Question 1

★ How to determine if a saw chain loop is compatible with my guide bar?

Accepted Answer

DETERMINING GUIDE BAR & SAW CHAIN COMPATIBILITY

Name: Oregon 637261 Conversion Kit, 12" - Stihl MSA 161T
Brand: Oregon
SKU: OCS,637261
Price: 55.77 USD
Availability: InStock

In order to figure out if the Guide Bar and Saw Chain you plan to use together are compatible, there are (3) key specifications that you must match up:

(1) Pitch, (2) Gauge, and (3) Drive Link Count.

Your bar and saw chain must have the same exact specifications, otherwise they will not work together. Please see the rest of this guide to determine how you will find these exact specifications.

Bar and Chain Compatibility, Correct Fit

Once you have all THREE of these specs determined, use our website's Saw Chain Selector tool to help you find yours and place an order. Use the "Filters" on the left-hand side of the page to narrow down your search results and find exactly what you need (see photo below).

Saw Chain Selector Tool on American Forestry

Saw Chain Selector Tool on American Forestry

Like we mentioned above, once you find the Pitch, Gauge, and Drive Link Count of the chain you need to replace, you're ready to place an order!

FYI, many retailers call out the length of the saw chain (in inches) as a starting point for customers, but please be aware: determining compatibility solely by length is the most common reason we see for incorrectly ordered saw chains. While a saw chain and guide bar may be the same length in inches, the rest of their specs (Pitch, Gauge, or Drive Link Count) may differ, making the pair incompatible.

Again, the only specifications you really need to ensure compatibility are Pitch, Gauge, and Drive Link Count of both your guide bar and saw chain.

Question 2

VIDEOS: How do I sharpen saw chain? (Handheld Files, Bench Grinders, Electric Sharpeners)

Accepted Answer

SHARPENING YOUR SAW CHAIN

If your saw chain is no longer self-feeding, you have to push on the saw, or the waste material from your saw creates sawdust, it is time to sharpen your chainsaw chain. A good rule of thumb is to sharpen your chain every time you refill gas.

Please view the video below to see how Oregon recommends sharpening saw chain with files:

Please view our Files, File Handles, File Guides, Depth Gauge Tools, and Complete File Kits (includes round & flat file, assembled file guide, file handle, and depth gauge tool!)

Please view the video below to see how Oregon recommends grinding saw chain with their 520-120, 620-120, 410-120 Bench Grinders. Please use the video time-stamps to jump to the section of the video that you need.

Check out all of our Bench Grinders Here.

Please view the video below to see how Oregon recommends grinding saw chain with their Sure Sharp Mini Grinder.

Check out the rest of our Electric Chain Sharpeners Here.

Question 3

★ How to determine if a guide bar is compatible with my chainsaw?

Accepted Answer

DETERMINING GUIDE BAR & CHAINSAW COMPATIBILITY

In order to figure out if the Guide Bar and Chainsaw you plan to use together are compatible, you will need to determine (3) key specs for your chainsaw:

(1) “Required Bar Mount,” (2) Pitch, and (3) Gauge

By definition, replacement bars that are interchangeable with the original bar are those that both fit your saw (bar mount and pitch) AND take the same type of chain (pitch and gauge).

In practice, there are several different mount, pitch and gauge combinations in use - even in the chainsaws and bars of a single manufacturer - meaning most guide bars are mutually incompatible. Please view the rest of this guide to learn best practices of finding this info yourself.

Once you have all THREE of these specs determined, use our website's Guide Bar Selector tool to help you find yours and place an order. Use the "Filters" on the left-hand side of the page to narrow down your search results and find exactly what you need.

Like we mentioned above, once you find the Bar Mount, Pitch, and Gauge of the bar you need to replace, you're ready to place an order!

Question 4

★ Where do I LOOK for my saw chain's specs? (Pitch, Gauge, Drive Link Count) - Easiest way!

Accepted Answer

WHERE TO LOOK FOR MEASUREMENTS ON YOUR SAW CHAIN

If you've held on to the packaging that you received your saw chain within, you can usually find the Pitch, Gauge, and Drive Link Count printed somewhere on it.

No worries if you don't have your saw chain packaging any more. Your old saw chain may also contain all the info you need stamped right onto the drive links. The specific saw chain type will provide you with the Pitch and Gauge. For your reference, Stihl uses an extra marking on the tooth link to determine size.

Please view the different brands’ chain codes, their meanings, and brand-to-brand conversions to Oregon saw chain, below. Once Pitch and Gauge are figured out, all that’s left to do is count and match up the drive links.

