New to the club and chainsaws, but using one regularly after a recent purchase. Trying to learn my way around them. I know this is novice question, but wasn't absolutely sure what size chain this Stihl takes. I thinks it 18", but didn't want to waste time ordering the wrong one. Anyone have any thoughts based on this picture? Appreciate any help and looking forward to learning more. SeanTyler
I'm not a stihl guy but usually bars are measured from the front of the case. Looking at your tape i would guess you have a 16" bar. Maybe a stihl guy will come around and give you a more definitive answer.
What model saw is that? Looks like an 028 (great saw btw) so should be .325 pitch, .063 gauge. 74 drive links for an 18" bar. Welcome to the FHC
The bar and chain size is stamped on the bar. Take off the clutch cover and bar and the info will be in front of the bar stud cutout on the bar.
Check the bar , all the information is down by the clutch cover. If you want to post a picture of what is on the bar we can tell you exactly what it uses.
Its not just chain length. Number of drive links, gage and pitch also factor in. The wrong chain will ruin your clutch, even if the length is correct,. Speaking from experience.
These are the numbers on a stihl bar. .325 is the chain pitch. .063 is the thickness of the drive link that fits in the bar groove. 16" is the bar length.. 62 is the number of drive links that determines chain length. This is just a pic of a stihl bar and NOT what you need for your saw.
Nice old saw in good shape. Looks like probably a 16” bar. Probably.325, probably .063 ga, can’t remember if they were 66, 67, or 68dl
Look on the bar for a stamp like this. Then go to the store and get a chain with the same information .
BuZZsaw, You're correct. This is a 028 and has been a great saw. This is great information. Thank you everyone for all your help! I came to the right place! I'll need to look this weekend, but now I know where to look.
My first Stihl was an 028 given to me by my late uncle back in 1985. Great firewood saw and very reliable. Is yours an 028 super? Chain size should be .325 pitch, .063 guage, 67 drive links for 16" bar, 74 drive links for 18" bar. Here's a link The Legendary Stihl 028 Chainsaw - HL Supply Blog
Gentlemen, After reading helpful responses was able to replace my chain with an Oregon chain. I didn't know what I was missing. I added an extra link because that's what they had. It feels like a new saw. Appreciate every ones help and comments.
Welcome to the madness. I'm going to go ahead and recommend a sharpener for you as you stated you are 'new' to the game. CHAIN SHARP CS-X chain saw sharpener A well maintained chain is the key to chainsaw happiness. I freehand, but have been doing so for many many years. The above tool will allow you as a novice, to keep your chain in great shape. The chain you selected has a built in kickback safety feature. That's good news for you. Generally speaking, the safety chains do not perform on the level of standard chains which you may encounter in the future. Just be aware of that. Cut safe and pile it high.
I have to agree with Farmer J. The Stihl 2n1 (made by Pferd) is an excellent way to learn to sharpen and maintain your chain getting there. Couple of tips. Keep it out of the dirt. Even a little touch will dull the cutters. If it’s throwing sawdust instead of chips or your pushing on the saw to cut, it’s dull. The more you keep going, the more work it will take to get the chain back sharp again. Some guys sharpen every tank, some swap the chain with a fresh one(don’t get it on backwards), and some on here just switch saws though that’s kinda showing off and flaunting their collections. (Teasing..) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk