Everything you need to know about chainsaw chain pitch to work effectively. chainsaw chain pitch what chain pitch 3 8

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

The concept of a step and its meaning

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

There is a reasonable pattern that says that the greater the distance between the cutting teeth of the chain, the deeper they enter the sawn material. By increasing the pitch of the chainsaw chain, you can increase its performance. In this case, the force for rotating the drive sprocket changes accordingly. It is required to understand that the higher the pitch, the more force must be applied to pull it while cutting the material and the greater the engine power should be.

Modern gasoline saw manufacturers use three main types of saw chains with the following pitch values, measured in inches:

0.325;
0.375 (marking 3/8 is used in the classification);
0.404.

The quality and accuracy of the created cut in the material depends on the chain pitch. If the quality of cutting when working with a chainsaw is not of global importance, then the accuracy of the cut is sometimes important when dissolving logs or boards, for this you need to take into account the dependence of the saw pitch on the dissolution of wood according to given markings.

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

Back to index

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

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

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

Critical Power Indicators gasoline engines, rotating drive:

step 0.325” - power not less than 1.8 hp (1.47 kW);
step 3/8” - power not less than 3 hp (2.21 kW);
pitch 0.404” - power not less than 4.5 hp (3.31 kW).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back to index

Dependence of the pitch on the additional characteristics of saw chains

During the movement of the chain and the cutting of wood, very high loads act on it, in connection with this, an important characteristic is the thickness of the link element that enters the groove of the tire and slides in it. This value also indicates the thickness of the fastening elements of the links. You can measure it with an ordinary caliper.

Typical guide element thicknesses:

1.1mm;
1.3 mm;
1.5 mm;
1.6 mm;
2.0 mm.

Thicknesses of 1.1 and 1.3 mm are used for the manufacture of chains entry level designed for minor work. Most often, the stride length at these values is 0.325”, which implies a gentle mode and low loads.

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

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

All manufactured chains may differ in the depth of cut. It is characterized by the height of the cutting tooth (profile). The height is measured between the top flange of the cutting edge and the stop (all on the same segment). There are low profile and high profile chain products.

The higher the profile, the higher the entry into the wood and, accordingly, the sawing speed. The height of the profile affects the occurrence of vibrations, which can cause increased wear on the drive or the problem of holding the tool in your hands, the higher the cutting part, the stronger the vibrations will be. Also, a high-profile chain requires increased engine power.

Household chainsaws always have a low profile chain. Professional devices combine different variants, but always adhere to the fact that if the chain is with a large pitch, then its profile is low, and if the pitch is 0.325, the profile is made high.

Such variations make it possible to increase the cutting speed not in increments, but in the height of the profile (depth of cut). However, most professional felling tools focus on increasing the pitch rather than the height of the profile, arguing that the chainsaw in this version is more controllable.

Back to index

Some important points when choosing chains or chainsaws

There are other indicators that affect the performance of the tool and the specifics of the work.

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

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

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

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

Back to index

When purchasing a tool, you need to clearly understand the scope of its use and, depending on this, determine the desired chain step.

Chain links: a - cutting or cutter, b - locking.

Conditional types of use of chainsaws by private users:

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

In the first option, a chainsaw is recommended that has a chain with a small (0.325”) pitch. This will allow you to get a light and maneuverable tool, easy to cut branches, including climbing ladders and tree branches. This equipment allows you to carry out simple dissolution of wood, and occasionally it is allowed to fell small trees.

The second option involves choosing a saw with a 3/8” pitch and a guide link thickness of at least 1.5 mm. Such saws make it easy to carry out the entire range of maintenance work on the site, a small workshop, and to prepare a supply of firewood for the winter.

The third option suggests using 3/8 and 0.404” chains paired with a powerful motor, as the list of work performed is only for professional tools, while it is important to consider the thickness of the guide link, it should be 1.6 or 2.0 mm. Steel for the manufacture of such chains is made taking into account possible overheating during the dissolution of wood without loss of hardness of the cutting edges of the links.

Interchangeability of chains is allowed only for the step size provided by the manufacturer. This is explained by the number of teeth of the drive sprocket, which is calculated only for a certain distance between the links. The chainsaw tire has a groove for a certain thickness of the guides, this should be taken into account when changing the chain.

