals and DIYers.
0.325 inch pitch
This is the minimum step value, but the most common nonetheless. Saw blades with this step are usually installed on amateur and semi-professional machines with low power. in the range of 3-3.5 hp. This is enough to easily cut branches, cut thin trees, and carry out minor construction work. 0.325 inch chain runs smoothly without vibration, tearing wood, overloading the engine or fatiguing the operator.