Chainsaw Repair

Explained

Oregon Chain Saw Chains
Choosing the proper cutter style is critical for maximum production and safety. Below we have listed some of the popular Oregon® chain cutter choices. Remember to use this for  informational purposes.

• Chisel - Also referred to as “Flat Top” or “Square Corner”. Best when used in clean cutting conditions and is a fast cutting chain. This chain will dull quicker if the cutting corner is exposed to dirt or abrasive conditions and takes a little more effort to sharpen properly.

• Semi-Chisel - Also referred to as “Round Tooth” and “Barrel Tooth”. This chain may be a little more forgiving in dirty situations. Many find it easier to file due it’s rounded edge.

• Chipper - This chain is only available in 3/4” pitch Harvester applications. The tooth is easy to spot with its fully rounded corners. Not for use in hand-held applications.

• Micro-Chisel - A fairly new design cutter style that offers small radius working corners for a combination of fast cutting and easy maintenance.  Available in the following hand held applications: .325 pitch (20, 21, 22, 95 series), 1/4” pitch (25 series), .404 pitch (26, 27 series) and .404 pitch Harvester in both (16H and 18X).

• Chamfer Chisel - These cutters have an angular shape with twin cutting corners, this allows outstanding performance and easy maintenance.

• Ripping - Used when cutting parallel to the grain. This style has a special factory grind on the cutters designed for making dimensional limber.

This took me a while to track down: interpretation of Oregon retail chain coding system (e.g. 'S56' = 56 drive links of 3/8 low profile chain, .050 gauge).

Note these codes refers to size only.  It is usually reduced kickback chain, and might be different models of that size (e.g. 91VG or 91P, or  . . . ).

http://www.oregonproducts.com/homeowner/products/chain/consumer_sawchain_loops.htm

It's good to note in case you need to run into a hardware store or home center to replace a chain, and want to know what fits your saw. It's not always marked on the package.
Usually limited to popular chain types and sizes, but for example, I know that I have several saws that use 'S56'.

Philbert

Some stores, like Home Depot and Lowes tend to only stock chains that fit some of the saws they currently sell.  Some better home centers, hardware stores, and farm stores carry a larger selection, which brings more people in, which lets them carry a larger selection, etc.  But they still are going to stick to mainstream types and common sizes.  Never going to stock much in the way of specialty chains, even the ones who are also STIHL or Husky dealers.

The letter codes are simple, and for people who are less picky about their chains - they just want something that fits.  I have made the analogy several times with tires. Each part of 'P185/65R14' means something, and that is before we get to tread wear and handling ratings.  Most people bring in their car and say ' I need new ones'.  When I see guys with blank stares and a used chain in their hands standing motionless in the OPE aisles I try to help.

Or they say, "I need a new chain, . . . for my Sears saw,  . . . 16 inch blade".  They are happy to pick a 'S56' chain, which is easy to remember. (Sometimes they are happy to give me their old S56 chain, which, since I know it fits several of my saws, means I have plenty of 'stumper' chains .  .  .  ).

Philbert

Here's another example:  I am trying a new, cordless pole saw.  It uses Oregon 90SG chain (3/8 low profile, narrow kerf, .043 gauge chain, 34 drive links for the 8 inch guide bar).  This is sold as 'R' chain in hardware stores and home centers. 

The local Menards stocks R56 chain at a fairly cheap price (especially when on sale).  So, as long as I have the right pre-sets, I know that I can get chain locally, if needed, and spin up the right sized loops (actually, buy 2, get 3 in this example!).

Philbert

19 pages of good info from Oregon  http://www.scotsco.com/pdf/Forestry%20Products.pdf