Pitch and Gauge by Saw Chain Code on Drive Link

Question 5

★ FILES (Handheld): What size should I use? What are filing angles for my saw chain?

Accepted Answer

DETERMINING THE CORRECT FILE TO USE FOR YOUR SAW CHAIN

There are a handful of file sizes that are each meant to sharpen different saw chains, determined by the Pitch of the saw chain. In order to determine the correct file for your needs, you would need to locate the Pitch of your saw chain by using one of the methods mentioned above: finding the code on drive links, etching on bar, or directly measuring the saw chain.

Sharpening File Size by Chain Saw Pitch

If you have determined the pitch of your saw chain, this table above can be used quite universally with most brands of saw chain.

However, there are some key notes to be careful of when determining the right file:

Round files go only with round grind teeth. If you notice straight sections and multiple angles on the cutting edge, check the specific filing instructions for that chain model.
Regular and Low Profile Saw Chain require different size files. 3/8” and 1/4” Pitch chains come also in Low Profile (Picco) versions, which have lower cutters and take a smaller file.
Manufacturer recommendations vary from time to time, meaning it's always worth it to check your specific saw chain’s manufacturer recommendation. ***Sometimes intermediate sizes, 11/64” and 13/64”, are recommended instead of the XX/32” sizes.***

FILE SIZES/ANGLES FOR OREGON SAW CHAIN

FILE SIZE CONVERSIONS BY POPULAR BRANDS

Please view the recommended file sizes for common Husqvarna saw chain and Stihl chainsaws, below:

Question 6

★ Where do I LOOK for my guide bar's specs? (Pitch, Gauge, Drive Link Count) - Easiest way!

Accepted Answer

WHERE TO LOOK FOR MEASUREMENTS ON YOUR GUIDE BAR

Your chainsaw’s guide bar may have all the information you are looking for stamped right into it. It can usually be found near the back of the bar, where it mounts to the saw.

For instance, in the example above, the chain is 3/8” pitch and .050” gauge with 72 drive links. This, along with the bar mount conversion from above, should be all the information you will need to get the proper replacement guide bar.

Question 7

Cutter Sequence: what are the differences?

Accepted Answer

THE 3 MAIN CUTTER SEQUENCES EXPLAINED

Chain cutter sequence, is essentially the spacing between the cutters on a chain. Don’t get this confused with the pitch of the chain. This is an important distinction

Pitch measures the distance between links, but not all links include a cutter. A chain’s sequence is the distance between the chain’s cutters.

Standard Sequence chainsaw chain alternates from left cutter to right cutter, with one drive link in between. This is the most common configuration and works great for most applications.

We call this sequence the default for most homeowner chainsaws.

Offers seamless and smooth cuts due to having the most cutters of all cutter sequence types.

Oregon recommends this sequence for a 24″ bar length or less.

View all of our standard sequence saw chain here.

Semi-Skip Sequence Saw Chain Diagram
Semi-Skip Sequence chainsaw chain alternates between 1 and 2 drive links, separating cutters. For jobs where neither standard or skip are perfect, semi-skip provides a step between when it comes to amount of cutters and space in between cutters. This allows the chain to be powerful while still producing a decently smooth surface as it cuts. Woodcutters often use this type of chainsaw chain for cutting hardwood.

Consumer users of chainsaws will probably never need to use a semi-skip or skip sequence chain.

Professional or commercial chainsaw operators who use their saws frequently and who use longer bars may prefer a semi-skip or skip chain due to the lesser amount of cutters to sharpen (makes sharpening faster) & its greater clearance for better chip flow (the larger the wood being cut and the longer the bar used, the more important good chip flow becomes).

Oregon recommends this sequence for a 24″ to 32″ bar length.

View all of our semi-skip saw chain here.

Skip Sequence chainsaw chain cutters are separated by 2 drive links in between. With less cutters tearing through the wood than semi-skip, skip sequence chain experiences less drag and can cut even more quickly. Executes rough cuts without hassle.

They work well with low-power saws and/or saws with extremely long bars. Helpful for the these saws because it takes less engine power to run a saw with less cutters.

Don’t use this chain on small-bar units, as this would cause wobbling and produce inaccurate cuts.

Oregon recommends this sequence for a 32″ bar length and up.

View all of our skip sequence saw chain here.

Question 8

★ GRINDING WHEELS (Bench Grinder): What size should I use? What are grinding angles for my saw chain?

