Drive link count...does it matter?

Hi...I have 2 Stihl MS160C saws. One 18" bar the other 20". I need a chain replacement on the 20" bar and I count 55 drive links. The Amazon replacement chains are all 72 or 81 dl. Will either work where the original is 55 dl? Thanks!

 

No.



Owl

 

55 is closer to a 16" bar.

 

Another thing besides drive link count that will bite you is the driver gauge. Some chains are 0.043”, others are 0.050”, or 0.058”, or 0.063”… Verify what you have by looking at your bar. It should be stamped or etched on there somewhere, probably near the mount.

 

I don't speak Stihl, but here...

https://www.stihlusa.com/WebContent.../STIHL-Saw-Chain-Selection-Identification.pdf

 

Just asking, are you certain about the model number and bar length? Are these saws gasoline or battery? The MSA160C is a battery saw, but it wouldn't have that long of a bar.

 

No. You need the exact same chain inc. pitch and gauge.

 

I still can't figure a 20" bar having only 55 drive links (that would be something like 1/2" pitch chain), nor a 160 saw having 18 and 20 inch bars. I think there's some figures askew somewhere, but I've been wrong before.

 

Maybe they're measuring the overall length of the bar, including the mount?

 

I was confused myself.

scavenger can you post some pics of the saw and bars please? Have you looked closely at the info stamped on the bar?

 

Certainly possible, didn't think of that.

 

Maybe ones a 14" and the other a 16".

 

Could be. I think the 14" bar on my MS241 runs 55dl chain.

 

Here's a good explanation so you understand the numbers needed to get the proper replacement.

 

So basically you are asking if size matters...when it comes to chainsaws, yes!