Sprocket Replacement

[RES]

Does anyone have a good rule of thumb of when to replace drive sprockets. I have saws with open spur sprockets and rim sprockets.

 

[Lakeside53]

some never do... and Stihl says every 2-3 chains (HA!), but .5mm wear is a good guide.

 

[RES]

So you are saying that when the groove depth reaches about 0.5mm (0.020in), it is a good time to replace.

 

[Lakeside53]

yep... Some will run them much deeper, but you do wear your chain and with a sprocket (less so with RIM) its harder to keep a constant tension, or, the chain will no longer "float" side to side.

 

[SawTroll]

some never do... and Stihl says every 2-3 chains (HA!), but .5mm wear is a good guide.

....and Oregon suggest that you change it when a pair of chain is replaced by a new pair.

I find these recommondations to be on the safe side regarding sprocket wear, but they (rims) are cheap.