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

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

In some situations, owners of chainsaws may experience some confusion in understanding all the chain marking symbols 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 also, according to the standards, must correspond to the engine power level. How are chains marked? Let's find out!

Step and its dimensions

A step is an intermediate distance between three rivets that are located side by side. For the correct calculation of the chain pitch, it is necessary to 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 of two teeth in relation to each other;

S - the value of the gap between the two extreme rivets of the three.

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

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

By increasing the chain pitch, 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 pitch of the chain, the greater the power of the engines should be and the more physical forces are expended for its pulling 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 indicated as an ordinary number (3/4) and decimal - "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 choosing a saw. Therefore, at one time it was decided to establish two different designations: decimal and common fractions.

The step is stamped in the area of the special cut depth limiter on each tooth.

The advantages of chains with a large pitch include:

high level performance due to wide kerf;
the ability to perform complex work (felling large trees).

But it should be noted that a wide cut requires the use of more powerful engine, which in turn greatly increases the resistance.

The advantages of small pitch chains are:

low level vibrations;
smooth movements when cutting;
cut cleanliness.

Benefits are achieved through a large number teeth and a small distance between them.

The entire known classification of circuits is based on the features of their marking depending on the step, which is designed for certain needs and is produced for a specific power of electrical equipment. For a better understanding of each type of step, they should be considered separately.

Basic circuit parameters

The application of the chain marking suggests the presence the following options:

Step:

"0.325"- the most common and minimum step size, 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 “3hp”, but not higher than “3.5hp”. When working with this type of chain, the cut is smoother, more comfortable, without “gusts” of the workpieces.
"0.375" ("3/8")- applied to chainsaws with a power of "4hp". This chain is used for sawing wood of medium and small thickness.

The accuracy and quality of the created cut depends on the step value. In cases where it is not important to achieve high quality when working with a chainsaw, sometimes the accuracy of the cut is of particular importance. 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 accounts for most of all the loads. Given this, another main characteristic of the saw is the thickness of the elements of the link, which enters the grooves of the tire. This parameter also determines the total 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 that are designed to carry out small amounts of work. Often, with such values of the thickness of the links, the length of the chain pitch can be “0.325”, which implies the presence of low loads and a gentle operation. 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 accessories for them. This value is able to ensure safe operation with a step size of "3/8". Chain with a thickness of 1.5 mm is not intended for cutting professional level;
"1.6 mm" (0.063) and "2.0 mm" (0.08)- Designed for the toughest jobs. The metal in the manufacture of such chains is steel of special grades, and the characteristics of increased strength are laid in the design.

The greater the thickness of the link and the wider the groove of the tire, the better the chainsaw is considered, since it is able to withstand heavy loads.

Cutting depth- is distinctive feature produced chains and is characterized by the height of the profile of the cutting teeth. It is measured by the gap between the limiters 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 greater the height of the profile, the higher the entry into the material (depth) and the sawing speed

High profile chains are installed on chainsaws with increased engine power. Information about the height of the profile, as a rule, is written in the characteristics of the tool.

The profile affects the occurrence of vibrations, which subsequently cause wear of the drive or problems when holding the tool in your hands. In this case, the higher the cutting parts, the stronger the degree of vibration.

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

In a chain with a large step, a low profile is set, and with a step of "0.325" - a high one

Such variations increase the cutting speed not due to the step, but due to a change in the depth or height of the profile. Although in professional tools the emphasis is on increasing the step, explaining that the chainsaw becomes more manageable.

Geometry of cutting teeth A profile can be of two main types:

chipper (popularly "sickle")- has a crescent shape and is characterized by high performance. During operation, it is easier to sharpen and does not require observance of clear sharpening angles. Disadvantage: risk of high loads and deterioration of cutting performance;
chisel (popularly "seven")- has a working surface of a straight shape in the form of the number "7". They are used in chains with a pitch of "0.404" or "3/8" on professional saws. Main disadvantage chisel links - the difficulty of sharpening 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. In chainsaws good production two guide links in the cutting part of the tool must be combined.
Type of sharpening links- directly depends on the type of future work. Classic types of chainsaws are mainly used for cross cutting trees and are rarely used for longitudinal cutting. Taking into account the resistance of the tree in both cases, the chains can use a different angle of placement of the links. On construction counters you can now find chains with the following types cutting links:

longitudinal type of chain - involves sawing a tree along its fibers. The cutting angle reaches 5-15 degrees.
transverse type - the cut is carried out across. The cutting angle in the chains is 25-35 degrees.

