.325 or 3/8 for Stihl MS-251

[Dan Thornton]

In addition to my 200T, I have a Stihl MS-251. Want to make sure I'm getting the right chains for the 251, but the manual lists both .325 and 3/8 sizes. How do I know which is correct? Or are they interchangeable?

 

[Reach]

The two chains are not interchangeable, but it is easy to tell which is which. Your bar will have the pitch engraved in the side, back near the power head. You may have to remove the bar to read it, but it will be there if you have a Stihl brand bar.

 

[evo]

What reach said. The saw can use either, but it’s sprocket and bars that differentiates. Personally I use 3/8’s on everything that isn’t a top handle. But for such a small saw a .325 would marginally be better.
I can swap bars and chains thought most of my saws, and use the same files.. saves a bunch of headaches

 

[Dan Thornton]

Thank you. That solved my problem. My 200T takes a 3/8", and the 251 takes a .325".

 

[Njdelaney]

The 3/8" P stands for Picco, it is smaller chain than regular 3/8". Usually on Stihl bars the word Picco is spelled out instead of being abbreviated with a "P" I just read your last reply and see that mine was not needed haha

 

[Dan Thornton]

The Picco comment has my interest, since my 200T calls for a 3/8" Picco chain. The off-brand (non-Stihl) chains don't use the word Picco, just the 3/8" and 0.050". In what dimension is the Picco smaller than the regular 3/8"?

 

[Njdelaney]

Narrower kerf. Sometimes it is called 3/8" LP by other chain manufacturers. LP means low profile.

 

[southsoundtree]

What reach said. The saw can use either, but it’s sprocket and bars that differentiates. Personally I use 3/8’s on everything that isn’t a top handle. But for such a small saw a .325 would marginally be better.
I can swap bars and chains thought most of my saws, and use the same files.. saves a bunch of headaches

I use all different files on the same chain, new, midlife, and end of life.
I match my file to current cutter size, so need them all.