How to Use the OREGON®
Selector Guide
How do I use this selector guide?
The selector guide is set up for you to use quickly and accurately provided
you know three things: your saw’s make, model, and guide-bar length. If you
don’t know all three of those characteristics, you should go to your nearest
OREGON® dealer, with your saw in hand, for help.
How Do I Know What Size Bar I Have?
Your bar's cutting length (or "called length") is different from its total or overall
length. The cutting length is the distance from the front of the saw to the tip of the farthest
cutter, rounded to the nearest inch. This called length is the number used in the selector
guide to describe the bars that are available for your saw. Be careful; a bar made by OREGON
® may take a different drive link count than that of another producer. Here’s a tip:
if you have an OREGON® bar, look at the ten-digit number stamped on the motor end; the first
two digits, such as 16, tell you the called length.
Once you know the make, model, and bar length, there are some other features you need to know, such as:
What is Chain Pitch?
Chain Pitch is the size of the chain, and is defined
as the distance between any three consecutive rivets divided by two. OREGON® chain is made in
several pitches - 1/4" is the smallest, 3/8" is the most popular, 3/4” is the
largest. Pitch is important because the drive sprocket must be the same pitch as the chain,
and if applicable, the bar nose sprocket. The easiest way to
determine the pitch of your chain is to look at the number stamped on the drive
link.See the chain-pitch-and-gauge chart below.
What is Chain Gauge?
Chain Gauge is the Drive Link's thickness where it
fits into the bar groove. The gauge of the chain and the gauge of the bar must
match. OREGON® has several gauges for chainsaws - such as, .043”, .050",
.058” and .063". Normal wear can make it difficult to accurately measure chain gauge
on a worn chain. Always order by the number stamped on the drive link of your old chain
to assure correct gauge. See the chain-pitch-and-gauge chart below.
| Chain Pitch and Gauge Chart | ||
|
OREGON® part number (stamped on Drive-link) |
Chain Pitch | Chain Gauge |
11 |
3/4” |
.122” |
16 |
.404" |
.063" |
18 |
.404" |
.080" |
20 |
.325" |
.050" |
22 |
.325" |
.063" |
25 |
1/4" |
.050" |
27 |
.404" |
.063" |
33 |
.325" |
.050" |
34 |
.325" |
.058" |
35 |
.325" |
.063" |
50 |
.404" |
.050" |
51 |
.404" |
.058" |
52 |
.404" |
.063" |
58 |
.404" |
.058" |
59 |
.404" |
.063" |
72 |
3/8" |
.050" |
73 |
3/8" |
.058" |
75 |
3/8" |
.063" |
90 |
3/8" |
.043" |
91 |
3/8" |
.050" |
95 |
.325" |
.050" |
How do I measure the length of my chain?
The length of your chain is determined by counting
the number of drive links in your chain. Your drive link count has a direct correlation to
your bar’s length. Be careful; a bar made by OREGON® may take a different drive link count
than that of another producer. Here’s a tip: count the number of drive links in the chain
you have now, and write that number down someplace where you can find it. Or, if
you have an OREGON® chain in an OREGON® box, the drive link count is stamped on
the flap; you can save that flap for future reference.
What is the drive sprocket?
The sprocket and the clutch drum are connected to the saw motor.The sprocket is designed to
drive the proper-pitched chain around the guide bar.
A guide
to the Information you will see displayed
by the Interactive Selector Guide
1. Manufacturer: The brand name of the saw
2. Model: The number or name of the saw
3. Bar length: The cutting length (or “called length”) of the saw bar, measured from the front of the saw to the nose end of the bar. This is not the same as the actual length of the saw bar, which is usually 4-6” greater than the cutting length.
4. Pitch: the size of the chain, measured by determining the distance between three rivets and dividing by two. The drive sprocket and bar nose sprocket are teamed with the chain, and must be the same size or pitch.
5. Gauge: the thickness of the lower portion of the chain drivelink, the part that fits into the saw bar. The chain gauge and the bar groove gauge, or width, must be the same.
6. Part Number: The OREGON® part number of the product.
7. Description: The brand name of the product, e.g., SuperGuard™.
8. Drive links: The number of drive links in the specified loop of chain.
9. Pitch: see explanation above
10. Gauge: see explanation above
11.Sprocket teeth: the number of teeth in the drive sprocket, at the motor end of the unit.
12. Need more information: This feature is a link to this page.
13. Look up for another manufacturer: This key takes you back to the original selector guide screen.
14. Notes field: This area will indicate that parts for your unit are not available; it is possible for a chain to be available, for example, and no bar.
