Introduction
A chainsaw is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used for various purposes, such as cutting trees, pruning branches, harvesting firewood, and carving wood. However, to get the best performance and safety from your chainsaw, you need to use the right chain for your chainsaw and your cutting task. A chainsaw chain is composed of several parts, such as the drive links, the cutters, the tie straps, and the rivets. These parts work together to cut through the wood with a rotating motion. The chain is attached to a guide bar, which guides the chain along the wood. The chain and the bar are driven by a sprocket, which is connected to the engine of the chainsaw.
There are many types and sizes of chainsaw chains available in the market, and choosing the right one can be confusing and overwhelming. That’s why Oregon, one of the leading manufacturers of chainsaw chains and accessories, has created a comprehensive and user-friendly chainsaw chain guide to help you find the right chain for your chainsaw and your cutting needs. Oregon chainsaw chain guide provides you with information on how to identify and measure your chainsaw chain, how to select the best chain for your chainsaw and your cutting task, how to maintain and sharpen your chain, and how to troubleshoot common chain problems.
How to Identify and Measure Your Chainsaw Chain?
Before you can choose a new chain for your chainsaw, you need to know the specifications of your existing chain and your chainsaw. These specifications include the pitch, the gauge, the length, and the cutter type of your chain, as well as the size and the model of your chainsaw. You can find these specifications on the packaging or the manual of your chainsaw or your chain, or you can measure them yourself using some simple tools and methods.
- Pitch: The pitch is the distance between any three consecutive rivets on the chain, divided by two. The pitch determines the size of the chain and the sprocket. The pitch of the chain and the sprocket must match. Oregon chainsaw chains are available in four pitches: 1/4″, 3/8″ Low Profile, .325″, and 3/8″. The easiest way to determine the pitch of your chain is to look at the number stamped on the drive link of your chain. For example, if the number is 25, the pitch is 1/4″. If the number is 91, the pitch is 3/8″ Low Profile. You can also use a ruler or a caliper to measure the distance between three rivets and divide it by two.
- Gauge: The gauge is the thickness of the drive link of the chain, where it fits into the groove of the guide bar. The gauge of the chain and the bar must match. Oregon chainsaw chains are available in four gauges: .043″, .050″, .058″, and .063″. The easiest way to determine the gauge of your chain is to look at the number stamped on the drive link of your chain. For example, if the number is 43, the gauge is .043″. If the number is 50, the gauge is .050″. You can also use a gauge tool or a caliper to measure the thickness of the drive link.
- Length: The length is the number of drive links on the chain. The length of the chain must match the length of the guide bar. The easiest way to determine the length of your chain is to count the number of drive links on your chain. You can also use a tape measure or a ruler to measure the length of the chain.
- Cutter Type: The cutter type is the shape and design of the cutters on the chain, which are the teeth that cut through the wood. The cutter type affects the cutting performance and the durability of the chain. Oregon chainsaw chains are available in five cutter types: Chipper, Semi-Chisel, Chamfer-Chisel, Micro-Chisel, and Chisel. The easiest way to determine the cutter type of your chain is to look at the shape of the top plate and the side plate of the cutters. For example, if the top plate is rounded and the side plate is curved, the cutter type is Chipper. If the top plate is rounded and the side plate is straight, the cutter type is Semi-Chisel. You can also use a magnifying glass or a picture to compare the shape of the cutters.
How to Select the Best Chain for Your Chainsaw and Your Cutting Task?
Once you know the specifications of your chainsaw and your chain, you can use the Oregon chainsaw chain guide to find the best chain for your chainsaw and your cutting task. Oregon chainsaw chain guide has a user-friendly interface that allows you to search for chains by brand, model, bar length, or chain specifications. You can also browse through the different product families of Oregon chainsaw chains, which are organized by key characteristics, such as low kickback, low vibration, narrow kerf, speed, and durability. You can compare the features and benefits of each product family and choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.
To select the best chain for your chainsaw and your cutting task, you need to consider the following factors:
- The type and size of the wood you are cutting: Different types and sizes of wood require different types and sizes of chains. For example, if you are cutting softwood, such as pine or fir, you can use a chain with a smaller pitch and a smaller gauge, which will cut faster and smoother. If you are cutting hardwood, such as oak or maple, you need a chain with a larger pitch and a larger gauge, which will cut more aggressively and last longer. If you are cutting large-diameter wood, you need a chain with a longer length and a larger pitch, which will provide more cutting surface and more stability. If you are cutting small-diameter wood, you need a chain with a shorter length and a smaller pitch, which will provide more maneuverability and less weight.
- The frequency and intensity of your cutting: Different frequencies and intensities of cutting require different levels of performance and durability from your chain. For example, if you are a professional or a frequent user, who cuts for long hours and under demanding conditions, you need a chain that can withstand high temperatures, high speeds, and high impacts, such as the Oregon PowerCut or the Oregon SpeedCut chains. If you are a casual or an occasional user, who cuts for short periods and under moderate conditions, you need a chain that can provide smooth and easy cutting, such as the Oregon ControlCut or the Oregon VersaCut chains.
- The safety and comfort of your cutting: Different levels of safety and comfort of cutting depend on the design and the features of your chain. For example, if you want to reduce the risk of kickback, which is a sudden upward and backward movement of the chainsaw, you need a chain that has a low-kickback design, such as the Oregon AdvanceCut or the Oregon DuraCut chains. If you want to reduce the vibration and the noise of your chainsaw, which can cause fatigue and strain on your hands and arms, you need a chain that has a low-vibration design, such as the Oregon Micro-Lite or the Oregon Micro-Chisel chains. If you want to reduce the amount of force and the number of cuts required to cut through the wood, you need a chain that has a narrow-kerf design, such as the Oregon SpeedCut or the Oregon Micro-Lite chains.
How to Maintain and Sharpen Your Chainsaw Chain?
To keep your chainsaw chain in good condition and to extend its life span, you need to maintain and sharpen your chain regularly. A well-maintained and well-sharpened chain will provide better cutting performance and safety, as well as reduce the wear and tear on your chainsaw and your chain. Oregon chainsaw chain guide provides you with information and tips on how to maintain and sharpen your chain, as well as the tools and accessories you need for these tasks.
Some of the basic steps for maintaining and sharpening your chain are:
- Clean your chain: After each use, you should clean your chain from any dirt, dust, sap, or debris that may have accumulated on it. You can use a brush, a cloth, or a solvent to remove the dirt. You should also check your chain for any damage, such as broken or bent links, cutters, or rivets. If you find any damage, you should replace your chain as soon as possible.
- Lubricate your chain: Before each use, you should lubricate your chain with a high-quality chain oil, such as the Oregon chain oil. You can use an automatic oiler, which is a feature on most chainsaws that delivers oil to the chain and the bar automatically, or you can use a manual oiler, which is a device that you squeeze or press to deliver oil to the chain and the bar. You should also check the oil level and the oil flow regularly and adjust them as needed. Lubricating your chain will reduce the friction and the heat on your chain and your bar, as well as prevent rust and corrosion.
- Sharpen your chain: After every few hours of use, or whenever you notice a decrease in the cutting performance or an increase