3/8 or 0.325 which is better and why
Determine which parameter is better and which. no worse, since each of them has its own characteristics and is designed for chain saws of a certain power. Depending on how correctly the saw head is selected, the performance of the tool will have different characteristics. If the headset is selected normally, in other words, the distance between the links corresponds to the recommended power, then the performance of the chainsaw will be greatest. If selected incorrectly, the motor will be overloaded, which may cause damage.
Rational power specifications for 0.325-in. 1.8-2 kW. For this reason, chains with this pitch are used on the Husqvarna 142/137 chainsaw.
For parameter 3/8 you need a tool with a power of up to three kW. In this case, the question arises why the Stihl 100 eighty with a power of 1.5 kW uses 3/8-inch chains. The answer is simple: power for Stihl chainsaws. This is not the most important thing, the greatest number of revolutions is of great importance. The Stihl 100 eighty delivers over thirteen thousand 500 rpm, so it can cut with a 3/8" headset.
For 0.404 inches the best power is 4.5. 5 kW.
important! The indicated power values and the slope of the chain are not necessarily the same; the user himself has the right to choose the characteristics of the headset that he plans to use on the chainsaw.
How to choose
In this case, when you need to choose the best chain pitch for a chainsaw, it is better to take into account the manufacturer’s advice and, based on them, select the type of saw attachment.
If the manufacturer’s advice is not known, then you need to choose in accordance with the motor power. We have provided recommended values corresponding to a certain step a little higher.
It is also worth choosing the thickness of the link, the type of cutting tooth, and the number of links. Performance in almost everything depends on the sharpening angle, depth of cut and shape of the stop tooth. The sharper the holding tooth, the higher the cutting speed and the lower its quality.
Below we would like to suggest that you familiarize yourself with the choice of chain saw chain. He knows and indicates how to find it, for which chainsaws, which chain step to use.
Saw chain parameters
Chains for chainsaws are usually divided according to the following parameters:
- The pitch or distance between adjacent three rivets.
- Landing link width.
- Number of links.
- Type of cutting teeth.
The headset parameters combine various combinations, which determine the final results, quality and cutting speed.
For example, a headset may have the following parameters: pitch 3/8, length 52 links, groove width 1.3 mm, chipper type of cutting tooth. An experienced specialist, having assessed the data, will say that it is designed for longitudinal cutting and has average performance and returns. Chains of this type can be installed on household chainsaws, because... they are more versatile.
What does the distance between teeth affect?
In a saw chain, the distance between the cutting teeth specifically affects its performance. Moreover, the deeper the cutting edge can cut into wood, provided the stop is properly sharpened.
Accordingly, on more massive chainsaws it is permissible to install the headset at a large distance between adjacent links and vice versa.
If you put a ¼" headset on a strong chainsaw, the performance will decrease significantly, and the load on the engine will increase, since the saw will work at a speed that exceeds the permissible speed, which can ultimately lead to overheating and beating of the CNG.
On the contrary, installing a chain with a huge pitch on a weak chainsaw will lead to the fact that the power of the saw will not be enough for normal cutting. Naturally, this will not entail severe consequences, as in the first case, but it is not comfortable to work with such equipment.
Also, the quality and accuracy of the cut depends on the distance between the links. The further apart the adjacent cutting teeth are, the stronger the vibration during operation and the lower the cutting accuracy. For a clearer cut, choose a close head with the smallest pitch. This factor should be taken into account by those who engage in figured wood carving with a chainsaw.
Chain pitch has a huge impact on what is called “rebound.” The greater the distance between the teeth, the greater the chance of the chainsaw jumping off.
When choosing a chain, the rule is that the pitch (the distance between the teeth) is proportional to the power, but the accuracy of cutting back is related, in other words, the greater the distance, the less accuracy.
Types of chains for chainsaws
First, you should understand the types of chains for chainsaws before you start choosing them.
The types of saw sets are as follows:
- household;
- semi-professional;
- prof.
