Saw Chains

Understanding technical features

On this page you will find a little glossary with the main technical terms connected with STIHL saw chains.

Risk of kickback

Kickback is a sudden uncontrolled movement of the chain saw and this is one of the most dangerous situations that can occur when using a chain saw. It happens when the saw chain in the area of the upper quarter of the guide bar nose unintentionally comes into contact with wood or a solid object. STIHL saw chains with 3-humped tie straps are optimised for reduced kickback tendency.

Ask your STIHL Approved Dealer for more information.

Bar length

The bar length determines the application and the number of drive links in the chain.

Pitch

A chain's performance class is determined by the pitch. The size of the cutters also depends on the pitch. To determine the pitch, measure from the centre of one rivet to the centre of the next but one rivet and divide the result by two.

Drive link gauge

The chain and drive links are routed in the guide bar. To avoid undue wear the drive link gauge should match the groove in the guide bar.