Replacing a Chainsaw Chain Today? What That Dl Number Means Right Now
Selecting the correct chain requires matching three interconnected physical dimensions. If any of the three specifications fails to match your bar and sprocket, the chain will not run safely.
Chain pitch defines the distance between links. Technicians measure pitch by taking the distance between any three consecutive rivets and dividing that number by two. Common pitches include 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch Low Profile, .325-inch, and standard 3/8-inch. Chain gauge specifies the exact thickness of the drive link tang that slides into the guide bar groove. Standard industrial gauges run in increments of thousandths of an inch: .043 gauge, .050 gauge, .058 gauge, and .063 gauge.
The following reference chart illustrates typical configurations across standard bar sizes and equipment classes:
| Guide Bar Length | Chain Pitch | Chain Gauge | Typical Drive Links (DL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12, 14 inches | 3/8" Low Profile | .043" or .050" | 44, 52 DL |
| 16 inches | 3/8" Low Profile / .325" | .050" | 55, 56 DL (3/8" LP) / 66 DL (.325") |
| 18 inches | .325" or 3/8" Standard | .050" or .058" | 68, 72 DL |
| 20 inches | 3/8" Standard | .050" or .058" | 70, 72 DL |
| 24, 28 inches | 3/8" Standard | .050" or .063" | 84, 93 DL |
A chain with the right DL count and pitch will immediately bind or jam if the gauge is .058 inches and the bar channel is machined for .050 inches. Conversely, a .043 gauge chain inside a .050 groove will wobble sideways, cutting uneven, curved kerfs that pinch the bar inside the log.
