MS210 and Chains/Sprockets

[Fried Chicken]

This saw is amazing. Lightweight, not the most power but never not enough.

I'm doing some service on it, the oiler is leaking, the clutch cover is destroyed, so I'm replacing the tube, filter, plastic guide, o-ring and getting a new clutch cover. When I brought it to the dealer, I noticed the sprocket is almost completely gone. I thought it was supposed to have grooves like that but apparently not lol.

Anyway, the bar/sprocket/chan is a 0.325"/0.063" 16" for an MS230 or MS250. I have two extra chains for these as well.

For the MS210 Stihl recommends the 3/8" "Picco"...

So I'm scratching my head a bit. Should I put the OEM 3/8" sprocket on it along with a new bar and chain, or should I stick with the 0.325" that'll work with the two extra chains I have? I can get the sprocket when the parts for the oiler come in.

 

[irhunter]

I think most people are going to agree with Stihl...a 35cc saw is best matched with a 3/8LP chain.

Your saw will pull the 3/8LP chain easier than the .325. Better chain speed when the bar is buried, would be the primary benefit.

But, if you have been happy with the .325, it would not be unreasonable to stick with that.

Roy

 

[Fried Chicken]

Fantastic response, thank you.

I guess I will have to weigh my options. It's rather inflexible to swap between different chains, given the sprocket, bar, chain, and sharpeners need to be replaced all at once. How does one know when to replace a bar? What about a chain? I just keep sharpening mine.

 

[irhunter]

I have pulled quite a few bars and chains out of the trash, where I work. Take them home...use them for a good long time after they were called "junk."

Here is what you need to know about bar care and retirement:

https://www.madsens1.com/guide-bar-maintenance

Many chains have reference marks scribed onto the top of the cutter. I use the chain until I have filed to the marks.

Roy

 

[irhunter]

Here are two .325 chains. One has been filed to its limit and has been retired. On the nearly-new one, you can see the scribed line.

Roy

 

[Fried Chicken]

Oh yeah, I have plenty of life left.

I'm just going to sell the extra chains I have, or at least one of them.

 

[GMB74]

Oh yeah, I have plenty of life left.

I'm just going to sell the extra chains I have, or at least one of them.

Hold on to your spare chains.
You can never have enough spare chains.
You will go out to cut wood, hit something on your first cut and have a dull chain. (BTDT)
Don't waste time trying to resharpen it right then, slap on a spare sharp chain and get back to work.
Sharpen your chains later when it is more convenient