Luckily for you, we have crafted a completed guide on the chainsaw chain types explained in depth. We have tried our best to describe and explain all the different types of chainsaw chains.to the best of our ability. The purpose of this guide is to give you an extensive overview of the chainsaw chains that are used to cut wood.
By the end of this guide, you will have a fair understanding of what are the different types of chainsaw chains and what types of chains you need for different cutting jobs.
Once you have a clear understanding of the different chainsaw chain types, you will be in a better position to buy yourself a chainsaw that is right for the job you need it for. Moreover, you will also be able to replace the chain on any chainsaw.
To understand what sets the different types of chainsaw chains, you need to be aware of the three factors that distinguish them apart:
Table of Contents [hide]
Chainsaw Chain Types Explained
- Cutter Type
- Chain Arrangement
- Other Measurements
- Chainsaw Chain Types Explained
The Cutter Type
The cutter type is the shape of the chain. It is the cutter type that is illustrative of the angle of the chain’s cutting blade. There are three types that you need to keep in mind:
- Full-Chisel
- Semi-Chisel
- Low Profile Chisel
- Full-Chisel
When it comes to full-chisel cutter type chains, they are ideal for cutting hardwood trees and higher speeds because of the square-shaped edges. Due to their shape, they tend to leave rough edges.
Therefore, are used for cutting tasks that don’t require precision, smoother cuts, and leveled surfaces. In comparison to other types of chainsaw chains, full-chisel chains become dull over time rather quickly.
Especially, when it’s used on rough or dirty wood. Therefore, routine chain maintenance and edge-sharpening are necessary for the chain to perform ideally. You also have to be particular about chainsaw kickback when using a full-chisel chain because the high-speed operations are much difficult to control when a kickback occurs, and it is also not recommended to be used by beginners.
Semi-Chisel
The shape semi-chisel chain type features rounded edges making it ideal for cutting tasks that involve softer wood as it operates at a much slower speed in comparison to full-chisel cutter chains. The rounded edges allow for cutting through dirty and dry surfaced wood because you don’t have to worry about the chain becoming dull over time.
Moreover, it can be easily used on different types of wood and trees in any environment, and are also way more durable than full-chisel cutter type chains.
When it comes to kicking back, it is less likely to occur as they operate at a lower speed making it a much safer option as well. The good thing about semi-chisel cutter type chains is that they are beginner-friendly and a safer option too.
Low Profile
This chain cutter type is more similar to semi-chisel chains because it also has rounded edges, making it an ideal option for cutting softwood in dirty or colder environments. It is designed for beginners as they are the safest of all chain cutter types. It is the easiest chain type to use and also very common to find.
Although, a little routine maintenance and sharpening of the chain are still required.
The Chain Arrangement
Now that you know about the different cutter types of chainsaw chains, we are going to look at the different chain arrangements also referred to as chain sequences. The chain arrangement is the spacing between the teeth or cutters of the chain. You need to keep in mind that this different from the pitch of the chain because the pitch of the chain is the distance between the links, while all links don’t include a cutter. The chain arrangement on the other hand is the distance between the chain’s cutters.
There are three main types of chain sequences:
- Full Component Chain
- Skip Chain
- Semi Skip Chain
- Full Component Chain
A full component chain sequence features a bar length of 24-inches along with fewer teeth than other chainsaw chain types. This chain arrangement is ideal for larger chainsaws because of the bar size. Although it has fewer teeth it is still incredibly effective for cutting wood quickly due to the fast operations.
The wider spaces between the teeth work great for felling large trees and removing wood with force and speed. However, it is a chain that would leave rougher surfaces and should be used when higher volumes of wood need to cut where achieving smoother surfaces are not the goal, for instance cutting firewood.
Skip Chain
It is a chain arrangement that is considered standard and has the most teeth in comparison to other chain arrangements. It leaves smoother surfaces and can be used on bar’s ranging up to 24 inches easily.
However, this type of chain arrangement cuts wood at a much slower speed because it is for precision cutting. Skip chain arrangement is the most common type and great for any projects that require smoother surfaces and precision.
Semi Skip Chain
When it comes to semi skip chain sequences, these are not very common and are more used in professional settings. In this chain type, there are only one or two links between each of the cutters is left. This particular arrangement allows the chain to exceptionally powerful while achieving smooth surfaces.
Although, just like a skip chain sequence and semi skip chain isn’t for faster cutting jobs and not ideal for cutting tasks that require a high volume of wood to be cut.
Other Measurements and Special Chainsaw Types
Apart from the type of cutter types and chain sequence, you need to be aware of other measurements like the gauge and the pitch. These are the two things you need to be sure of especially when you are about to replace the chain on your chainsaw. We will be also looking at special chainsaw types.
Gauge
The gauge is the size of the groove in the guide bar, it is the groove where the chain fits into. For the chain to spin around the guide bar properly you need to be certain about the groove measurements. To figure out the measurements all you need is a penny, a dime, and a quarter.
To figure out the measurement of the gauge, you will have to clean the groove of any debris and dirt, and using the coins you will be able to determine the measurements.
First, use a dime and if it fits snuggly then it means the gauge is 0.050. Similarly, if the quarter fits best then the gauge is 0.063 and if the penny fits snuggly then the gauge is 0.058.
You have to make sure that you select a chain with the right gauge measurement for the guide bar for the chain to spin properly and to avoid any inconvenience or even accidents.
Pitch
To determine the pitch, you have to measure the distance between the studs that are holding the chain together in place. There are three consecutive studs, and you will have to measure from the center of the first stud to the third, then divide it by 2. Mostly chain pitches measure around 3/8”.
However, if you don’t want to manually measure the pitch, the pitch is usually stamped on the guide bar as well. Just make sure that you buy a pitch that is specified on the bar, otherwise, the chain won’t fit properly.
Square Ground
Now we will be looking at special chainsaw types, and a square ground chainsaw comes with a full chisel chain type and is designed for professionals only as it cuts way more effectively than other chainsaws that make use of round-edged cutters. It’s an exceptionally fast-spinning chainsaw and is used by professionals for cutting high-volumes of wood.
They require routinely sharpening and need a bench grinder to sharpen because it can’t be sharpened with regular equipment.
To Sum It Up!
Now you must have a clear understanding of the different chainsaw chain types, and you can easily find yourself a chain type that best suits your needs. We hope that this guide on the chainsaw chain types explained was helpful and all your confusions are at bay.
What you need to keep in mind is that the chain type you choose can be used on the chainsaw you own or if you are thinking to purchase a chainsaw then you will have to ensure that the chain type it features will be able to handle the tasks you need it for.
Just be clear about the cutting tasks you will need the chainsaw for and you will be able to find a chainsaw that falls under your budget.
