chainsaw chain and bar question?

teddy · July 12, 2009, 10:16:01 AM

Hey guys!
Newbee here, with a question!
I have basic understanding of chain sizes, But was wondering:

1. Can you run a .050 and a .058 chain on the same bar?

2. Can you run a .325 and 3/8 chain on the same sprocket?

I am running a (2-394xp's, 2-066's and 2-Husky 55's), and want to make them all run the same chain at least the big saws . Just want to know my options.

Any help or advice would be MOST APPRECIATED!!

Matt

Cut4fun · July 12, 2009, 10:38:55 AM

1. you could run 050 on a 058 bar but you want be able to run 058 on a 050 bar unless it is wore. I wouldn't suggest it.
2. Nope wont work, you have to change sprockets.

SawTroll · July 12, 2009, 01:11:53 PM

The above poster is right;

.050 chain on a .058 bar may cut crooked, and will wear both the bar and chain exessively.

.058 in a wore out .050 bar may work for a while, at least for streight down cuts, and for cutting twigs.

The .325 vs 3/8" sprockets is total NO-GO! You need the right one (rims are cheap).

teddy · July 12, 2009, 01:14:43 PM

Thanks cut4fun, sawtroll

Do you have a size chain you suggest, or prefer for firewood(ing)! For my big saws, so I can order a rel of chain! AND PROPER sprockets!!

Matt

Rocky_J · July 12, 2009, 02:34:25 PM

Run 3/8", .050 gauge on all of them.

teddy · July 12, 2009, 04:11:22 PM

Rocky_J is the man!

I have that on the 066 now!

But will get all the others the same!

THANKS!!!!!!!!

Cut4fun · July 12, 2009, 04:40:15 PM

I like 3/8 050 also as a one size fit all saws from 46cc and up.

But for alot of people buying already made loops it seems like it depends on their location what they can get and is popular in that area.

Al_Smith · July 12, 2009, 05:50:42 PM

3/8" .050 on most ,.404 .063 on the 100 plus cc saws . Most of the Stihls plus the one Husky run 20" bars usually which is 72 drive lengths .

Now the antiques take an assortment of chain sizes too long to mention .

teddy · July 12, 2009, 07:48:39 PM

From what I see.
To make it simple stupid for me, I can use 3/8 .050 on all three models(husk-394xp, stihl-066, husk-55)
This will make making chains a lot easier! I can buy a 100' reel and be done with it!
I see the point on 100cc or larger being .404, but the 395 and 066 are low 90'scc.

Matt PS the info is APPRECIATED!!!!!!!!

Cut4fun · July 12, 2009, 07:57:24 PM

Al has reasons to like the 404 on his monster cc saws. I like the 3/8 in 063 gage on my 084's myself. Then 3/8 050 on my 32" 066 and smaller saws.

Yes you can run 3/8 050 on all your saws.

John Mc · July 12, 2009, 09:20:54 PM

Why is it that 058 is such a popular gauge here in Vermont (and the Northeast in general?), but seems just about non-existant in other parts of the USA?

John Mc

teddy · July 12, 2009, 11:11:56 PM

Seriously guys THANKS!!!!

It is tough to get the guys at the saw shops to answer my questions!
You guys came thru!

Thanks!!!

Al_Smith · July 13, 2009, 04:03:54 AM

Quote from: John Mc on July 12, 2009, 09:20:54 PM
Why is it that 058 is such a popular gauge here in Vermont (and the Northeast in general?), but seems just about non-existant in other parts of the USA?

John Mc

Probabley a regional thing .

Husqvarna used .058 gauge for some unknown reason .

Some of the 10 series Macs used .058, most were .050 .

I have a 48" bar that uses .058. Talk about a challange to find in .404,wow .I got what was said to be the last in existance from Baileys a few years back .

tdi-rick · July 13, 2009, 06:06:04 AM

FWIW, pretty much all Husky's sold here (Australia) use 0.058" and most all Stihl's use 0.063" chain/bars.

0.050" gauge chain is almost unheard of. I have it on one bar but you become limited at times as to what you can get, so it really is a regional/county thing.

timber tramp · July 13, 2009, 12:08:56 PM

>It is tough to get the guys at the saw shops to answer my questions!

Switch saw shops. ;) ;D ;D

TT

teddy · July 13, 2009, 02:22:02 PM

switching saw shops

I gave up with saw shops!

I believe that an educated person(me), would be a better customer.

And spend more!!!!!!!!!!!

!

Now with my recent gather of info(from you guys!)

I ordered me some sprockets, rims, and a reel of 3/8 .050 chain!!!!!!!!

So finally I will be organized and prepared.

No more having 80 different chains, not knowing what gets what, and having some understanding of my options with what will work for each saw!!!!

I feel like I got a new pair of shoes and can jump higher!!

!!

Al_Smith · July 13, 2009, 08:29:45 PM

Quote from: teddy on July 13, 2009, 02:22:02 PM

No more having 80 different chains, not knowing what gets what, and having some understanding of my options with what will work for each saw!!!!

Good luck with that ."You're a better man than I Gunga Din " :D

Pshaw I've got 80 new old stock chains in a box that I have no idea where they are at . Not counting 80 hanging on nails that I only assume to know what they fit .

chucker · July 13, 2009, 11:04:09 PM

:D ;D wanna do some tradeing ? think i still have the same chain from the 625 from 20 years ago !! " I AM GOING TO USETHAT NEXT WEEK AFTER I GET IT RESHARPENED " famous last words!!! real count is around 100 chains from many different saws......................

Bruce Hopf · July 31, 2009, 10:31:14 PM

Quote from: Al_Smith on July 13, 2009, 08:29:45 PM
Quote from: teddy on July 13, 2009, 02:22:02 PM

No more having 80 different chains, not knowing what gets what, and having some understanding of my options with what will work for each saw!!!!

Good luck with that ."You're a better man than I Gunga Din " :D

Pshaw I've got 80 new old stock chains in a box that I have no idea where they are at . Not counting 80 hanging on nails that I only assume to know what they fit .

Would be easy enough to determine which chain fits what chain saw. Just use an electronic digital caliper to measure the thickness of the drive link. Then count the drivers, to see what length you have in stock. Who knows, mabey some of the members are looking for what you have hanging on your nails. 8) Bruce.