Chain length issues

[Lazurus]

I ordered a couple of new chains for the Chinese mill set up. It currently has Oregon bar and chain 20" with 76 drive links. Methinks I will get a couple of cheap chains to play around with sharpening angles etc. before investing in another "proper" chain to use in anger. I ordered the correct pitch length and number of links (counted them to make sure on delivery) but they are 1 link too short and wont fit the bar.

 

Now I know they are cheapies but I ordered these for a reason as explained. So, question is if I have ordered correct chain by size, pitch and drive links how come they are sort, I know it may be due to poor manufacturing but they measure up correctly by links pitch etc., but are about 1 link too short. Have I missed something obvious or is there a difference in the way chains are manufactured, and by ordering differing makes of chain compared to bar am I going to have problems putting as example Stihl chain on an Oregon bar.

 

Don't berate me for buying cheapies as lesson learned:blushing:!!!!

[peatff]

If they are too short they are the wrong chains. If the gauge you ordered is correct then there should be no variation in length. Did 76 links fit the Oregon bar before, was the chain new or stretched when you fitted the bar ?

Edited July 28, 2016 by peatff

[Lazurus]

If they are too short they are the wrong chains. If the gauge you ordered is correct then there should be no variation in length. Did 76 links fit the Oregon bar before, was the chain new or stretched when you fitted the bar ?

 

Yes the Oregon chain counts 76 links but laying this over the new chains there is albeit small a difference, but the count pitch etc. is all the same. When trying to fit the new chain and pushing the bar back to the sprocket the chain will not go on and the tensioner is right back as far as it will go. there is obviously a physical difference somewhere between the chains but I cant see it unless the actual links and straps on the cheap chain are fractionally smaller making up the difference. I was hoping I could get it on then run for a few minutes to stretch but its a no go.

 

Just concerned that unless I stick to identical Oregon chain I may have problems if I order a differing manufactured chain!

[gdh]

I had a similar problem when some chains were too long. I got some some 84 link Husqvarna chains made up and they were too slack. Turns out they were 85 link because of the tie used to join them.

[Lazurus]

Sussed it. Despite what the box said the Oregon chain to suit the Oregon bar had 78 drive links, the saw paperwork and listings on the www state 76 links, so I recounted both and there is a two link difference. Is a call to Rob D tomorrow for a proper chain and the others are for Fleabay........ Lesson learned.

[muttley9050]

Just bite the bullet and get a granbert ripping chain. You won't be disappointed.

[Lazurus]

Just bite the bullet and get a granbert ripping chain. You won't be disappointed.

 

Ordered

[shendy]

What does it say on the side of the bar?

[Lazurus]

What does it say on the side of the bar?

 

Oregon

[Lazurus]

Seriously..... I will check tonight but am confident that I took the word of the packaging on the original chain instead of counting, the chain definitely has 78 drive links on the Oregon chain, the cheapies had 76, so hopefully all good. Then need a lesson on sharpening the ripping chain!!!!!