Comments on: Chainsaw chain numbers?

By: Todd B

Todd B — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:05:16 +0000

Every chain manufacturer numbers their chain differently. From what you described, it sounds like you have chain manufactured by Oregon Cutting Systems. The number in the chain tells the pitch and thickness of the drive tooth. For Oregon the first digit, 3, tells me they are both .325" pitch. Pitch is the distance between three rivets and divided by 2. Common pitches are 1/4", .325, 3/8" and .404". Now the last digit tells me where your problem is. The 3 stands for a drive tooth of .050" thick and the 4 is for a .058" thick drive tooth. So the "new" chain is .008" thinner and has more movement in the bar and will wear out one side of the bar quicker.

By: robert k

robert k — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:05:16 +0000

Could be. That is the chain size # Some manufacturers put the #’s on the links and some dont. Generally a 34 is a bit narrower than a 33. A thicker chain will wear the bar rail.

By: real one

real one — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:05:16 +0000

You really should get the same chain with # 34 on it because that is the curf or angle of tooth and that saw works best with correct one. it sound like a smaller saw with 18" bar

By: renpen

renpen — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:05:16 +0000

That number is the chain gauge or thickness of the drivelinks. It has to be compatible with your bar. It is .034" so .001" probably won’t matter.

By: shawnd518

shawnd518 — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:05:16 +0000

Its the gauge of the chain. The chain should match the bar thats its being used on.

By: kg00029

kg00029 — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:05:16 +0000

are you sure your bar is getting proper lubracation