Not only the quality and material used, but also other characteristics of the chain depend on the design features. In your choice, you need to rely more on the properties of the chainsaw. Otherwise, an incorrectly selected saw set can place a very heavy load on the engine and the owner will soon need to make a complete repair.
Saw chains come in the following types:
- Chipper ones are universal. They are used in everyday life and personal construction. They are also chosen for sawing logs into planks by the craftsman. Typically, the latter install them on LOGOSOL type sawmills. Having the correct sharpening angle (approximately 10°) allows the chains to cut quickly along the wood grain, which is why they are especially valuable in sawmills.
- Chisels - show themselves well in cross section. More often used by specialists. The chisel chain copes well with cutting across. But when sawing lengthwise, it is less effective than chipper, even with proper sharpening.
READ Carburetor Adjustment Keys for Husqvarna 240 Chainsaw
The differences between chains lie in the types of teeth, which, depending on their shape, can have a significant impact on the possible performance characteristics.
There is also a separate type of chains for chainsaws, they are called special. These saw sets have a special purpose - working with concrete, aerated concrete, or carrying out rescue operations. The design of the teeth is also different, but most importantly, the difference is in the materials used. You can saw concrete slabs without much effort using a Pobedit-tipped chain. But they are not cheap. So for an ordinary tradesman, purchasing them may simply be impractical.
The base of most standard chains is chromium-nickel steel. To work with hard wood or frozen wood with sufficient density, it is useful to choose the option with carbide links. The highest price of which is their main drawback. And in order to sharpen them correctly, you will need equipment equipped with corundum attachments.
How to find out
There are several methods to find out the chain pitch:
- See the tone value on the guide panel. Saw attachment manufacturers must specify the bar length, groove width, and driven sprocket pitch on the saw's shank.
- Determine the distance between the shanks of adjacent teeth or the centers of 3 adjacent rivets.
- A method that works for chains in original packaging. This is to familiarize yourself with the circuit features on the box.
The branded packaging of Stihl chains contains comprehensive information about the product, by reading which you can find out not only the distance between adjacent links, but also the type of teeth, link width, and recommended file size for sharpening.
How to count the teeth on a chainsaw chain
OREGON is a large manufacturer and one of the main innovators in the field of saw chains. We believe that for a perfectly completed job, it is important not only the quality of the tool, but also its competent selection. Let's take a look at what you first need to pay attention to in this matter in order to make a choice that will meet your needs.
This is the distance between the axes of 3 adjacent rivets, divided by two. It should match the pitch on the saw's drive sprocket and the sprocket at the nose of the bar.
Pitch is measured in inches, the most common values are:
“325 is one of the most popular options, often installed on household and semi-professional saws of low and medium power; 3/8 – comes with a low profile for the most common lightweight saws and just 3/8 for massive professional saws; “404 – used on professional saws with a power of more than 5.5 liters. p., it is not economically feasible to install on low-power saws.
READ How to Disassemble a Handheld Circular Saw
To choose the right chain for a chainsaw, taking this factor into account, just read the annotation - it will indicate what pitch it is designed for. Apart from some professional models, most saws are designed for one specific step.
They ensure the movement of the chain along the bar due to the clutch with the saw drive sprocket. They measure the length of the chain: it is equal to the number of leading links in the ring. To find it, just fold the ring in half, count the pairs of leading links and double the total. Also on the leading links there is a marking by which you can find the series of the product.
Measured at the shank of the drive link running inside the bar groove and should correspond to the thickness of the bar groove.
They are specifically responsible for cutting wood. They differ in shape, sharpening angle and width of chrome. In most cases, the following types are used: Chisel (chisel, super). The most brutal type of link, cuts quickly, but requires frequent sharpening and wears out faster; Get a chisel. Cutting is smoother, sharpening is required noticeably less often.
They retain lubrication and are responsible for the strength of the product.
