Chainsaw Chains, Bars, & Sprocket - EXPLAINED!

[@jerrysedivy2977]

You should include this video with every chainsaw purchase.

[@mainstreetmower]

That's the best compliment Stu could've gotten for this video. Thank you so much 🙂

[@istra70]

Only one detail missing and closely connected to all of this is - size of file .... To get really complete picture.

[@kenstrayhorn5923]

I spent almost an hour yesterday trying to find this information and grew frustrated. Today, over coffee, this video turned up at the top of the queue when I started searching. Thank you very much for putting everything in one place in an easy-to-understand format!

[@mainstreetmower]

I am glad this video was helpful to you. Please share it with anyone else you think might like it. Helps us a lot as a small youtube channel. Thank you ☺

[@ozyrob1]

This channel is an absolute treasure trove of knowledge. Well done Stu.

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you so much, means a lot 🙂

[@christophercolt1361]

YOU GOT IT GOIN' ON, STU! YOU ARE THE CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONAL!!! THX FOR SHARIN' YOUR KNOWLEDGE!!!!

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful

[@robertgarrett7007]

Great information! I have 5 Stihl saws ranging from a MS170 up to a MS661C. I am 63 now and have cut and split 100’s of cords of firewood over the years but I had no idea that there were so many different options of sprockets, chains and bars for each saw. Thank you, sir.

[@mainstreetmower]

Thanks for watching!

[@samking4179]

this video needs a youtube award or something. Great stuff! THANKS!

[@mainstreetmower]

This just made our day. Thank you so much 🙂

[@shahirmaged3428]

great video for a confusing subject

[@mainstreetmower]

Awesome, hope it helped 🙂

[@BG-vq9fd]

In Dec. 2023 I bought the Stihl MS261 that came with a case extra chain and hat. The dealer was out of the promotion package so he put one together with what he had on hand. Long story shortened I ended up with 3/8 chains and bar but .325 rim sprocket. I contacted the dealer yesterday and a 3/8 rim sprocket should be here Monday. This was not my first saw. I knew most of what you discussed but you did an excellent job of explaining a rather complicated subject.

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you! Make sure to share the video with your colleagues who might be interested in the topic.

[@robertgroff4938]

Excellent job explaining this information. 👏🏻 All of your videos are very well done. Subscribed now 👍🏻

[@mainstreetmower]

Awesome. Thank you for the sub and welcome to the channel 🙂

[@johnsweeney1712]

Great video. Excellent information and pace of delivery. Keep up the good work.

[@MikeySheep1]

Even the stihl dealer.said that I'd need a new sprocket moving from 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm but they are both 3/8 pitch so I do not need a different sprocket. This video is great

[@mainstreetmower]

Thanks Mikey. Share this with all your friends in the industry. Our small channel can use the boost 👼

[@robertwilmesherr7002]

Great info. I learned a lot. Thanks

[@mainstreetmower]

Awesome. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@ciphercode2298]

Very comprehensive and complete,thanks

[@mainstreetmower]

Glad you liked it. Don't forget to share with your friends and colleagues that might find it interesting too. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@Dub456]

Well done. You delivered everything you promised in an easy to understand way. Future videos could include which chainsaw, and chain, for various types of cutting. And maybe a video on simple trouble shooting and maintenance. Thanks again.

[@mainstreetmower]

Great idea, will implement that in the next video on this topic. Thank you 🙂

[@organicvids]

Good job.

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you 🙂

[@brandonmund5791]

Fantastic information!

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you 🙂

[@tech-but1er]

Excellent job. Thank you. One area specific to gauge that I would have liked addressed is why one over the other. If I have a Stihl saw and I’ve decided that I want to get a longer bar and chain and they both come as .050 or .063, what is driving that decision.

[@silencedmatrix2140]

Video is extremely informative!

[@mainstreetmower]

Glad it was helpful 🙂

[@mikebradley7346]

Wow, what great information !

[@mainstreetmower]

Glad it was useful to you. Thanks for watching ☺

[@itstough3543]

Stu, best chainsaw video explaining chainsaws ive seen. Great job!! Are any of your stores near fort wayne indiana? Thank you for making this video.

[@mainstreetmower]

Hey there, thank you for watching. Unfortunately we do not have a store in that area. But you can shop any battery stihl product through our website. Check out the channel for the link.

[@catherinemunroe3960]

good video ,thanks

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you 🙂

[@TheRancher03]

Great video. It would be great to have a video on the differences between SPUR and RIM sprockets and reasons to choose the right sprocket for the owner.

[@mainstreetmower]

Great point!

[@andreabond3501]

Thank you very informative

[@mainstreetmower]

Thanks for watching!

