How to choose the right chain for a chainsaw. Which chain is better to put on a chainsaw How to measure a chain for a chainsaw

Household, semi-professional and professional hand-held chainsaw equipment, regardless of cost and performance characteristics has an identical design. A cutting set, which includes a chainsaw bar, and belongs to the category of replaceable equipment.

The decision on which tire to put on a chainsaw is made by the owner, taking into account many factors. First and foremost is compatibility. seat and lubricant supply channels in work area, engine power, specifics of the work ahead.

Specific assistance in independent choice tires can provide recommendations from experienced specialists or information on instructions for use.

In particular, a long saw set is preferable for felling and sawing trees large diameter, short - for crowning trees and preparing for installation of construction timber.

In the standard solution, the longitudinal chainsaw bar is a part made of high-quality steel with an elongated oval configuration.

At one end there are holes for threaded fasteners, at the other end of the long tires a driven sprocket is installed. This arrangement of the tire contributes to the smooth running of the chain and reduces the load on the engine.

There is a groove along the perimeter of the bar into which the saw chain shanks are inserted. Through special drillings for cooling and lubrication of the headset, chain oil is supplied to the working area in measured quantities.

Dimensional characteristics

The guide groove of the chainsaw bar of a household category has a width of 1.1 or 1.3 mm. The same figure for professional models is 1.5-1.6 mm. A discrepancy between the thickness of the chain shank and the width of the groove can initiate overheating of the headset and its premature failure. In another embodiment, the chain may come out of the groove or break.

Similar consequences can occur if the pitch of the chain and the crown of the drive mechanism do not match. In many chainsaw models, replacing the drive sprocket involves time-consuming dismantling of the clutch assembly. In some cases, service and repair level equipment is required.

The most popular sprocket and saw chain pitch for saws up to 3 hp. - 0.325 inches. Professional chainsaw equipment typically uses 3/8-inch pitches.

The driven tire sprocket is not centrally lubricated. This disadvantage is compensated high quality bearing, which must be lubricated every 8-10 hours of operation. A complete replacement of the driven tire sprocket is possible only in an equipped workshop.

Criteria for choosing a tire based on quality characteristics

Tires standardized in seat sizes are presented in a small assortment. As a rule, each manufacturer uses its own standards, which excludes the possibility of operating a chainsaw with sawing equipment from other brands.

• The selling price of guide bars is determined by the size, quality of the material and brand recognition. The most expensive, high-quality and durable products from leading manufacturers.
• The high cost of branded tires is fully compensated by their high wear resistance and long service life.
• In the middle price range there is an assortment of budget-level tires that are equipped with gas and electric saws of the household class. With proper operation and qualified maintenance, Standard category tires exceed the service life specified by the manufacturer.

Less popular are cheap, short-lived tires made in China, which are installed on chainsaws in the minimum price range. A significant part of such products is sold under the trademarks of well-known brands.

How to eliminate the possible risks of purchasing counterfeit tires?

The information field contains signs by which it is easy to distinguish an original branded chainsaw from the most reliable fake. As for tires, their advantages and disadvantages manifest themselves directly in operation.

On the domestic market household appliances about 15% of the total sales volume of chainsaw components is of unknown origin, third-rate counterfeit, producing a standard resource in best case scenario half.

Operating a chainsaw complete with a fake bar and chain is economically unprofitable and unsafe. A significant number of traumatic situations are created when using counterfeit tires and chains.

Buy a high-quality and durable branded tire the desired model, without significant risks, you can at a branded outlet or a representative office of a licensed dealer company. If this is not possible, you should use the services of a reputable online store that has earned the trust of customers.

Leaders in consumer demand

In progress natural selection The first lines of sales ratings were occupied by products from leading European and Asian manufacturers of chainsaw equipment. Maximum demand for components brands Shtil, Husqvarna, Makita, and several others.

Design features of household and professional tires

The design of modern saw sets is constantly being improved. As a result of partial modernization, the so-called narrow tire was developed.

Structurally, such models are distinguished by the shape of the tip, which prevents kickback when the headset enters the cut. Domestic-grade chainsaw equipment is mostly equipped with narrow tires. Wide toe is characteristic feature tires designed for sawing work of increased complexity, as well as professional category chainsaws.

Selecting the bus length based on drive power

The length of the new guide bar is determined by the power and torque coefficient of the power unit.

• Models of chainsaws in the small and medium power range are equipped with tires with a length of 30 to 40 cm.
• Longer saw sets create excessive loads on the engine and kinematics of the tool, which negatively affect its traction characteristics and service life.
• Please see the enclosed instruction manual for the recommended length of the guide bar. This means that installing a shorter headset is not excluded, but there are a number of restrictions on the operation of the instrument with an extended length bus.

