Stihl 026 Chain Size (5 Expert Tips For Optimal Sawing)

Let’s talk about the Stihl 026, a chainsaw that holds a special place in the hearts of many, including mine. Before diving into the specifics of chain sizes and optimal sawing, it’s worth noting the resale value of a well-maintained Stihl 026. These saws are known for their reliability and robust construction, making them sought after in the used market. A clean, well-cared-for 026 can fetch a surprisingly good price, especially if it’s been properly maintained and has low hours. It’s a testament to the quality Stihl builds into their products. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of choosing the right chain for your Stihl 026 and how to optimize your sawing experience.

Stihl 026 Chain Size: 5 Expert Tips for Optimal Sawing

The Stihl 026 is a mid-sized chainsaw revered for its power and versatility. Choosing the correct chain size and type is crucial for maximizing its performance and ensuring safe operation. I’ve spent countless hours in the woods with this saw, and these tips are based on my personal experiences and insights.

1. Understanding Chain Pitch, Gauge, and Drive Links

Before you even think about buying a new chain, it’s essential to understand the basic terminology. The three key measurements are pitch, gauge, and the number of drive links.

Pitch: This refers to the distance between any three consecutive rivets on the chain, divided by two. It’s usually measured in inches. The most common pitch for a Stihl 026 is .325″, but some may use 3/8″ low profile.
Gauge: This is the thickness of the drive links, which fit into the guide bar groove. It’s also measured in inches. The Stihl 026 typically uses a .063″ gauge.
Drive Links: These are the teeth that fit into the groove of the guide bar and propel the chain around the bar. The number of drive links needed depends on the length of your guide bar.

Why is this important? Using the wrong pitch or gauge can damage your chainsaw and potentially cause injury. The wrong number of drive links will simply mean the chain is too short or too long.

My experience: I once tried using a chain with the wrong gauge on my 026. The chain was too loose on the bar, causing excessive vibration and making it difficult to control the saw. It was a frustrating and potentially dangerous experience.

Actionable Tip: Always refer to your Stihl 026’s owner’s manual or the guide bar itself to determine the correct pitch, gauge, and drive link count. If you’re unsure, take your old chain to a reputable chainsaw dealer for assistance.

2. Selecting the Right Chain Type for Your Cutting Needs

Chains aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different chain types are designed for different applications. For the Stihl 026, you’ll generally choose between:

Full Chisel: These chains have square-cornered cutters that are very aggressive and fast cutting. They are ideal for clean wood but dull quickly in dirty or abrasive conditions.
Semi-Chisel: These chains have rounded cutters that are more durable and forgiving in dirty wood. They are a good all-around choice for general use.
Low-Profile (Micro-Lite): These chains have a smaller cutter and a narrower kerf, requiring less power to cut. They’re good for smaller diameter wood and limbing.

Data Point: A study by Oregon Products found that full chisel chains can cut up to 20% faster than semi-chisel chains in clean wood. However, they also dull up to 30% faster in abrasive conditions.

My experience: I prefer using a semi-chisel chain on my Stihl 026 for most tasks. It strikes a good balance between cutting speed and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of wood types and conditions.

Actionable Tip: Consider the type of wood you’ll be cutting most often. If you’re primarily cutting clean hardwood, a full chisel chain might be the best choice. If you’re dealing with dirty or softwood, a semi-chisel chain will be more durable. For smaller jobs and limbing, a low-profile chain can be a good option.

3. Matching Chain Length to Your Guide Bar

The length of your guide bar determines the number of drive links required for your chain. The Stihl 026 can typically accommodate guide bars ranging from 16″ to 20″.

How to Determine the Correct Drive Link Count:

Consult your guide bar: The guide bar often has the recommended chain size and drive link count stamped on it.
Refer to your owner’s manual: The owner’s manual will provide a chart listing the correct drive link count for different bar lengths.
Count the drive links on your old chain: If you’re replacing an existing chain, you can simply count the drive links on the old chain.
Use an online chain selector tool: Many chainsaw manufacturers offer online tools that can help you determine the correct chain size for your saw and bar.

