In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Chains

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by NYCountry, Sep 17, 2014.

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  1. NYCountry

    NYCountry

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    What kind of chains would u recommend to buy for stihl ms250 18" bar it seems the chains I buy at the local shop seem like garbage for $28 or should I sharpen it before I use even though it's new
     
    NYCountry, Sep 17, 2014
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  2. Grizzly Adam

    Grizzly Adam Guest

    I like Stihl 63RM61 for mine. Semi-chisel.
     
    Grizzly Adam, Sep 17, 2014
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  3. SquareFile

    SquareFile

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    SquareFile, Sep 17, 2014
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  4. PullinMyPoulan

    PullinMyPoulan

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    Check out baileysonline.com free shipping if your new to the site.I usually use the lpx or the woodland pro either way can't go wrong great prices good service.
     
    PullinMyPoulan, Sep 17, 2014
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  5. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    DexterDay, Sep 17, 2014
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  6. SquareFile

    SquareFile

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    I assumed that was the size since the OP didn't state the pitch

    If its .325 buy RS or RC stihl
     
    SquareFile, Sep 17, 2014
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  7. NYCountry

    NYCountry

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    I have the bar that it came with. I guess it's the stihl stock bar, so I will need a new bar regardless or can I just buy the chain. Should I get a stihl bar or do you recommend another brand bar.. Thanks (this is all new to me just trying to learn..
     
    NYCountry, Sep 17, 2014
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  8. Tiewire

    Tiewire

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    Clean and green wood stihl RS. Dry and dirty wood stihl RM.
     
    Tiewire, Sep 17, 2014
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  9. amateur cutter

    amateur cutter

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    Yep, what he said. Although I run RS for the most part. I think the 250 runs .325 chain.
    Some Stihl dealers offer buy one get a 2nd chain 1/2 off.
     
    amateur cutter, Sep 17, 2014
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  10. Grizzly Adam

    Grizzly Adam Guest

    With this saw I don't notice a difference between the RS and RM other than RM holding an edge better.
     
    Grizzly Adam, Sep 17, 2014
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  11. Tiewire

    Tiewire

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    My stihl dealer will do buy 2 get one free a couple times a year.
     
    Tiewire, Sep 17, 2014
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  12. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    The MS250 could have been sold with either a 3/8" Picco bar, or the more common .325 setup. If the original bar is still serviceable, I would buy a chain to fit that bar/sprocket. If the bar is heavily worn, I'd get a new bar. And on a 250, if I had a chance to convert it to Picco.......
     
    MasterMech, Sep 17, 2014
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  13. NYCountry

    NYCountry

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    How can I tell if it's a picco bar and if it's not how do I go about getting it converted to picco
     
    NYCountry, Sep 17, 2014
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  14. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    The bar should have some information etched into it near where it mounts to the saw. Otherwise you can tell by the chain or the sprocket/clutch drum will have the chain pitch (3/8P or .325) stamped into it.

    Conversion to Picco is straightforward. You need a bar, a chain, and a sprocket. I would use a rim sprocket kit which would have the rim sprocket itself, a new clutch drum and a needle bearing all in one shot.
     
    MasterMech, Sep 17, 2014
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  15. amateur cutter

    amateur cutter

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    Picco Micro chain has a smaller cutter tooth & drive links. Bar should be labeled for, pitch, gauge, & # of drive links. Conversion is just the correct sprocket under the cover, & tip on the bar. Stihl has come out with an RS series picco chain that is very good.
     
    amateur cutter, Sep 17, 2014
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  16. amateur cutter

    amateur cutter

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    Meh, He types faster & is smarter, but I still got the answer right.:D
     
    amateur cutter, Sep 17, 2014
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  17. clemsonfor

    clemsonfor

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    Yep was gonna say buy woodland chains from baileys they have free shipping on them now and there froably $14 or so for a chain for that saw
     
    clemsonfor, Sep 18, 2014
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  18. Pallet Pete

    Pallet Pete Moderator

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    I ran a couple woodland chains they really didn't do bad at all until I hit a chunk of rebar. That was that I couldn't fix them..
     
    Pallet Pete, Sep 18, 2014
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  19. Grizzly Adam

    Grizzly Adam Guest

    I thought you were a miracle worker!
     
    Grizzly Adam, Sep 18, 2014
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  20. Pallet Pete

    Pallet Pete Moderator

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    I am but that chain had devil horns after that disaster... Seriously how does rebar get in the middle of a tree branch? :rofl: :lol:
     
    Pallet Pete, Sep 18, 2014
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