Professional-level chainsaw equipment is equipped with power units, the power of which allows you to take advantage of tires up to 75 cm long. Often, the tire size in centimeters and inches is marked on its side plane.

Recommendations for extending service life

The approximate service life of a branded tire is equal to the total service life of 3 high-quality saw chains; the drive sprocket varies depending on its condition. Experts recommend using a set of several circuits.

This method allows you to reduce the loss of working time, which is spent on periodic work, as well as optimize the wear of the saw mechanism as a whole. Accelerated tire wear is a consequence of unqualified maintenance of the chainsaw and its illiterate operation.

The main factors for early tire failure:

• initiating the rapid development of the groove and shanks by excessive or discrepancy between its pitch and the characteristics of the drive sprocket crown;
• applying significant force when sawing hard or frozen wood;
• the tire heats up and wears out intensively due to lack of lubricant supply, due to a malfunction or incorrect adjustment of the standard oil pump;
• saving money on the use of low-quality or oil surrogates such as processing.

Forced consumption of the saw set resource occurs when soil or sand gets into it, or when a new chain operates on a worn drive sprocket.

Installing the bar and chain

The tire is dismantled to clean the oil line, check its technical condition, or replace it. The operating sequence is described in the operating instructions. Upon completion of installation, ensure that there is no play and that the threaded fasteners are tight.

If you have certain skills, it only takes a few minutes to dismantle and install a new or sharpened chain. The technology requires the inclusion of an unauthorized start blocker and, in some cases, an emergency stop mechanism.

• Depending on the design of the tensioner, the chain is loosened to the desired extent by rotating the adjusting screw or setting disk until the shanks freely exit the groove of the guide bar.
• After checking the direction of rotation, the shanks of the new chain are inserted into the guide groove and onto the crown of the drive sprocket. Tensioning is done in the reverse order.
• To check the degree of tension, simply pull the chain in the middle of the bar. The extension of the link shank in this place should not exceed 2/3 of its height. A properly tensioned chain should move along the bar with little effort.

After installing and adjusting the saw set, it is advisable to start the engine and keep the saw at medium speed for several minutes. During this time, you can check the operation of the lubrication system.

After turning off the power unit, it is necessary to turn on the start lock and check the headset for local overheating of the tire and changes in the degree of chain tension.

Causes of uneven cuts

In amateur chainsaw practice, many questions arise related to the cutting going in one direction or another. This malfunction creates significant inconvenience when using a chainsaw in technologies wood construction.

The reason for this phenomenon is the deformation of the tire, which is hardly noticeable to the eye, improper sharpening or uneven wear of the cutting links of the chain. If professional chain finishing positive result did not work, the problem is eliminated by replacing the entire set.

When choosing a chain for a saw, you need to be prepared, because it is important not only that the cutting equipment is theoretically suitable, but also that it is correctly selected in the context of future work.

– we will tell and demonstrate in this article. You will learn about such nuances as part length, the concept of "chain pitch", chain replacement situations, as well as the working relationship with the drive sprocket. The choice of cutting equipment such as a chain should also be compared with another component of the saw set - the bar. How to do this for Partner, Stihl, Husqvarna saws - we will tell the owners of household and professional mechanisms.

Looking ahead, it is worth mentioning the use of high-quality oil to lubricate the gear, which plays an important role in its performance properties. And when replacing, you need to consider the working condition of the tensioner and other parts of the tool complex associated with it. KoshiKosa will be happy to help you with your choice and teach you to recognize when the chain has become dull and it’s time to replace it with a new one, and you can always choose any copy in our catalog of spare parts and accessories.

Which chainsaw chain to choose So, we have already said that the chain needs to be changed when it is worn out, or when it bursts from overload, that is, in the absence performance qualities details. We emphasize that the drive sprocket changes along with the chain, and the saw bar changes approximately once during the period of use of five chains. Which chainsaw chain to choose

• – advice from KosiKosa specialists:
• We count the number of leading links in the old chain. You can find out a more accurate parameter if you count the internal elements. This will be more correct than counting external ones. pay attention to the pitch of the chainsaw chain. The pitch determines the length of the drive link and is usually measured in inches. You can find out the chain pitch from the instructions for the chainsaw or by looking at the information on from the previous gear. The pitch of the chain must correspond to the pitch on the drive sprocket and tire - it is in this characteristic that the first important relationship of the elements appears, their general state when choosing cutting gear.
• determine the thickness of the chain groove. In the technical information for the chain proposed in the catalogue, you can find the term “cut thickness” or “width of the leading link”. Must match the thickness of the groove on the guide rail, measured in mm.