My experience: I once mistakenly ordered a chain with the wrong number of drive links. The chain was too short, and I couldn’t install it on the guide bar. It was a simple mistake, but it cost me time and money.

Actionable Tip: Double-check the drive link count before you purchase a new chain. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

4. Mastering Chain Sharpening for Peak Performance

A sharp chain is essential for efficient and safe sawing. A dull chain will cause the saw to vibrate excessively, kick back more easily, and produce sawdust instead of chips.

Tools for Chain Sharpening:

Round File and File Guide: This is the most common method for sharpening chainsaw chains. A file guide helps you maintain the correct filing angle and depth.
Chain Grinder: This is a power tool that can quickly and accurately sharpen chains. It’s a good option for those who sharpen chains frequently.
Handheld Sharpening Tool: These tools are compact and easy to use in the field. They’re a good option for quick touch-ups.

Sharpening Technique:

Secure the Chain: Use a vise or a chain clamp to hold the chain securely.
Identify the Cutting Angle: The cutting angle is the angle at which the file or grinder contacts the cutter. This angle is typically marked on the file guide or chain grinder.
Maintain the Correct Depth: The depth gauge controls how much of the cutter is removed with each stroke. Use a depth gauge tool to maintain the correct depth.
File or Grind Each Cutter: Use smooth, consistent strokes to file or grind each cutter.
Check Your Work: After sharpening, check the cutters to ensure they are all uniform in size and shape.

My experience: I used to struggle with chain sharpening. My cuts were always uneven, and my chain would dull quickly. After taking a chainsaw maintenance course, I learned the proper techniques and now I can keep my chains sharp and cutting efficiently.

Actionable Tip: Invest in a good quality file guide or chain grinder and learn the proper sharpening techniques. A sharp chain will make your sawing experience much more enjoyable and productive.

5. Optimizing Cutting Technique for Efficiency and Safety

Even with the right chain and a sharp edge, poor cutting technique can lead to inefficiency and increased risk of injury.

Key Cutting Techniques:

Proper Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight balanced. This will give you a stable base and allow you to move freely.
Firm Grip: Grip the chainsaw firmly with both hands. Keep your thumbs wrapped around the handles.
Let the Saw Do the Work: Don’t force the saw through the wood. Let the chain do the cutting.
Avoid Pinching: Use wedges to prevent the saw from getting pinched in the cut.
Be Aware of Kickback: Kickback is a sudden, forceful reaction that can occur when the tip of the guide bar contacts an object. Be aware of the risk of kickback and take steps to avoid it.

Safety Precautions:

Wear Appropriate Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chaps when operating a chainsaw.
Inspect the Saw Before Each Use: Check the chain tension, oil level, and all safety features.
Never Cut Above Shoulder Height: Cutting above shoulder height is dangerous and increases the risk of injury.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Be aware of other people, animals, and obstacles in your work area.
Never Operate a Chainsaw When Tired or Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: Chainsaw operation requires focus and alertness.

My experience: I once saw a logger get seriously injured because he was cutting above shoulder height and lost control of the saw. It was a stark reminder of the importance of following proper safety procedures.

Actionable Tip: Practice proper cutting techniques and always follow safety precautions. Chainsaw operation can be dangerous, but by taking the necessary steps, you can minimize the risk of injury.

Deep Dive into Chain Types and Their Applications

Let’s delve deeper into the specific types of chains available for your Stihl 026 and how they perform in different scenarios. This will help you make a more informed decision based on the kind of work you typically do.

Full Chisel Chains: The Speed Demons

As I mentioned earlier, full chisel chains are designed for speed. Their square-cornered cutters slice through clean wood with minimal resistance. However, this aggressive design comes at a cost: they dull quickly when exposed to dirt, bark, or other abrasive materials.

Ideal Applications: Felling clean hardwood trees, bucking logs in a controlled environment (e.g., a sawmill), carving wood (where precision and speed are paramount).
Limitations: Not suitable for dirty wood, softwood, or situations where the chain is likely to come into contact with the ground.
Maintenance: Requires frequent sharpening to maintain optimal performance.

