Finding the right chain for your saw means matching three measurements
Your chainsaw chain has to fit your specific saw model, and that fit depends on three separate measurements: the drive link count (how many teeth grip the bar), the pitch (the spacing between those teeth), and the gauge (the thickness of the chain itself). The drive link rivet size is not a separate measurement you choose — it is determined by the pitch and gauge your saw already uses. When you buy a replacement chain, you are matching all three to what your saw was built for, not picking them independently.
The easiest way to find what you need is to look at your current chain or your saw's manual. The manual will list the exact chain specifications, usually printed on a sticker on the saw itself or in the documentation that came with it. If you have lost the manual, the manufacturer's website lets you search by model number, which is stamped on the saw's body.
Key Takeaways
- Drive link count, pitch, and gauge must all match your saw — they work together and cannot be mixed.
- Your saw's manual or the manufacturer's website will list the exact specifications you need.
- The drive link rivet size is set by the pitch and gauge; you do not choose it separately.
- Buying the wrong chain will not fit on your bar or will not engage the sprocket properly, making the saw unsafe to use.
What drive link count means and how to measure it
The drive link count is the number of teeth on the chain that fit into the groove running around your saw's bar. These teeth have to match the length of the bar exactly — if the chain is too short, it will not wrap all the way around; if it is too long, it will sag and fall off during use. The count is always an even number, typically ranging from 40 to 90 links depending on bar length.
To count the drive links on your current chain, lay it flat and count every other tooth — the ones that point downward and fit into the bar's groove. Write down that number. When you order a replacement, you will specify this exact count. If you do not have a chain to count, measure your bar from the tip to where it enters the saw body, then add half an inch. A 16-inch bar usually needs 55 links; an 18-inch bar usually needs 62 links; a 20-inch bar usually needs 72 links. These are common pairings, but your manual will confirm the exact number for your model.
Understanding pitch and why it cannot be changed
The pitch is the distance between the centers of two consecutive drive links, measured in inches. The three most common pitches are 0.325 inches, 0.375 inches, and 0.404 inches. Your saw's sprocket — the gear that drives the chain — is cut for one specific pitch. If you put a chain with the wrong pitch on your saw, the teeth will not mesh with the sprocket, and the chain will not turn.
The pitch is stamped on your saw's bar or listed in the manual. You cannot change it by adjusting tension or buying a different bar; the sprocket inside the saw determines it. When you replace a chain, you must match the pitch exactly. If you are unsure, the safest approach is to bring your saw to a dealer and ask them to verify the pitch before you buy a replacement.
Gauge: the thickness of the chain links
The gauge is how thick the chain is, measured in inches. It has to match the width of the groove cut into your bar. The three standard gauges are 0.050 inches, 0.058 inches, and 0.063 inches. A chain that is too thin will rattle and slip in the groove; one that is too thick will not fit at all.
Like pitch, the gauge is printed on your bar or in the manual. It is also usually stamped on the side of the bar itself, near where the chain wraps around. When you buy a replacement chain, you will specify the gauge along with the pitch and drive link count. All three measurements have to match, or the chain will not work safely on your saw.
What the drive link rivet size actually is
The drive link rivet is the pin that holds each drive link to the rest of the chain. Its size is not something you choose — it is built into the chain based on the pitch and gauge you have already selected. Once you know your pitch and gauge, the rivet size is fixed. Manufacturers make rivets in sizes that correspond to standard pitch and gauge combinations, so specifying those two measurements automatically determines the rivet.
If you are replacing a broken chain and need to know the rivet size for repair or reference, you can measure the diameter of the pin itself with calipers, but this is rarely necessary. When you buy a new chain, the retailer or manufacturer will may support the rivets are the correct size for the pitch and gauge you order. The rivet size only matters if you are attempting to repair a chain yourself, which is not recommended for most users.
How to read a chain specification label
Most chains come with a label that lists the specifications in a standard format. It will look something like "55 DL .325 .050" or "62 DL .375 .058". The first number is the drive link count; the second number after "DL" is the pitch; the third is the gauge. Some labels also include the rivet size, but you do not need to match it separately — it comes with the chain you buy.
When you are shopping for a replacement, use this label format to make sure you are ordering the right one. If a retailer cannot tell you all three numbers, do not buy from them. A chain that is wrong in any one of these measurements will not work on your saw and could be dangerous to use.
What happens if you use the wrong chain
Using a chain with the wrong drive link count will cause it to either fall off the bar or bind up as it wraps around. A chain with the wrong pitch will not engage the sprocket and will spin freely without cutting. A chain with the wrong gauge will either rattle dangerously in the groove or not fit at all. In all cases, the saw becomes unsafe to operate and the engine can be damaged.
If you have already bought a chain that does not fit, do not try to force it onto your saw. Return it and order the correct specifications. Chainsaw chains are inexpensive compared to the cost of repairing a damaged saw or treating an injury, so it is always worth taking the time to get the right one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my saw's specifications if I do not have the manual?
Look for a sticker or label on the saw's body, usually near the fuel cap or on the side of the engine housing. It will list the bar length and chain specifications. If you cannot find a label, search the manufacturer's website by your saw's model number, which is also stamped on the body. A local dealer can also look up the specs for you.
Can I use a chain with a different pitch if I buy a new bar?
No. The pitch is determined by the sprocket inside the saw, not the bar. Changing the bar does not change the sprocket. You would have to replace the sprocket itself, which is a major repair and not practical for most users. Always match the pitch to your saw, not to a new bar.
What if the pitch is stamped on my bar but I cannot read it clearly?
Take a photo of the bar and zoom in, or use a magnifying glass. If the stamp is too worn, bring the saw to a dealer and they can tell you the pitch by looking at the sprocket or checking the model number. Do not guess — using the wrong pitch will damage the saw.
Is the drive link rivet size something I need to know when I order a chain?
No. When you order a chain by pitch, gauge, and drive link count, the rivet size comes with it automatically. You only need to know the rivet size if you are repairing a chain yourself, which is not recommended. Let the manufacturer or retailer handle the rivet size.
Why do different saws use different pitches?
Pitch is matched to the engine power and the sprocket design. Smaller saws use smaller pitch (0.325 inches) because they have less power to drive the chain. Larger saws use larger pitch (0.375 or 0.404 inches) to cut faster and handle thicker wood. The manufacturer chooses the pitch based on what the saw is designed to do.