We specifically offer different terminology regarding characteristics when choosing a chain, because different manufacturers, implementers can call the same characteristic differently. To navigate, the owner of the saw must know everything. A few clarifications when choosing a chain for Shtil or Husqvarna saws, since these are the most typical samples:

• if the step in the instructions or in the characteristics of the future tackle is offered to you in a format, for example, 3/8 or 9.32 mm, then this is the distance between the first and third connecting rivets.
• chain thickness - it is also the thickness of the guide links that are located on inside gear and slide along the groove of the tire when the chainsaw is in operation;
• “chain length” is much more common than the number of leading links, but we describe all situations for a perfectly accurate choice. So, the length of the chain is determined by the length of the tire itself.

Regarding popular models, “native” chains are suitable for Stihl saws, that is, the same Stihl or from the Oregon brand. Popular shtilev chains - with a sharp tooth for highly productive sawing without impurities and dirt, only clean wood. At the same time, the friction force decreases, but if the operator even accidentally allows sand or earth to get on the chain, it quickly becomes dull. For slightly dirty wood, it is better to use a chain with a semicircular tooth. This type glides better over lightly soiled areas.

Oregon chains are also optimally used for sawing medium types of dirt. They differ in the shape, size of the teeth, and the presence of rivets, which reduce vibration. In Shtilev chains, this function is performed by an acute-angled tooth. Chains for semi-professional saws already use a chain pitch of 325, for example, Husqvarna 137/142 models, Stihl MS 280. professional step 3/8, and the thickness of the groove (guide tooth) is 1.6 mm. The teeth are also sharp and semicircular.

There is also a class of circuits with Pobedit soldering. They are used mainly by special services, because they are ready to cut not only pure wood, but also wood mixed with other materials, bricks and others. Sharpening of these chains takes place on special machines using diamond wheels. KoshiKosa is pleased to offer all types of existing cutting gear, and you can independently select the chain you need based on its parameters.

All about choosing a chain from KosiKosa specialists

Choosing a chain for a chainsaw– the task is not simple, but not difficult either, if you follow our advice. Do not overestimate the potential of gas-powered tools, but order cutting equipment that is native to it. It is important to pay attention to certain nuances of chains, which are not always mentioned in the manufacturer’s instructions, but we will tell you.

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. The best chain for a chainsaw is the model recommended by the instructions for use.

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

The desire to increase the performance of the saw by installing a longer headset can only be realized if the engine has 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. Incorrect choice components of the headset 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.

Standard length household saw tires 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 the high quality of complex sawing work, increased service life, and 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 repairs of such a product is an order of magnitude higher, but to sharpen it you need special equipment, allowing you to sharpen the cutting links under different angles, respectively for standard transverse and for rip 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.

Analogues 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 of the 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 a minimum thickness are 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 for sawing work 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.

The chipper links are crescent shaped. 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 of professional models who sharpen chains by hand at home should know these parameters. 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 minimal quantities on the domestic market.

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 fault appears increased vibration, back kicks when the headset enters the cut, the emission of small chips and the obvious smell of burnt wood.

Using a manual sharpening device mounted on the headset, cylindrical and flat files, the cutting edge of the saw links is restored without removing the chain from the bar. A more 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. In a negative sense, a patterned finishing of each saw link is noted, 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 drive sprocket wear;
• 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 an emergency stop brake and a safety device, the operation of worn-out parts is characterized by an increased risk of injury.

How to eliminate the risks of buying a 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 lack of to a certain extent offset 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 company store will help you avoid the risks of buying a Chinese counterfeit designed as a branded product.

The chain can be called the main working element of a chainsaw. It is she who has to “take the brunt of the blow” and for this reason inevitable natural wear and tear occurs. Some people believe that the power of a saw determines its performance, but this is an erroneous judgment. After all, thanks to the right saw, you can achieve high productivity, as it affects the cutting speed and quality. The most popular and high-quality chainsaws are brands such as Shtil, Husqvarna, Champion, Goodluck, shown in the photo. How to choose a chain for a particular brand of saw?

Rules for selecting a chain by pitch

An important parameter by which you need to choose a chain for a chainsaw is the pitch distance between the centers of the nearest links. Exact size The chain pitch corresponds to the distance between the center of the first and third rivets. The greater the width and length of the link, the wider the step and, accordingly, the greater the distance between the teeth. The larger the chain pitch, the greater the productivity, but at the same time energy costs increase and more power is required.

The marking is indicated on the product in units of measurement - inches and has only five meanings:

1. 0.25 or one quarter;
2. 0,325;
3. 0.375 or three eighths;
4. 0,404;
5. 0.75 or three quarters.

