Chain width

[hokiebob1]

Here's something I found interesting. On my 353 and after the muffler mod, I installed a Stihl RS chain of the same size as original equipment. The problem is that the Stihl chain is ~ 0.028" of an inch wider at the rivets than the oregon/Husky chain that came on it. It appears that if you're not real careful when putting the bar/chain/side cover back on, the chain will actually get slightly pinched when the side cover is tightened up - I'm sure this isn't normal but maybe there's this much variability in chain widths? I found that if I play with the placement of it within the slop in the holes, it won't bind, but if not careful, it will slightly pinch.

Has anyone else noticed this, and is there a clear fix other than measure the darn rivet widths on each chain type before purchase.

As for the RS chain, man it cuts strong.

thanks

 

[Jacob J.]

Stihl chain uses the same chassis in both .050" gauge and .063" gauge, which is one reason it stretches less than Oregon chain. It shouldn't be an issue after your saw has a few tanks of gas through it and those plastic chain guides have worn down a bit.

 

[hokiebob1]

Thanks Jacob. The plastic chain guides on the 353 are metal, so one will have to give-I presume it will just wear a little groove into the chain guide, then you're good to go. Are most chains this way, or does Stihl tend to be the widest?

 

[Tony Snyder]

I have run into this on a couple models of Efcos where (some) types of safety chain get pinched by the bar plates. There is no reason for them to be designed that close, it is just poor engineering. They should have room in there for any chain on the market.

 

[rmihalek]

Could you put a couple washers on the studs before putting the side plate back on? If so, maybe that would move the guide plates apart by the width of the washers and may prevent the "squeezage."