What is Chain Pitch & Gauge?

What is Chain Pitch?

Pitch is the measurement between any 3 consecutive rivets divided by 2. Measure from the first to the third rivet then divide that number in half to get your chain pitch.

 

We stock 7 saw chain pitch variations, 3/8” pitch saw chain is the most common size sold worldwide.

1/4" is mainly fitted to very small electric or low powered saws.

.325"LP (low-profile) is mainly fitted to small high powered battery chainsaws.

.325" has the same rivet measurement as .325LP but has a larger cutting tooth and deeper drive link than .325LP mainly fitted to 40-60cc saws. 

3/8LP (low-profile) is fitted to small chainsaws. 3/8LP is also referred as stihl picco TM, mainly fitted to less than 40cc saws.

3/8" has the same rivet measurement as 3/8LP but has a larger cutting tooth and deeper drive link than 3/8LP, 3/8" is the most common pitch fitted to 60-90cc saws.

.404” chain is fitted to large chainsaws generally over 90cc motor capacity.

3/4” chain is used on hydraulic driven mechanical tree harvesters and commercial docking machines it's not used on hand operated chainsaws.

Hot Tip! Bar Nose, Motor Drive Sprocket and Chain Pitch must be identical. Mixing different pitches breaks sprockets, damages chains and voids warranties. Don't mix pitches check all three match before operating your chainsaw. 

What is Chain Gauge?

Chain gauge is the thickness of the drive link where it runs in the bar groove. Chain gauge should match the guide bar gauge.

 

There are 6 common saw chain gauge measurements .043" .050" .058" .063" .080" .122" (.080" & .122" are used on mechanical harvesting equipment).

Tip - Normal chainsaw use will wear drive links, making it difficult to accurately measure the gauge of older chains. 

If you need advice on saw chain selection ask us at Whites Forestry Equipment.