Do Drive Links Matter on Chainsaw (Read This First)
Most beginners might have a common question on their minds: do drive links matter on chainsaw?
Drive links matter on a chainsaw as they provide the counterbalance between the chain and the bar. This is important as it helps to ensure that the chain stays tight on the bar, which in turn helps to prevent issues such as kickback.
It is also worth noting that different saws will require different numbers of drive links in order to function correctly.
In this article, I will provide you with some information on the chainsaw drive links and how they can impact the performance of your saw.
If you are interested in learning all this then keep on reading!
Chainsaw Drive Links Basics
Chainsaw drive links are made up of two parts: the sideplate and the cutter. The sideplate is the part of the link that connects to the bar, while the cutter is the section that actually does the cutting.
The most important factor to consider when choosing a chainsaw chain is the pitch. The pitch is the distance between two adjacent drive links and is typically measured in inches.
The three most common pitches for chainsaw chains are 0.325″, 0.404″, and 0.375″. Of these, the 0.325″ pitch is by far the most popular, as it is compatible with a wide range of saws.
The 0.404″ pitch is designed for use with professional-grade saws, and is not as common as the 0.325″ pitch. The 0.375″ pitch is less common still, and is typically only used on very large saws.
Do Drive Links Matter on Chainsaw?
Now that you know the basics of chainsaw drive links, you might be wondering if they actually matter. The answer is yes, drive links do matter on a chainsaw.
The number of drive links in a chain can impact the performance of your saw in a few different ways.
Firstly, the number of drive links will affect the balance of the saw. A saw with more drive links will have a more balanced feel to it, which can be helpful when making precision cuts.
Secondly, the number of drive links can also affect the strength of the chain. A chain with more drive links will be stronger and less likely to break than a chain with fewer drive links.
However, as the number of drive links increases the overall length of the chain also increases. This can causes problems therefore, you need to keep the bar length of the saw in mind while choosing chains.
How Can Drive Links Impact the Performance of the Chainsaw?
Now that you know a bit about chainsaw drive links, let’s take a look at how they can impact the performance of your saw.
As I mentioned before, drive links help to keep the chain tight on the bar. If the chain is too loose, it can cause the saw to kick back, which can be dangerous.
On the other hand, if the chain is too tight, it can cause the saw to bind, which can also be dangerous. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the chain is properly tensioned.
Another factor to consider is the length of the drive links. If the drive links are too short, they will not provide enough support for the chain. This can cause the saw to vibrate excessively, and can also lead to kickback.
Conversely, if the drive links are too long, they will not allow the chain to wrap around the bar correctly. This can also cause vibration and kickback.
As you can see, there are a few things to consider when it comes to chainsaw drive links. However, as long as you keep these factors in mind, you should be able to choose the right chain for your saw.
What Does The Number On A Chainsaw Drive Link Mean?
The next question you might have is what does the number on a chainsaw drive link mean?
The number on a chainsaw drive link is called the gauge. The gauge is a measure of the thickness of the metal used to make the drive link.
The most common gauges for chainsaw chains are 0.050″, 0.058″, and 0.063″.
The 0.050″ gauge is the thinnest gauge available, and is typically only used on very small saws. The 0.058″ gauge is the most common gauge for chainsaw chains, as it provides a good balance between strength and weight.
The 0.063″ gauge is the thickest gauge available, and is typically only used on very large saws.
Now that you know what the number on a chainsaw drive link means, you might be wondering how to choose the right one for your saw.
How Many Drive Links In A 16 Inch Chain?
The answer to this question depends on the pitch and the gauge of the chain. Normally there are 66 drive links in a 16 inch chainsaw chain. However, if the chain has a different pitch or gauge, the number of drive links will be different.
For example, if the chain has a 0.325″ pitch and a 0.050″ gauge, there will be 72 drive links in a 16 inch chain.
If you’re not sure how many drive links are in your saw’s chain, you can usually find this information in the owner’s manual.
How Many Drive Links Does A 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain Have?
As mentioned earlier, how many drive links are in a 20-inch chainsaw chain depends on the pitch and the gauge of the chain.
However, most 20-inch chainsaw chains have 80 drive links.
It depends upon the length of the chain, the sprocket size, and the amount of slack in the system. In a standard 20″ bar and chain setup, you can expect around 80 to 84 drive links.
How Many Drive Links On A 24-Inch Bar?
Again, this answer depends on the pitch and gauge of the chain. However, most 24-inch chainsaw chains have 88 drive links.
Besides that, the number of drive links also varies depending on the brand of the chainsaw.
For example, a Dolmar 24-inch chain has 90 drive links, while a Makita 24-inch chain has 89 drive links.
As you can see, there is no definitive answer to this question. However, most 24 inch chainsaw chains have around 88 drive links.
Can I use a 16 inch chain on a 20 inch bar?
The answer to this question is yes and no.
If the chain has the same pitch and gauge as the bar, then you can use it on a 20 inch bar. However, if the chain has a different pitch or gauge, then you can not use it on a 20 inch bar.
For example, if the chain has a 0.325″ pitch and a 0.050″ gauge, it will not fit on a 20 inch bar. This means you can only use a 16-inch chain on a 20 inch bar if the chain has the same pitch and gauge as the bar.
Final Words
Do drive links matter on chainsaw? Yes, it dies. The number of drive links in a chain can impact the performance of your saw in a few different ways.
Firstly, the number of drive links will affect the balance of the saw. A saw with more drive links will have a more balanced feel to it, which can be helpful when cutting.
Secondly, the number of drive links will affect the strength of the chain. A saw with more drive links will have a stronger chain, which can be helpful when cutting through tough materials.
I hope after reading this article, you have a better understanding of chainsaw drive links and how they can impact the performance of your saw. Thanks for reading!
