33lg VS 95vp chain question

[rjh245]

Here is the question. I guy I work with has a craftsman chain saw. One of the 55cc models. The saw came with a narrow kerf bar and a 95vp chain. My friend got another chain for the saw, but at Sears they sold him a 33 vp chain they said it was the same thing. Both the chains are 72 drive links of .325 chain for an 18 inch bar.
Here is the question. Can the 33 seires chain be used on the narrow kerf bar?
Rob

 

[SawTroll]

It can, as both are .325 .050 gauge, but it is definetely not the "same thing". It will probably work OK initially, but it will get less support than it really should on the narrow kerf bar.
This could result in accellerated wear of the bar, crooked cutting and binding in the cut. It could also work quite well - it is no way of knowing for sure without actually trying.
I am also pretty sure that it will cut slower than the 95VP regardless of the bar, but that is another story.....

Ask him to take it back if he doesn't need it now!

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

He might want to get a new bar and switch away from the narrow kerf, especially on a 55cc saw.

 

[gatkeper1]

When I got my Redmax G415 it came with 95VP chain.
I called Oregon and spoke to one of the tech reps about the chain as it was my first experience with the narrow kerf types.
He stated standard chain can be used on a narrow kerf bar with no problems.
But stated narrow kerf chain should not be used with a standard bar because the width of cut would not allow enough clearance for a standard bar.
Others have used the 95VP with standard bars and appear not to have had any problems.

 

[rjh245]

I suggested taking it back but he did not want to bother.
Thanks for the input.
Rob