Case Study: I once used a full chisel chain to fell a large oak tree in a park. The wood was exceptionally clean, and the chain cut through it like butter. The entire felling process took significantly less time compared to when I use a semi-chisel chain. However, after felling, I noticed that the chain had already started to dull due to contact with the ground.

Data Point: Tests show that full chisel chains can lose up to 50% of their sharpness after just a few cuts in dirty wood.

Semi-Chisel Chains: The All-Rounders

Semi-chisel chains are the workhorses of the chainsaw world. Their rounded cutters are more forgiving and durable than full chisel chains, making them suitable for a wider range of applications.

Ideal Applications: General purpose cutting, felling softwood trees, bucking logs in the woods, cutting firewood.
Advantages: More durable than full chisel chains, less prone to dulling in dirty conditions, easier to sharpen.
Disadvantages: Slower cutting speed compared to full chisel chains.

My experience: I primarily use semi-chisel chains on my Stihl 026 for firewood cutting. They hold their edge well, even when cutting through dirty wood or encountering knots.

Tip: When using a semi-chisel chain, make sure to maintain a slightly higher chain speed to compensate for the reduced cutting efficiency compared to a full chisel chain.

Low-Profile (Micro-Lite) Chains: The Lightweight Champions

Low-profile chains are designed for smaller chainsaws and lighter-duty tasks. Their narrow kerf requires less power to cut, making them ideal for limbing and cutting small-diameter wood.

Ideal Applications: Limbing branches, cutting small trees, pruning shrubs.
Advantages: Requires less power, lighter weight, reduced kickback risk.
Disadvantages: Not suitable for cutting large-diameter wood, less durable than full or semi-chisel chains.

Caution: While low-profile chains offer reduced kickback risk, it’s still important to be aware of the potential for kickback and take appropriate safety precautions.

Understanding Cutter Geometry

Each cutter on a chainsaw chain has a specific geometry that determines its cutting performance. This geometry includes:

Top Plate Angle: The angle of the top plate relative to the direction of travel.
Side Plate Angle: The angle of the side plate relative to the direction of travel.
Depth Gauge Setting: The height of the depth gauge relative to the cutter.

Maintaining these angles and settings is crucial for optimal cutting performance.

Tools of the Trade: Choosing the Right Sharpening Equipment

As I touched on before, there are several tools you can use to sharpen your chainsaw chain, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Round File and File Guide: This is the most common and affordable method for sharpening chainsaw chains. A file guide helps you maintain the correct filing angles and depth.
- Pros: Affordable, portable, easy to use.
- Cons: Requires practice to master, can be time-consuming.
Chain Grinder: This is a power tool that can quickly and accurately sharpen chains. It’s a good option for those who sharpen chains frequently.
- Pros: Fast, accurate, consistent results.
- Cons: More expensive, requires a power source, can remove too much material if not used properly.
Handheld Sharpening Tool: These tools are compact and easy to use in the field. They’re a good option for quick touch-ups.
- Pros: Portable, convenient, easy to use.
- Cons: Less precise than other methods, not suitable for heavily damaged chains.

My recommendation: For most users, a round file and file guide is the best option. It’s affordable, portable, and effective when used properly.

Step-by-Step Sharpening Process

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to sharpening your chainsaw chain using a round file and file guide.

Secure the Chain: Use a vise or a chain clamp to hold the chain securely.
Identify the Most Worn Cutter: This will be your reference cutter.
Set the File Guide: Adjust the file guide to the correct angle and depth setting for your chain. This information is typically found in the owner’s manual or on the file guide itself.
File the Cutter: Place the file in the file guide and file the cutter using smooth, consistent strokes. File from the inside of the cutter to the outside.
Repeat for All Cutters: Repeat the filing process for all the cutters on the chain, making sure to file each cutter to the same length as the reference cutter.
Check the Depth Gauges: Use a depth gauge tool to check the height of the depth gauges. If the depth gauges are too high, file them down using a flat file.
Test the Chain: After sharpening, test the chain by cutting a small piece of wood. The chain should cut smoothly and produce chips, not sawdust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Filing at the Wrong Angle: Filing at the wrong angle can damage the cutters and reduce cutting efficiency.
Filing Too Deep: Filing too deep can weaken the cutters and shorten the lifespan of the chain.
Ignoring the Depth Gauges: Neglecting the depth gauges can cause the chain to grab and kick back.

