Finding the Right Saw Chain

VIDEO: Identifying and Replacing Chain

Oregon® offers a variety of saw chain options for most chainsaws, tailored to fit different user needs. To help you choose the right saw chain for your chainsaw, we’ve put together this video to assist with identifying and replacing saw chain. Learn how to find the correct chain pitch, gauge, and the best way to measure your chainsaw chain. Whether you’re a professional or a casual user, we’ll help you find the right fit for optimal performance.

What tools do I need to replace chainsaw chain?

What is the Saw Chain Product Family?

At Oregon, we recognize that the needs of woodcutters—whether professionals or novices—are as varied as the environments they work in.

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That’s why we’ve organized our saw chains and guide bars into distinct product families, each with key characteristics tailored to specific user preferences. These families make it easy to choose the right chain and bar for your everyday tasks, simplifying the process of understanding the differences between our products and ensuring you get the best fit for your cutting needs.

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Saw Chain Identification

To identify saw chain you need to know the following:

Gauge

The chain gauge refers to the thickness of the drive link where it fits into the guide bar groove, and it should match the gauge of the guide bar. Oregon® products offer saw chain gauges of .043", .050", .058", and .063". It may be challenging to accurately measure the chain gauge on a worn chain due to normal wear.

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To ensure the correct gauge, always order based on the number stamped on the drive link of your old chain. For more information, please refer to the table below.

Pitch

Chain pitch refers to the size of the chain and is determined by the distance between any three consecutive rivets divided by two. Oregon® chain is available in several pitches - 1/4" is the smallest, 3/8" is the most popular, and 3/4” is the largest.

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Pitch is important because the drive sprocket must be the same pitch as the chain, as well as the bar nose sprocket if applicable. To find the pitch of your chain, simply look at the number stamped on the drive link. Please refer to the table below for more information.

Cutter Type

Chain Cutter Types:
1. Chipper
2. Semi-Chisel
3. Chamfer-Chisel
4. Micro-Chisel
5. Chisel

Sequence

When it comes to saw chain sequences, there are three main types to consider: standard, semi-skip, and skip. Each type has its own unique application and benefits. The standard sequence is ideal for general-purpose cutting, while the semi-skip and skip sequences are more suitable for applications where chip clearance is a priority, such as cutting larger diameter wood.

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Understanding the differences between these sequences can help in selecting the right saw chain for the specific cutting requirements.

Saw Chain Family Specification Chart — Servicing Dealer

Not all saw chain and guide bar mentioned on the packaging or in search results will fit every version of the equipment listed. To ensure you are getting the correct part, please feel free to call our Customer Service team at 1-800-223-5168.

Saw Chain Pitch	Saw Chain By Gauge
	.043"	.050"	.058"	.063"
1/4"		25
3/8" Low Profile™	90	91
.325"		20 95	21	22
3/8"		72	73	75
.404"				27 59 68

Reduce Chainsaw-Related Injuries with Low Kickback Chain

Modern chainsaws are designed with features to reduce kickback and minimize chainsaw-related injuries. These include chain brakes, front hand guards, bar tip guards, and low or reduced kickback chains and guide bars. To ensure these safety features work effectively, it's essential to have your chainsaw properly assembled with all components securely attached and fully functional. If you’re not trained to handle chainsaw kickback, it’s highly recommended to use a low kickback chain.

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In North America, chains meeting the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines for low kickback are labeled with a green mark for easy identification. Stay safe by choosing the right equipment!

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