Accepted Answer

GRINDING SIZES/ANGLES FOR OREGON SAW CHAIN

Question 9

★ How to determine my guide bar's specs? (Pitch, Gauge, Bar Mount)

Accepted Answer

MEASURING YOUR GUIDE BAR

Getting accurate measurements from your guide bar can be tricky, especially if your guide bar has heavy user wear/damage or if you don't have the original operator's manual. In most cases, it probably won't make sense to physically measure.

We would recommend determining the Pitch and Gauge of the guide bar you need by using the saw chain you plan to use (as discussed above in the "Saw Chain" FAQ Category). For your reference, you can physically measure the chain OR find the markings on the chain to determine the Pitch and Gauge.

If you'd like to see the easy way to find Pitch and Gauge on your guide bar instead, see the next FAQ tab down: "Where do I LOOK for my guide bar's specs?"

BAR MOUNT EXPLAINED

Most chainsaw bars use a superficially similar arrangement of slots and holes for mounting to the chainsaw body. This arrangement is called bar mount (or tail mount). To be compatible, a guide bar and a chainsaw must have a matching bar mount type.

Notice in the photo below the many variations that bar mounts can be oriented. Size and relative location varies between brands and also product lines of a given brand. Sadly, small differences make mounts incompatible: if the holes do not line up, the bar won’t fit or won’t work properly.

Varying Bar Mount Orientations by Brand

To make it easy, we only sell Oregon-brand guide bars. Each chainsaw brand/model will utilize one Oregon bar mount (possibly two, depending if the “old” bar mount has been discontinued/superseded by a newer one).

Oregon has dozens of bar mount variations that are used to accommodate an array of different chainsaws and brands. Please be aware that even though two Oregon bars may have the same bar mount, they may still differ in Pitch and Gauge.

Please use our Guide Bar Selector Tool to filter our guide bars by Bar Mount, Pitch, and Gauge to make sure you're getting a compatible guide bar.

Guide Bar Selector Tool on American Forestry: Filter results by Bar Mount, Pitch, and Gauge

Question 10

Cutter Type: what are the differences?

Accepted Answer

THE 6 MAIN CUTTER TYPES EXPLAINED

Each type of saw chain, has a different shape cutter. Some are more rounded while some are more square. Then you have tall ones, and short ones and narrow ones…

The cutter styles react with the wood differently. There are cutter types that are suited for larger professional chainsaws and others are suited for smaller chainsaws.

Some cutter types are even more dangerous to use, so it is best to make sure your cutter suits your level of chainsaw experience.

There are four main cutter types, which are; full chisel, semi-chisel and chipper. But then there are some variations of these styles on the market - micro chisel, chamfer chisel, and ripping - that we also go into detail about below.

Full chisel chainsaw chain has squared, sharply pointed cutters that cut wood aggressively. The sharp corners on these cutters allow the chain to move through wood quickly, but are not as durable as other cutter types. It's said that full chisel is the best saw chain for professionals working with hardwood. In most cases, you probably don’t want to use a full chisel chain when cutting dirty or softwood. Full chisel chains lack the safety elements that other chains have, so there is also a high risk of kickback.

Semi chisel chainsaw chain has rounded cutters, causing the cutting edge to dull more slowly when exposed to dirt and debris. Semi chisel cutters are more durable and can handle dirty, frozen, and soft wood well. While these cutters take a little longer to make the cut, they are said to be a good homeowner saw chain due to the versatility of cuts than can be made, lower kickback risk than full chisel saw chain, and durability in rough conditions.

Micro chisel chainsaw chain would be considered right in between Full and Semi chisel - it's cutter is just slightly more rounded than the full chisel and have a smaller radius than full chisel. This means that the cutters are less aggressive than a full chisel and won't be quite as fast, but comes with the benefit of a reduce kickback tendency like semi chisel. Also like semi chisel cutters, micro chisel cutters blunt slower, are more forgiving of dirty wood, and provide a smoother cut than full chisel chains. These cutters would be considered perfect for a slightly more experienced homeowner.

Chamfer chisel chainsaw chain is even closer to semi chisel than micro chisel, but have a small 45-degree chamfer between the plates rather than a radius. These cutters are specifically designed for you to cut both hard dry wood and green timber. Like semi chisel, these chamfer chisel cutters also offer reduced kickback risk.

Chipper chainsaw chain is another variation of semi chisel, but have an even more rounded working corner. This means that they are even more durable than semi chisel, but also cut slower.