Chain length depends on parameters and specifications the chainsaw itself: power, dimensions, etc. With a standard or normalized chain tension, its length is most often indicated in the passport.
Link order - the sequence of links can be different:

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

Why skip links in the chain? In the chains themselves, the most valuable is the quality of the cutting links, since they are made using special technologies and have a higher cost, unlike connecting links. If it is impossible to shorten the chain, the only option to reduce the cost of the chain is to skip the cutting elements. In operation, chains with skipped links show reduced performance and wear out quickly.

In general, wanting to purchase a tool for sawing wood with maximum efficiency, do not be too lazy to additionally study the marking of chains for chainsaws, which is also indicated in the instructions for the tool.

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

What is chain pitch and how is it determined?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chainsaw power depending on the chain pitch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Relationship between chain pitch and chain thickness

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

1.1mm
1.3mm
1.5mm
1.6mm
2.0mm

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

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

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

Additional Circuit Options

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

tooth shape
number of links
sharpening angle

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

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

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

Choosing a chain depending on the work ahead

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

All work can be divided into three areas:

tending the garden, a little firewood, small works Location on;
wood construction, large-scale firewood harvesting, infrequent felling of trees;
daily professional operation associated with felling trees or significant volumes of firewood.

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

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

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

From the foregoing, it becomes clear that putting inappropriate types of chains on chainsaws is not worth it. Even if you put in a suitable drive sprocket and tire (and these parameters will also be different for chains of different pitch and thickness), the chainsaw will either be overloaded if you put a chain with a large pitch and high profile on a low-powered model, or it will not use all its opportunities if you put a chain with a fine pitch or low profile on a powerful saw. In this case, it will simply burn gasoline in vain.

Summarize

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What affects the distance between the teeth

AT saw chain, the distance between the cutting teeth directly affects its performance. The more the deeper cutting edge can cut into 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 put a ¼ inch saw set on a powerful chainsaw, then productivity will drop significantly, and the load on the engine will increase, because. the saw will run over and exceed the maximum allowable speed, which can ultimately lead to overheating and scuffing of the CPG.

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

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

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

Important! Most often, "bounce" occurs when working with the tip of the bar, for example, when making internal cuts. In this case, you need to be extremely careful, regardless of the step with which the chain is used.

When choosing a chain, the rule is that the pitch (the distance between the teeth) is proportional to the power, but the cutting accuracy is inversely related, i.e. the greater the distance, the lower the accuracy.

3/8 or 0.325 which is better and why

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

The optimal power indicators for 0.325 inches are 1.8-2 kW. It is for this reason that chains with this pitch are used on the Husqvarna 142/137 chainsaw.

For parameter 3/8, a tool with a power of up to 3 kW is required. In this case, the question arises why 3/8 inch chains are used on Stihl 180, with a power of 1.5 kW. The answer is simple: for Stihl chainsaws, power is not the most important thing, great importance It has maximum amount revolutions. The Stihl 180 produces more than 13500 rpm, due to which it is able to cut with a 3/8-inch headset.

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

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

How to choose

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

Important! When choosing, do not forget that the distance between the links is not the only parameter that you need to pay attention to.

It is also worth choosing the thickness of the link, the type of cutting tooth, the number of links. Productivity is largely dependent on the angle of sharpening, the depth of cut and the shape of the limiter tooth. The sharper the limiting tooth, the higher the cutting speed, and the lower its quality.

Below we offer to watch a video about choosing a chainsaw chain pitch. The video tells and shows how to determine it, for which chainsaws, which chain pitch to use.

How to find out

There are several ways to find out the chain pitch:

View the pitch value on the guide bar. Manufacturers of a saw set must indicate the length of the bar, the width of the groove and the pitch of the driven sprocket on the shank of the saw blade.
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 products, after reading which you can find out not only the distance between adjacent links, but also the type of teeth, link width, recommended file size for sharpening.

Chainsaw table

In conclusion of the article, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the table, which indicates technical specifications popular models of chains for chainsaws of different capacities.

Conclusion

The distance between chainsaw chain links is one of the most important parameters which should never be neglected. When buying a spare headset, you need to know what pitch is suitable for the bar and sprocket installed on your chainsaw, or change the chain, bar and drive sprocket as a set.