In need of a chain learnin.

Before I go in and stink things up, learn me. My only source of chain for 40 miles in any direction just got corporate stupidized if what I see is correct. Went to get a new chain and could only get Stihl or Trilink. Clueless at help desk said Trilink is replacing all other chains other than Stihl because it is a superior aftermarket chain. Looked in store and only way to run it right on my saw is complete bar change with chain. Clueless help said no you can run it without bar swap. I realize it is only around 10 thousands but my thinking is that the chain will run loose and wear the chain and bar faster by being sloppy all the time. 63 gauge chain must not be made by Trilink, only 50 gauge is what the store carried. Do they make 63 and need to get some ordered or if I get in a pinch am I forced into a whole bar swap? Might need to become a chain hoarder too!

 

Time for mail order. Since you're south of the border may I suggest Left Coast Supplies.

http://leftcoastsupplies.com/product-category/oregon-chain/saw-chain/

 

I usually get from Frawleys. Home Oregon Chain saw and Lawn mower parts chainsaw chain guide bars Oregon Forestry

Their chain website(same shop). - https://www.loggerchain.com

 

+1
I've used them before as well. Semi-chisel for me please!!!

 

I like Oregon LGX and Stihl RS. I have a new loop of the Oregon EXL but I haven't put it in wood yet. I'm not a fan of supporting the cheap chinese parts, chain included.

 

If you can't wait for a chain to be sent to you I'd go with the Stihl, then order extras from any of the suggested sites.

 

I use Stihl chains on my Huskies, they work very well. Not that this is of interest but I used to buy "Laser" chains out of Canada. Best chains I ever had. Haven't used them in years and not sure if they are still good quality.

 

Just to be sure on my thinking on the opening post. I could run the 50 on my 63 bar, correct? It would also wear on my bar and the chain in excess because of the slack, correct? Does Trilink even make a 63?

 

You should run 63 on a 63 bar. You could run it, but your chain will wander in the cut, possibly bind and wear the bar quickly.

And I don't support the shyknees when I don't have to, so no idea on the chi-link.

 

Tri link is kinda the bottom of the barrel Chinese stuff. Never used it, but guys say it stretches bad and won't stay sharp.
In my experience, with normal round filing or grinding, my preference from good to poor are:

Stihl
Carlton, Windsor, woodland pro
Oregon
Archer
Brand x
Brand y
Brand z
Forester branded chain
Tri link
10 other branded Chinese chains

 

Don't run .050 0n .063. Wander & bar damage as stated above. As far as chain quality, this is the order I would most agree with. I'm not the worlds foremost expert on chain, but I've used/used up my fair share & I think huskihl hit it right on.

 

I don't know what size you are running so here's the full search - not a suggestion on what chain to use just an option. I like having 3 chains.

archerplus | eBay Stores

10 - 14 per chain shipped depending on size and gauge. I think it is pretty good stuff. Archer did stretch a little bit initially but then OK. Have been using on a small saw 3/8 lopro full chisel that I square filed and have had no problems. I always factor in driving and fuel when I'm looking at something down the road. 40 miles round trip at say 20 mpg is 2 gallons = 6 bucks to me. So those 2 $20 chains down the road are 23 plus wear tear and time.

 

perfect call! The CIA-NSA had your link all figured out for me! Very 1st set of chains are the ones the saw I am looking for needs! You are good!

 

It's just me. I think I would spring the extra 3 bucks for the full chisel chain on the next ad to the right. It will not stay sharp as long but will cut faster in clean wood. A 3/16 round file should fit both chains fine. It's gonna be hard to find a decent chain for $13.50 ish each shipped. Not a bad deal.

 

NEVER run a narrower driver than what the bar calls for !!!!!

 

The archer full chisel comes with a fairly aggressive grind. This is untouched 3/8 lopro.

 

Like the others said use a .063" chain in a .063" bar. If you have a vise and a 2 in 1 sharpener you won't need lots of chains, just keep sharpening the one you have until it's time to change. If I had to drive 40 miles to get a chain I would just mail order everything, it's cheap by the roll.

 

There are a lot of things that are nice about living in the boondocks. Unfortunately convenience and shopping options are not some of them. Have made a couple calls and it looks like I have 1 chain choice and am at their mercy for amount they choose to stock by corporate overlords in another state. Or....drive 40 miles one way to locate chain. I realize it is the way of the world to do everything technology, mail order and corporate strings of store bulk buying to keep cost down but it sure has killed small rural business. Technology is great when it works but the slightest glitch can really send things into a tailspin if a guy lives and dies not being resourceful and inventive sometimes out in Dakotah Territory.

 

It's the same up here in Rupert's Land. Actually I'm not too bad off for chainsaw stuff. It's 4 miles to Stihl, actually a store of billionaire Jimmy Pattison's mega John Deere dealership. 16 miles to Husqvarna and 40 miles to Dolmar, 2 stop signs going, 2 stop signs coming back. Echo is 60 miles away in the big city (Regina) with the last 5 miles all stop and go traffic lights. Never been there.

 

I've actually used trilink chain as it is what was installed on my dolkita from home Depot. I would say that it stays as sharp as the Carlton that I get from Bailey's online. Also I have not noticed any stretch, none more than the Baileys or even the stihl RS chain I've run on my other saw.

I had my cutting buddy sharpen the trilink after it dulled a bit, and it's sitting in my toolbox waiting to go on after this baileys gets dull. He also made it less of a safety chain, but exactly what he did, I'm not certain, and I have not cut with it after the sharpening.

I don't like supporting China, but I've found that sometimes you can be surprised by the results.