[@kelvinredward3013]

Complete explanation 👍 for the Chainsaw operation 👏, Bar, chain, Sprocket, if in Doubt? Your Local Chainsaw shop can help, This Video 📹 is 10 out 10 Thanks 😊

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you so much for those kind words. Really appreciate it 🙂

[@michaelhall7921]

What would we do without you? Fantastic eductional video. A welder pal of mine asked me can you repair this saw Mick.... I said probably + it looks an old bugger. I cannot for the life of me get anyone to state the ID of the drum. The saw is a Jonsered 2040 turbo. The sprocket has broken. It's the original 3/8" - 7 teeth gear which the Husqvarna clutch on the 36, 41,136,137,141and 2 seems to match the data I require. he's canfirmed the bar says 3/82 on it not 325. After watching you vid I gained a greatdeal of info. My saw is a new cheapo new Spear & Jackson which we need to saw logs for our logburner. Living right near a deer park I get invited to fill the old Land Rover full to the brim with Beech logs...... The head man likes our honey!

[@mainstreetmower]

Thats' great Michael. Im happy the video helped

[@IraqiVet]

As a 57 year old disabled vet, I've started a new career working on chainsaw, weedeater, etc.. talk about confused. I wish I could spend a week with you just working with you and taking 1000 notes. Thank you

[@mainstreetmower]

That's very kind of you. I am sure the videos on here will help you a lot getting started. Make sure you're subscribed 🙂

[@dy4221]

WELL DONE. NICE PACE, THANKS.

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you. Hope it was useful 🙂

[@LordKaos666]

Very complete video Stu, thank you!

[@mainstreetmower]

Very welcome

[@writewritewrite]

Great job. That info is not easily found.

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you. Glad you liked the video. Be sure to share it with all your colleagues that might find it useful too 🙂

[@conservativesniperhunter7439]

Yes sir, more please 😀.

[@mainstreetmower]

Awesome. Stay tuned. 🙂

[@jacquescote2585]

Great video!

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you 🙂

[@ejsocci2630]

Awesome video thanks

[@mainstreetmower]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@NovaDexter]

Thanks I'm new great information

[@mainstreetmower]

Thats's great man. Welcome to the channel. 🙂

[@NovaDexter]

I have a 261c and I'm going to try and mill some logs , Wish me luck@@mainstreetmower

[@kentw.897]

Stu I Love watching all your videos on Sthil power tools and equipment. I just wanted to know if I could use a .043" chain on a .050 guide bar? Thankyou, & Happy Halloween. Aloha🌴

[@horaciocastillo1435]

No way, you will damage the bar and the chain.

[@ronpeterson-wo7rh]

Oops, I have 3 saws a 171 and a 230 both 14”. Just watched your video and went back to the shed ah I have been swapping chains and have now seen that I have 2 badly worn sprockets and they are not interchangeable as I thought. So hands up I didn’t even think about the bar. Thanks for the excellent video I will have to replace parts and maybe even up size my ms230 to a 16” so I don’t accidentally fit the wrong chain again. My third saw is a 12” pole saw it’s safe as it’s a different length.

[@victoryfirst2878]

HOW do I get bar and chain for an old saw ?? Remington super 754 ??

[@donreichert5228]

Stu - I have a Stihl MS 250 (16"). I am running a Rollomatic 62X - 0.063 gauge bar and the chain seems to be matched properly (26RS). However, when sitting in the bar groove I think there is too much "sway" and the saw drifts to the right in the cut. Assuming I have the chain sharpened properly, could this be a result of bar groove being splayed to some degree? You did not cover that in the video (bar gauge being too big for drive tooth gauge). If that is a possible cause for the drift, how can I correct that without having to replace the bar? Thanks.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

I have an echo cs590. I have a handful of sthil chains. But the drive lengths are shaped just slightly diff than those on echo or Oregon chains. Is there a replacement sprocket i can use to use these sthil chains on my echo saw and bar?

[@KcCorey]

Al Bladez sent me!

[@mainstreetmower]

Awesome, welcome to the channel 🙂

[@CT-gj1ou]

I have an echo cs-590 18” bar which calls for a 3/8 pitch, .050 gauge and 64 drive link. My question is, can I use a 3/8 pitch, .050 gauge, with a 62 drive link on the same bar? Reason I ask is because I got 4 brand new 62 drive link chain from my old chainsaw. Thanks

[@mainstreetmower]

It’s very unlikely that your adjuster will move enough to make that 62 link fit, if you live near any of our stores we would be able to add 2 links to your chains at minimal expense. You should be able to find a shop capable in most markets

[@LKN4WAR]

Nice to know you can change the ranch saws to professional sprockets. Can I convert my 311 to use the same sprocket as my 661?

[@mainstreetmower]

Not the same sprocket, but the same pitch so if you had a 20” bar on both you could run the same chains

[@GRANA3331]

can y use 18"bar 3/8 050" 62DL on 18"bar 3/8 0.58" 68dl?

[@Kiltedwoodsmith]

I have a ryobi 18 in chainsaw can i put a 20 in bar on it?

[@mainstreetmower]

I wouldn’t recommend it

[@farmermatt2]

Cool

[@mainstreetmower]

🙂

[@ebenez88]

Hi what’s difference it will make if I change from 6 to 7 tooth sprocket’s. It will make it faster or power Thanks

[@mainstreetmower]

With a 7 tooth every engine revolution will push one more drive link than a 6 tooth, thus trading some torque for speed, this would theoretically make it cut faster in soft wood.