Ripping chainsaw chain is also another variation of semi chisel, but it cuts at a lower angle - 10 degrees versus the standard 30 degrees. This allows cuts along the wood's grain instead of against it. As a result, ripping chain removes smaller chunks of wood and is less aggressive, despite what its name suggests.

Question 11

How do I keep my saw chain properly lubricated?

Accepted Answer

SAW CHAIN LUBRICATION

Fill your oil reservoir each time you fill your chainsaw’s gas tank. Make sure that your saw chain, guide bar, and sprocket are always receiving oil from the saw during operation.

Keep your saw's chain-oiling system filled with clean bar and chain oil. Oregon bar and chain oil is specifically compounded to provide extra high tackiness and prevent "throw off" even under adverse weather conditions.

As a rule of thumb, you should never put used oil or old motor oil in your saw or on your chain. Used motor oil contains metal shavings that reduce the life of your bar and chain. Additionally, lubricating your bar and chain with used motor oil will void your warranty.

Question 12

Converting Common Stihl & Husqvarna Guide Bars to Oregon

Accepted Answer

If you are replacing an old Stihl or Husqvarna guide bar, please take a look at our bar mount conversions below to determine which Oregon bar mount you will need for your chainsaw. If your guide bar isn't Stihl or Husqvarna, please go ahead and send us your chainsaw's Brand and Model so we can find it for you.

CONVERTING YOUR BAR MOUNT TO OREGON'S BAR MOUNT

Oregon’s bar mounts are indicated by the last 4 digits of the part number (one letter followed by three numbers). For example, the Oregon 200RNDD025 would utilize bar mount D025.

Depending on the brand and age of guide bar you use, you'll most likely be able to find your guide bar's bar mount by looking at the part number, guide bar etching, or online using your chainsaw's Brand and Model #.

***If you have trouble finding this info for yourself, please reach out to us with your chainsaw's Brand and Model. We understand this can get quite confusing and have no problem finding the bar mount required for your specific chainsaw***

COMMON STIHL/OREGON & HUSQVARNA/OREGON BAR MOUNT CONVERSIONS

Stihl bars use three types of bar mounts that can be determined by looking at the first 4 digits of the guide bar part #, usually etched into the guide bar itself:

“3005 - small” (converts to Oregon’s A074);

“3003 - medium” (converts to Oregon’s D025);

“3002 - large” (converts to Oregon’s E031 or *E099 specifically for Stihl 070/090*);

Question 13

Differentiating Oregon Saw Chain Families

Accepted Answer

OREGON CHAIN FAMILIES: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES

We understand that the needs of woodcutters – professionals and novices – are as diverse as the terrains and environments in which they work.

Oregon has organized their saw chains and guide bars into product families with key characteristics that different users will value. These product families will ensure that you choose the right chain and bar based on your everyday needs. It will make understanding the differences between our products effortless. Feel free to click on the titles below to see our company's saw chain offerings.

Question 14

How do I deal with cold-weather wear on my saw chain?

Accepted Answer

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH COLD-WEATHER WEAR

Oil

Use a lighter weight of bar-chain oil, or dilute bar-chain oil 25% with clean kerosene or diesel oil (you’ll need to use twice as much of the diluted oil) and be certain your chain is receiving oil from the saw.

Cutters

Keep cutters sharp.
Touch up every hour, more often if needed.
Do not force dull chain to cut.

Bar

Turn symmetrical bars over to equalize rail wear.
Keep the bar groove clean and oil holes open.

Tension

Check and adjust often.
Keep your chain correctly tensioned.

Depth Gauges

It's recommended to check the bite of cutters is regulated by the height of the leading portion of each cutter, commonly known as the depth gauge.
Check and adjust your cutter's depth gauges at every sharpening.

Drive Sprocket

Be sure to read the operator's manual supplied with your chainsaw in its entirety.
Replace the sprocket after every two chains, or sooner if wear is evident.

Question 15

Differentiating Oregon Guide Bar Families

Accepted Answer

OREGON GUIDE BAR FAMILIES: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES

We understand that the needs of woodcutters are as diverse as the terrains and environments in which they work. We’ve organized our guide bars into product families with similar characteristics to help you find the right guide bars for your work.