Additional OREGON Engineering Solutions
Vibe-Ban – reduces vibration, increases operator safety and speeds up cutting. LubriWell – improves the distribution of lubricant along the length of the groove on the guide bar. LubriLink – increases connecting links and maintains lubrication. Witness Mark – simplifies the service. Its marks indicate the best sharpening angle for the horizontal edge of the cutter. Available on all chisel chains.
The number ninety-one represents a series of low-profile 3/8 pitch chains with a 1.3mm drive link width from OREGON. This is the most needed series from OREGON; its sales cover 70% of the market.
91P is the most popular economical option, with a minimum of engineering functions; 91VXL – premium class, impeccable price-performance ratio (armed with all the above-mentioned special engineering solutions); Multicut – designed to work in abrasive environments; SpeedCut (with a narrow cut) - a new product in two thousand and seventeen, characterized by increased cutting speed and smoothness; PowerSharp is a unique self-sharpening option, an innovative development from OREGON. Currently used, first, in conjunction with the heavy-duty 15-amp chain saw CS1500 from OREGON - the world's only electric saw with a self-sharpening function.
Often, when buying a chain, buyers ask, for example, “a chain for a 30 5 cm bar” or “a chain for 20 5 teeth.” The request, frankly speaking, is incorrect and here’s why. To choose the right saw chain, you need to accurately find its characteristics.
Bicycle chain length: how to determine and select the optimal one?
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- Basic sizing methods
- How to learn about different types of bicycles?
- How to find out how many links are in a chain?
- Main selection criteria
Bicycle chain. links connected one after another with pins. It is designed to transmit torque. Efficiency can reach 98%. When installing a new chain on a bicycle, it is usually necessary to correctly calculate its length or number of links. A short chain can cause problems when moving to larger sprockets. The chain is too long. the sprockets will sag and jump off on their own.
How to find out how many links there are in a chain?
There are two ways to count the number of links.
- Count all the external links together with the lock, and then multiply by 2. You can, of course, count the internal links, but this is not very logical.
- Count all the pins (their number should correspond to the number of links).
For singlespeed (single speed bicycle)
To select the length of a bicycle chain for a single speed or a bicycle equipped with a planetary hub, it is necessary to install the latter in the frame suspension (dropout) so that in the future, like a tensioned bicycle chain, it can be transferred back.
Attention! When replacing a factory chain with a new one, you must count the links in the factory sample. In the new chain, if necessary, you should leave them in the same number as the original.
Basic sizing methods
There are two key methods for determining such a parameter as chain length.
- The most important. install it on the large sprocket in the transmission system, while you need to place it on the small sprocket in the rear sprocket system (also called the rear cassette). Then you need to run it through the rear dealer (that's the name of the switch). Once this job is complete, tighten it until the shaft that runs through the center of the rear derailleur shafts is in a vertical position. If the chain has been properly tensioned and it turns out to be longer, a certain number of extra links are formed on the connection section at the two ends. They can be easily removed while adjusting the chain length to suit your own bike.
- The next method actually mirrors the sequence of steps of the previous method. That is, install the chain on the smallest sprocket in the transmission system and the same sprocket in the rear sprocket system. In this case, there should be a slight tension on the chain, that is, the bicycle chain should not become loose. It follows that unnecessary links may also remain in the joint area, which must be removed.
It should also be noted that when determining the optimal length of a bicycle chain, you can simultaneously practice the first and second methods. If both versions contain the same number of unnecessary links, this means that you can safely delete them.
When the number is different, it is worth double-checking, since perhaps an error was made in some of the options. If you remove the wrong number of links, you run the risk of creating a chain that is too long or too short. In such situations, riding two-wheelers is risky and the reliability of the bicycle chain will be significantly reduced.
Types of motorcycle chains depending on the type of oil seals.
Probably the fact that there are O-ring, X-ring and Z-ring chains for motorcycles, and that these same O-ring, X-ring and Z-ring are types of chain roller seals, everyone knows.
The most interesting thing is that it doesn’t end there, almost every major manufacturer of motorcycle chains has its own developments, all sorts of W-ring, VX, etc., which they promote as the most technologically advanced, longest-lived and, of course, the most expensive!