The extreme step sizes of this line are practically not used. For professional 5.5 horsepower chainsaws, a pitch of 0.404 inches is the most suitable option. For domestic use, the optimal pitch for chainsaws with a power of three horsepower– this is 0.325 (for non-fat people) wooden materials), and with four horsepower - 0.375 inches.

Rules for choosing a chain based on tail thickness

The determining issue in choosing a chain will also be the thickness of the tail. You should pay special attention to this parameter so as not to make a mistake in matching it to the groove of the saw bar for pulling the chain. Therefore, in order to choose the right one, you need to try the chain on the chainsaw.

This parameter characterizes the strength and quality of the product and ensures durability. There are five options for chain tail sizes: 1.1; 1.3; 1.5; 1.6; 2 millimeters. For household needs, a chain with a thickness of 1.3 mm is suitable, and for professional work– 1.5;1.6mm.

Depth of cut - features

The depth of cut or cut depends on the height of the chain tooth. Thus, as the tooth height increases, the depth of cut increases and, accordingly, the cutting speed increases. However, the strength characteristics of the material are reduced.

The chains have two tooth profile heights:

• Low profile -0.635mm for domestic purposes;

• High profile -0.762mm for professional purposes.

Chain length

The length of the chain is recorded in the product passport and directly depends on the power and size of the chainsaw. Quantity cutting teeth depends on the pitch of the links and the length of the chain, that is, the selection of these values ​​occurs in aggregate. Household saws are no different long length chains.

Types of links

The working elements of the chain in professional saws have a wide variety of shapes. At the same time, the most popular types are chippel and chisel.

Chippel type links have a crescent shape in cross section. Due to the rounding, the working area of ​​the cutting element increases, and the loads during the sawing process increase. This type of links is very convenient for sharpening; there is no risk of debris accumulation.

Chisel type links in cross section have the shape of a seven. Thanks to this, good and fast cutting of wooden materials occurs. Due to its angular shape, this type of link is difficult to sharpen. During operation, “dead” inaccessible zones appear in the corners, in which dirt and dust accumulate.

Location of links

On a standard high-quality chain, each cutting link has two tails. The material from which the working element of the chainsaw is assembled, in the best option, is very durable. For this reason, the cost of a good chain cannot be low. However, there are quite cheap varieties that have half-missing or missing links. When the owner of the saw does not use it often, this option may be suitable.

Types of cuts

At the final stage of choosing a chain, it is worth focusing on the types of cuts. The material can be cut along and across the fibers; the shape of the cutting element, which can be longitudinal or transverse, depends on this. They also differ from each other in the sharpening angle. For the first type, this angle ranges from five to fifteen degrees, and for the second type - twenty-five, thirty-five degrees.

In order not to make a mistake and choose an excellent chain, there are proven and high-quality brands Shtil, Husqvarna, Champion, Goodluck, which correspond to the required chainsaw model. Below is a video that will help you choose the right chain.

Having a chainsaw on the farm simplifies and speeds up a large number of repair and construction processes.

The chainsaw chain is important element this tool. And given that it is the one that most often needs to be replaced or sharpened, it is important to know how to choose a chain for a chainsaw.

Chain design feature

This canvas contains the following parts:

• cutting;
• presenter;
• link connector.

The most difficult element is the cutting element. The operating principle of this link is similar to a plane. If the top edge extends further, the chips will be thick.

The chainsaw teeth themselves are located at a certain angle. So, the tooth must bite into the wood and cut off the chips. If you are sharpening a chain, it is extremely important to maintain the base angle of each tooth.


If we talk about the drive links, they transmit the necessary rotation to the cutting element from the engine. Energy transfer is carried out through a special sprocket.

In its design, an important role is played by the intake and distribution of lubricant throughout the entire blade. By means of connecting links, the cutting and driving links are connected into one whole.

Circuit markings

Before deciding which chain to choose for your chainsaw, you need to pay attention to its markings. The main parameter is the step. Pitch refers to the distance from adjacent teeth on the chain.

Important! Today chains of different markings in this regard are produced. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to look at the data sheet, which indicates the scope of use of the chain.

An important fact is that a large number of professional and semi-professional chainsaws are able to work immediately on different types chains. Therefore, when choosing this tool, give preference to just such chainsaws. As a result, it will be easier for you to select the necessary cutting element.

Here are a few examples of how the tooth pitch is selected in relation to the power of the chainsaw:

1. Step 0.325. The perfect solution for devices with power up to 3.5 l/s. This type of chain is optimal for cutting small knots and the like.
2. Step 0.375. Optimal for units with a capacity of 4 l/s. This step is effective for working with thin wood. Often used in semi-professional installations.
3. Step 0.404. Used for powerful units, more than 5 l/s.