POWERCUT

For loggers and skilled forest workers who require heavy-duty guide bars. The tough chrome-moly steel body powerfully cuts through timber quickly and efficiently.
VERSACUT

Designed for landowners and tree-cutting professionals who require versatility without sacrificing strength. Switch easily from pruning to felling without changing saws.
CONTROLCUT
Ideal for woodcutting professionals who make precise and smooth cuts during their work day. This guide bar’s lighter weight reduces operator fatigue.
DURACUT

Designed specifically for woodcutting professionals who work in challenging and punishing environments. The ultra high-wear resistant stellite nose and chrome-moly body gives you the power to cut through any challenging terrain.
ADVANCECUT
Perfect for homeowners or landscapers who need a reliable guide bar that is light-weight and maneuverable. The bar is also designed to reduce kickback.
SINGLE RIVET
Designed for homeowners who need a light-duty bar for limbing and pruning. The bar offers users greater control, reduced kickback, and it is reversible.
SPEEDCUT & SPEEDCUT NANO
For woodcutters who cut high volumes of wood. Narrow kerf, light-weight, and ideal for professionals who need mid-sized bars for saws under 55cc.
HARVESTER
A harvesting machine is only as good as its cutting attachments. That’s why discerning users choose Oregon Harvester Bars. Their harvester bars make your wood processing machine rise to its potential - maximizing your cutting efficiency while minimizing your down time.

Question 16

Retailer vs. Dealer Oregon Saw Chain (ie. S52 vs. 91PX052G)

Accepted Answer

Oregon's Retail vs. Dealer Saw Chain

Oregon uses different names and package types for their saw chain depending on whether it's for a retailer (like Lowes or Home Depot) or a dealer (like us, American Forestry).

While the naming and packaging are different for retail and dealer saw chain, the saw chain itself is actually exactly the same.

Retailer-Packaged Oregon saw chain (Left Photo) is identified by a Letter (S, in this case) followed by the drive link count of the saw chain (52) and comes in "clamshell packaging".

Dealer-Packaged Oregon saw chain (Right Photo) is identified by the Standard Oregon Chain Type (91PX), 3 digits to call out the drive link count (052), and ends with another Letter (customers never have to worry about this last letter). This comes in standard Oregon Saw Chain box (stock photo used - real dealer saw chain box has all of the info regarding specs, compatibility, part #, etc. printed on).

Oregon Dealer and Retailer Saw Chain Conversions

To recap, the S52 and 91PX052G, that we used as examples above, are both exactly the same saw chain, as you can see in the Oregon retail/dealer chain conversion table above.

In the Oregon saw chain world, S=91PX, M=95TXL, H=20BPX, and so on.

In most cases, the "Retailer" saw chain will be much cheaper than the "Dealer" saw chain on our website. If you know your standard Oregon saw chain type, then you can determine the retail chain code (by using the table above) to search for the version you need.

Question 17

How do I measure my saw chain's specs? (Pitch, Gauge, Drive Link Count)

Accepted Answer

MEASURING YOUR CHAINSAW CHAIN

We'll let you in on a little secret. There are two ways that you can figure out the size of your replacement chain even without access to a product manual:

Measure the chain yourself, using instructions below.
Look on other parts of the saw for the measurements, most likely on the guide bar OR on the drive links of your saw chain (easiest options).

HOW TO MEASURE CHAINSAW CHAIN YOURSELF

To find a chain replacement, you'll need to figure out three numbers:

Pitch: the distance between the chain's drive links
Gauge: the width of the groove where the chain fits into the bar
Drive Link Count: # of drive links contained within the loop of chain

MEASURING PITCH

Chain pitch is the length of the links in the chain. To determine the pitch, you'll need to measure the distance between any three consecutive rivets, then divide the result by 2. The rivets are the small, round pegs/studs that hold the chain segments together. Measure from the first to the third, then divide that number in half to get your chain pitch. Pitch is important because the drive sprocket (and if applicable, the bar nose sprocket) of your guide bar must be the same pitch as the chain.

The most common measurements of pitch you'll see on replacement chain are 3/8" and .325", but may also be .325” Low Profile, .404”, ¼”, ¾”, or ⅜” Low Profile.

MEASURING GAUGE

Chain gauge, on the other hand, means the thickness of the drive links of the chain. Your saw chain’s gauge can be determined by measuring the portion of the drive link that fits into the groove of the guide bar, usually expressed in thousandths of an inch. For your reference, normal wear can make it difficult to accurately measure chain gauge on a worn chain.

The most common saw chain gauge sizes are .043" (1.1mm), .050" (1.3mm), .058" (1.5mm), and .063" (1.6mm), but may also be .080” or .122”.

MEASURING DRIVE LINK COUNT

Count the number of drive links on your old chain loop to get the correct replacement chain. Simply count the drive links around the entire loop of saw chain. The drive link count is the last 3 numbers before the last letter on the Oregon chain part number.