Replacing a Chainsaw Chain Today? What That Dl Number Means Right Now

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Using a chain with an improper DL count creates acute operational hazards. If a replacement chain has even two drive links too many, the bar tensioner screw will bottom out against its stop block before the chain reaches proper working tension. A slack chain frequently jumps the guide bar groove at high speeds, whipping back toward the operator's hands or tearing up the aluminum chain catcher.

If the chain has fewer drive links than specified, mounting it forces the guide bar hard against the drive sprocket. This puts extreme lateral load on the crankshaft bearings and clutch drum. It also generates excessive friction along the bar rails, overheating the bar nose and burning out the chain within minutes.

Before installing a new loop, inspect the drive sprocket inside the clutch drum. Running a brand-new chain on a deeply grooved, worn sprocket causes rapid wear on new drive links. Industry guidelines suggest replacing the drive sprocket every two to three chain replacements, or whenever sprocket wear grooves exceed 0.02 inches (0.5 mm) in depth.

Proper tension requires the chain's drive link tangs to remain fully seated in the groove without sagging below the bar bottom. When pulled upward with gloved fingers at mid-bar, the chain should pull clear slightly while the drive link tang stays partially engaged inside the rail, snapping cleanly back into place upon release.