Chains used on chain saws come in a wide variety of lengths, types, and features.

When you must replace your existing chain, you need to know the size of the chain your saw can use. You might think you simply need to know the length of the chain but there is more to it than that.   If you have the right measurement information, a replacement can be determined quickly.  Without the information, it can take a bit longer because there are a few variables that must be measured to determine the correct replacement chain.

Once the correct size of chain has been determined, then the type of chain must still be selected.   For example, one parameter that would normally be selected is an anti-kickback safety chain.  But for some experienced users, they may want a non safety chain.

To determine the correct chain for your saw, there are three numbers that must be figured out.  Pitch, Gauge and the number of drive links.

The Pitch parameter is the distance between any three rivits.  Measure this number and then divide by two, to determine the Pitch.  For example, if the center to center distance between three rivits equals 3/4 of one inch, or .750 inches, then the Pitch is .750 / 2 = .375  And .375 converted back to a fraction is 3/8, thus you now know this chain is a 3/8's chain.  The usual sizes are 1/4", .325", 3/8" and .404".

The Gauge is another important number.  This is the width of the driver which is the part that sits down in the groove of the chain bar.  If the driver is too narrow, it can jump out of the bar easily.  If it is too wide and happens to fit into the channel in the bar, it will have too much drag and cause other problems.   Assuming the bar is not bent or damaged and the drivers on the chain are not nicked or damaged, the drivers should travel smoothly without slop in the chain bar channel.

The gauge of a driver must be accurately measured with calipers.  If you do not have this kind of tool, the best thing to do is to have us measure this for you.  This is something that places like a multi-product lumber store is not likely to have someone with experience that can do this for you.  Common sizes for the driver gauge are .043", .050", .058", and .063 with the most common size being .050.

In all cases, it is best if you bring your old chain into our store.  It would be a good idea to have your entire chain saw with  you too, in case we need to look at it to determine additional information.   In many cases, we will have a chain on the shelf.  If not, we may be avble to put one together for you from scratch.  

For existing chains that are still in good shape, we can sharpen these for you for very little cost @ $5 a chain or $7.50 if still mounted on your saw.  This service is done on Tuesdays and Fridays before we open for regular business.  So if you want a chain sharpened on Tuesday, you need to get it in our hands by at least the day before.  Otherwise if you bring a chain in during business hours on Tuesday for example, your chain will be sharpened on Friday.

We can also examine your chain bar and recommend if we should service it or tell you what a replacement would cost.  Usually bars are ok but they can wear down and can bent.  These can lead to dangerous situations so always examine, or have us examine  your bar to make sure it is as safe as it can be.


For more information about new chain saws, please visit our web site at http://www.raganequipment.com/pages/Brochures/CategoryList/152?year=2012