Need basic info

D

dmonn

Branched out member
Location
Port Washington Wisconsin
I need a source for basic info on chains and bars. I have two saws--a Husky 435e (16 inch bar) and a Tanaka TCS 33ED TP (12 inch bar). I need to know what bar to get as a replacement--brand, type, etc. What chain is compatible with what bar, etc. I can do a pretty decent job of sharpening my chains, but when I replace a chain I just get the local hardware store Oregon chain (H66) for my Husky. I have yet to replace the chain on my Tanaka.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of different chains? Where do I find an application guide that tells me what chain works with what bar? Pretty basic stuff, but I don't have a mentor to work with other than you guys.
 
A good place to start is the side of the bar itself, it will tell you what chain you need – the pitch, gauge, and number of drive links should be engraved in the side of the bar somewhere near the powerhead.

After you figure all that out, then you can start looking at the different chain manufacturers to see what style cutter is best for your application i.e., semi-chisel or full chisel chain, low kick back chain or not, and in larger souls, whether you should go with a standard chain or a skip tooth chain.

Stihl has a pretty decent guide in their catalog, I would imagine Husqvarna has something similar as well. A good dealer can give you some pointers also, but ultimately some of it comes down to trial and error - try a couple different options and see what you like best.
 
Replacement chains for the Tanaka can be 45 DL (drive links) 3/8" LP (low profile) .050 Gauge from any manufacturer. They are common, as a lot of tophandle saws use this same size chain. Remember that the Tanaka saws overheat very easily... usually with about 20 minutes of continuous use.

For that saw, you can buy the Oregon bar/chain combo, #105698 for about $40. I don't think I'd put anything more expensive on it, myself. I'd also stick with the 3/8"LP, .050 anti-kickback chains.

I have no experience with the Husqvarna saw, but if I remember right it's a 40cc consumer grade saw. Probably has .325/.050 chain, which is common for saws in this size range. I like full chisel for these, but they're not anti-kickback, so keep that in mind.
 
I really need a replacement bar for my Husqvarna. I have several chains that are 66DL 3/8 pitch, .050 so I would like a bar that works with those chains. It's what came with the saw (16 inch 435e). I can't seem to find that bar anywhere. Any ideas on where to shop for that bar?
 
dmonn said:
have several chains that are 66DL 3/8 pitch, .050 so I would like a bar that works with those chains
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Something doesn't add up with these being from a 16" bar. I think they are .325" pitch and 18" bar to have 66dl. Just look for any 18" .325 pitch bar for husky. The husky, echo, and stihl bars ar all a tad different in few respects, so stick with one made for your saw brand.
 
My bad too, those are from a 16". Incorrect info on web. There is an 18" 66dl chain in 3/8, but for stihl.
 
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I found a source for the replacement bar for my 16 inch Husqvarna. It says it's a pixel bar, and in my user's manual it says "Pixel is a guide bar and saw chain combination that is more lightweight and designed to offer more energy efficient use by cutting narrow cuts. Both guide bar and saw chain need to be Pixel to get these benefits." This makes it sound like it should use a narrow kerf chain. Is that what it's saying? Can I still use a regular kerf chain on it?
 
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