The writing on the bar

[logmason]

Trying to learn more about this husq 51 and 55 to help me select chain. Local shop stopped carrying the brand I liked.

I know what some of it means but not all.

Bar says

sna 18/45 058-1.5 506
325 72 dl made in Norway
0
4
0

[mike_belben]

18" bar
.325 pitch
72 drive links
.058 gauge

The rest dont matter

[Air Lad]

Trying to learn more about this husq 51 and 55 to help me select chain. Local shop stopped carrying the brand I liked.

I know what some of it means but not all.

Bar says

sna 18/45 058-1.5 506
325 72 dl made in Norway
0
4
0

A handy site to compare different brands codes for chains
Sorry no link
Just Google   Frawleys Saw Shop
Cheers

[Old Greenhorn]

The Oregon chain selector page is somewhat useful also. The .325 is the pitch between links, the gauge is the width of the chain that lays in the bar groove, number of drive links is pretty standard for each given bar length. You MUST have the same pitch to match both the bar tip AND the drive sprocket, the gauge Must match the bar groove. Once you have that, you can select the tooth form you want and there are a lot of options. We all have our preference. Mine is full chisel, square ground, no skip. Your mileage will most certainly vary.

[logmason]

You guys are helpful, thanks.
Here is another on a Stihl 034

oregon 183sl gd025
.063/1.6 325 74
516865 sp

I'm guessing this means,
063 gauge and the mm conversion is 1.6
.325 pitch
74 drivers

My question.
Can I buy one spool of chain that will run on both these I have listed? Probably not.

Do shops carry all these different gauges, or were they selling me chains that "fit"?

[thecfarm]

Any shop shop should be able to get what you want. If not,try another shop. ;)  I like Stihl chains. I went to one,he did not have it in stock,but ordered it for me.

[Mad Professor]

You won't get loops to fit both saws as they have different # of drive links and are different gauge/bar groove width. 

As mentioned a good shop should be able to order or make you loops.  If nothing nearby can be found online.

You also need to consider what type of cutting teeth you want, and if you want "safety chain" .  Safety chain is generally for inexperienced users and the cutting teeth depend on what you will be cutting

 Regardless avoid cheap/low quality chains.

Keep asking questions someone here will help you out.........

[logmason]

I figured that was the answer, but know there is way more experience on here than I have. Thanks. The thought of feeding three saws with one spool was appealing. I'll buy some more loops for now.

Carlton chisel was my favorite, guy I bought it from said no more. I'll go back to Oregon. I like it because I can file it easier than harder chain.