Chain pitch and gauge: match them or your saw won't work

You have to match both the pitch and the gauge exactly, no wiggle room.

Pitch is the distance between drive links (the part that rides in the bar groove). Gauge is the thickness of those drive links. If either is wrong, the chain won’t sit properly in the bar, won’t get oiled right, and can come off or even snap.

The bar will have its pitch and gauge stamped somewhere—usually near the mount. The chain package will list both numbers. Don’t guess. If you bring the old chain to the store, they can match it for you. Otherwise, measure the drive link spacing and thickness with a caliper.

Mixing up .325 pitch and 3/8" pitch is common, and they look similar until you try to put them on. The chain won’t seat, and you’ll waste time.

Get it right and your saw cuts smooth and safe. Get it wrong and you’re either buying a new chain or a new bar.

Measure twice, buy once.