[@mingjae7309]

Hi, is it okay if I change a 22" 43T(86DL) , to 38T(76DL) 22" chain? Both has the same 7T sprocket and 0.325 pitch spec.

[@MsUnknownLegend]

What about Enco it don’t have these numbers on the bar!

[@heathrichardson5690]

so , i need a chain for a saw thats a standard 16 inch bar but ive got an 18 inch bar and chain but the chains pitch is wrong , what PITCH do i need?

[@michaelhall7921]

Thanks for the reply but did you /could you tell me what Inside diameter is a drum/clutch drum on the Husqvarna 36 /44i and others the original is 63.8mm..........

[@mainstreetmower]

We are not the source for Husqvarna info, check with Carl’s Mower and Saw, he’s on KZbin and Josh knows everything! Tell him Stu says Hi

[@AlexC80]

How important is the drive link Can I put a 92 dl chain on a 93dl bar?? The pitch is 3/8 on both The groove is 050 The bar size is 27 but it’s also sold as 28 Thanks

[@mainstreetmower]

The only problem maybe that your tensioner doesn’t have enough throw to accommodate a chain that is + or - a drive link. But if it does, there are no safety or issues of damage to worry about

[@AlexC80]

Thanks I might buy and try

[@Mechanicalcircus]

In a nut shell essentially you can run any chain that is the same pitch as your sprocket but if the length and gauge change you have to change the bar along with new chain amirite?

[@mainstreetmower]

Exactly right

[@donald4416]

Hi everyone I'm workig on this problem of mine through Amazon, most chain saw shops dont have clutch for my Sportsman 52cc engine, it came with 14" bar/ 20" bar thats fine its running great, but the tree i got cut needs 28" bar and stihl bars come really close too sportsman 20" bar, Next problem is drive sprocket got get changed for updated chain from .325 to 3/8" pitch fun i have too match up one on line, and Stihl dealers are expensive on big ass saws of 28" tyoes $ 780.00 So ill make this sportsman saw if someone got udea of right clutch for this sportsman saw its funny engine made by Makita, poulan in on manufacturing, lovely along with chinese. So i asked buffalo tools make me 28" bar with chain and sprocket change .

[@brody1883]

First one to like and comment

[@mainstreetmower]

Awesome. Thank you!

[@jdoboy6835]

Hi. I picked up a 250MS from a garage sale. (looked like new!) The factory (white) bar was missing, & it had an older looking bar sitting there, without any chains, so I took a chance and bought it for pennies. I already have an old Husky 365 with 3/8, 050 chains,,, & with a 20 & 24" bar. I was TOLD that the 250 Stihl 'should' use the same spec chain. WRONG! Nothing I had would fit. I took the Stihl saw & bar to DO-CUT , hoping that they could help me figure out why my Husky chains would not fit the sprocket on the 250 Stihl. The salesman looked up the 250 specks, & checked out the older bar,,,, he pulled out multiple chains & different size bars, but nothing would match the sprocket,,,, & HE COULD NOT TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG!? He never even mentioned that there was a possibility that this saw had on a different spec sprocket! OMG,,, I ended up leaving that store without any parts or answers. SO,,, I'm SO GLAD I found your video!! Wish I could send this link to HIM!!! ;>) THANKS,,, times 3!! Now, I can get out there & hopefully find the spec numbers on the existing sprocket, & buy the proper chain & bar! 👍👍 Maybe you could tell me,,,, could I put on a 3/8, .050 sprocket, bar & chain? Then, all of the chains & bars that I have would be the same.?

[@mainstreetmower]

Sorry I’m late seeing this, glad to help. Unfortunately the Husky chain commonality won’t work out , because of something else I didn’t yet touch on. In the chain world there is a big 3/8 .050 gauge chain and a small 3/8 .050 (picco) chain. Same spacings but the cutter on the big 3/8 is at least twice as big as the small 3/8. You need horsepower to run large cutters and the big 3/8 chain you have on your Husky saw is too big for the MS250. If you were downgrading to the small 3/8 picco everything would be great. I would just get set-up with a stock MS 250 bar chain and sprocket in this case Thanks for watching!

[@notmyname3883]

Don't forget that ms250 may say what pitch chain it uses on the sprocket itself or the clutch drum.

[@CarolCombs-y7v]

Why doesn’t all chain manufacturers stamp their chains with the file size?

[@JohnSmith-ku1uu]

Stihl 140 chainsaw

[@millibarman]

Whatever you do… Don’t discuss markings on other bars and they’re equivalents. Don’t do that, whatever you do.

[@itstough3543]

Most definitely!! A thought just came to me. Maybe you should make a video explaining that for everyone. That would be great! I can't wait to watch.

[@potteryjoe]

can confirm: you definitely need to change bar and sprocket if you try to change from a 0.325 to a 3/8 chain. I definitely ruined a bar and sprocket learning this lesson

[@iraagans3144]

Dude I'm starting to think your trolling us? Drive links = plural, drive tooth!= singular????!!! It's a DRIVE LINK! Are you trying to confuse an already confusing subject?

[@petebovenzi8119]

thanks !

[@mainstreetmower]

You're welcome. Hope it helped 🙂