Types Of Chainsaw Chains
The chain is an important part of any chainsaw. Various chainsaw chains can be found on the market, depending on the purpose of cutting. They mainly cut various timber, wood pulp, firewood, tree possessing, and hardwood. Separate chains can be used for slow and fast cuts.
After a few days of using a chainsaw, the chain can become quite worn. This must be replaced to ensure the safety of the chainsaw. Replacing the chain is a daunting task if you do not know how it is done. Even with the chainsaws, not all chains are kept balanced. Therefore, you need to know which chainsaw is the best option for you. This article will look at various types of chainsaw chains and their benefits and uses.
Various types of chainsaw chains with their benefit and uses
- Full skip chain
A full skip chain is the best for cutting. It comes with lees teeth and a bar, 24 inches long. Although we believe that the more teeth a chainsaw has, the better it cuts, this is not always so. This chain is speedy and fast, and its design helps you cut a lot of woods quickly.
The relative thing between smoothness and speed is that the higher the speed, the less smoothness. But cutting speed is a priority when it comes to cutting wood, logs, and timbers. Therefore, smoothness is not an important factor. And this is where the full skip chain comes to be the best.
The bar of the chain is wide and long. So, before going to this chain, you need to have a chainsaw, which is long. This is because it can easily hold both a long chain and a long bar.
- Semi-skip chain
By reading the name, we know that this chainsaw chain is between the standard and the full skip. Its teeth are found between the cutters. Even though it can cut wooden blocks, it cannot penetrate like a full skip chain. It is ideal for casual and professional use. Being efficient and effective at one can produce a uniform and more balanced cut. And it is also safe to use.
- Standard chain
A standard chain is also known as a full house chain. Typically, this chain cannot be replaced if you want a soft cut. It has more teeth compared to any other chain in the market. This is why it’s possible to get a smooth cut. They almost look like the full skip chain with a long bar and chain. Typically, the bar guide is approximately 24 inches. So, if you need a moderately even cut and long-lasting efficiency, it’s a good idea to use this chain.
- Low profile chain
A low profile chain is the type of chainsaw chain found on the average chainsaws for owners who only do medium to small-sized jobs. This includes chopping wood for the fire or keeping small trees in the garden for work. The low profile chain has low teeth with a rounded radius. It is lighter than most of the chains and tends to sharpen well. Also, it is known for being low-vibration and low-rebound.
- Semi chisel chain
The semi chisel chain teeth have rounded corners and are ideal for cutting tree stumps, dirty wood, hardwood, frozen wood, and dry wood. The round radius and the edge of the grid make this chain easily sharpened with a file. Semi chisel chain is ideal for cutting softwood and can stay sharp longer than other chains.
- Full chisel chain
This chainsaw chain has square teeth and a grind profile, ideal for cutting clean softwood or hardwood. It has a higher kickback risk because it does not have the safety chain elements. This chain becomes dull faster than the semi chisel chain, which requires more sharpening. A full chisel chain cuts accurately and quickly and is often the choice of felling businesses and professional arborists.
- Ripping chain
The ripping chain is a special type of chainsaw chain where the low angle cutting teeth is set at a 10-degree angle instead of the more common 25 to 35-degree setting. This chain cuts parallel to wood grain. The ripping chain is a semi-chisel, which gives a very even cut, and that is why it is commonly found in sawmills, where it is used to make timber planks and boards.
- Square ground chain
It is a special type of chainsaw chain often used by professionals and requires very precise alignment of the corners and filing. This chain cuts quickly and can be difficult to sharpen. Essentially, the best results are achieved with an electric sharpener, a flat hand file, or a triangular file.
- Carbide chainsaw chain
The chainsaw user can choose to use the carbide chainsaw chain instead of the regular chain. Typically, there are some reasons why the carbide chain may be better: it is stronger, safer, and lasts longer.
Carbide chains are silver solder, specially designed teeth, and hard carbide. This chain is designed for demanding cutting work, like rescue or demolition work. The Carbide chain is also suitable for cutting woods and can take 5 to 10 minutes longer than normal metal chains.
Factors to consider when looking for the best chainsaw chains
- Pitch
The pitch of the chainsaw chains varies in size. It is a crucial factor in its ease of use. The rod, sprocket, and cord must be in the same pitch. Generally, thicker and longer chainsaw chains correspond to the larger pitch sizes. Is there a formula to measure a pitch? You need to calculate the distance between the first and third rivulet then to the last. Then the value obtained is divided by two. Typically, the result is the pitch of the chainsaw chain. 0.325″ or 3/8″ is the standard pitch.
- Gauge
In addition to the pitch, the gauge is another factor to consider when looking for the best chainsaw chain. The gauge is the compatibility factor where a guide bar angle and the gauge must be the same. The gauge is the width of the chainsaw chain’s drive links.
If you want to know the gauge of the chainsaw chain blade, check for some marks from the manufacturer’s manual. Typically, the gauge must be chosen very carefully. If it is very tight, you can connect it to the chainsaw chain. Likewise, if it is very wide, it will fall off because of insufficient adhesion.
FAQ
Is it worth sharpening the chainsaw chain?
Sharpening the chainsaw chain can take some time, so it is crucial to know if sharpening a chainsaw chain is worth it. Chainsaw users who use it regularly need to re-sharpen or replace their chains regularly. Chains can become dull for various reasons, from heavy use to heavy logging to a collision with stones or other hard objects.
For the chain to last, it needs to be sharpened. Typically, this can be done by a professional or at home. Tools like a grinder, a Dremel, or hand files can sharpen the chains. If you can do it yourself, paying somebody or just changing the chain depends on how much money and time you’re willing to spend. If professionally sharpened, the cost of a 72-inch chainsaw chain is about $10-20.
What do the numbers on the chainsaw chain mean?
The numbers on the chainsaw chain indicate the pitch and gauge. Manufacturers use this to create their identification codes. These important measurements check the pitch and gauge of chainsaw chains. Since the pitch can be used to measure the length or duration of any straight rivulet on a chain, 0.325″ or ⅜” is the standard pitch chain. And the gauge determines the size of the bar hole that is crucial to fit. Many gauges are 0.063, 0.050, and 0.058, best suited for a penny, quarterly, and dime fits.
How long does the chainsaw chain last?
The chainsaw chain can last a long time if sharpened. At some point, it will have to be replaced. The chainsaw chain needs a replacement because it is worn out, dull, twisted, or loose. A chain is sharpened by running it against the wheel, removing burs and burrs from the loops, and restoring a sharp edge.
A normal chainsaw chain can go for 5 to 10 years with reasonably regular use. The professional chainsaw operators (tree trimmers, forestry) must first change their chains. Nevertheless, some chains can go for decades if not used very frequently and not breaking. Essentially, the chainsaw chain has no fixed lifespan. If the chain hits a hard object like rocks, concrete, or ice, it may break and need to be replaced.
Conclusion
The most powerful tool you can have in your house is a chainsaw. Typically, it is used for cutting wood or other objects smoothly and quickly. The fastest cutting chainsaw chain can be the best bet, so you need to make sure you use the right type of chain. In the article, we have covered different types of chainsaw chains with their benefits and uses. It would also be helpful to choose the one that meets your needs.
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