Pro Tip: After sharpening, use a honing stone to remove any burrs from the cutters. This will improve the cutting performance and extend the lifespan of the chain.

Optimizing Cutting Techniques: Beyond the Basics

Beyond the fundamental techniques, there are several advanced strategies that can significantly improve your cutting efficiency and safety.

Understanding Wood Tension and Compression

Wood is a dynamic material that is subject to tension and compression forces. Understanding these forces is crucial for preventing pinching and kickback.

Tension: Tension is a pulling force that stretches the wood fibers.
Compression: Compression is a pushing force that squeezes the wood fibers.

When cutting wood, it’s important to be aware of where these forces are located. For example, when felling a tree, the top of the tree is typically under tension, while the bottom is under compression.

Using Wedges to Prevent Pinching

Wedges are essential tools for preventing the saw from getting pinched in the cut. They are particularly useful when felling trees or bucking logs that are under tension or compression.

Types of Wedges: Plastic wedges, aluminum wedges, steel wedges.
Wedge Placement: Place wedges in the cut behind the saw to keep the kerf open.

Caution: Never use steel wedges near the chain, as they can damage the chain if they come into contact.

The Importance of Proper Chain Tension

Proper chain tension is crucial for safe and efficient operation. A chain that is too loose can derail, while a chain that is too tight can overheat and damage the saw.

Checking Chain Tension: Check the chain tension before each use. The chain should be snug against the guide bar but should still be able to be pulled around the bar by hand.
Adjusting Chain Tension: Adjust the chain tension using the tensioning screw on the side of the saw.

Tip: Check the chain tension frequently, especially when the chain is new. New chains tend to stretch more than older chains.

Dealing with Kickback: Prevention and Reaction

Kickback is a sudden, forceful reaction that can occur when the tip of the guide bar contacts an object. It’s one of the most common causes of chainsaw injuries.

Prevention: Use a chainsaw with a chain brake, avoid cutting with the tip of the guide bar, maintain a firm grip on the saw, be aware of your surroundings.
Reaction: If kickback occurs, immediately release the throttle and try to maintain control of the saw.

Safety First: Always prioritize safety when operating a chainsaw. Wear appropriate safety gear, follow proper cutting techniques, and be aware of the risks.

Beyond Firewood: Other Uses for Your Stihl 026

While firewood preparation is a common use for the Stihl 026, it’s a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of other tasks.

Tree Felling and Limbing

The Stihl 026 is well-suited for felling small to medium-sized trees and limbing branches. Its power and maneuverability make it a good choice for these tasks.

Storm Cleanup

After a storm, the Stihl 026 can be used to clear fallen trees and branches. Its ability to cut through a variety of wood types makes it a valuable tool for storm cleanup.

Construction and Demolition

The Stihl 026 can be used for light construction and demolition tasks, such as cutting lumber and removing small structures.

Wood Carving

With the right chain and technique, the Stihl 026 can be used for wood carving. Its power and precision make it a good choice for creating intricate designs.

Maintaining Your Stihl 026: Ensuring Longevity

Proper maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan of your Stihl 026 and ensuring its reliable performance.

Regular Cleaning

Clean your Stihl 026 after each use to remove sawdust, debris, and oil. This will help prevent corrosion and ensure that the saw runs smoothly.

Air Filter Maintenance

Clean or replace the air filter regularly to prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine. A dirty air filter can reduce engine performance and shorten its lifespan.

Spark Plug Replacement

Replace the spark plug periodically to ensure reliable starting and smooth engine operation.

Fuel and Oil Management

Use the correct fuel and oil mixture for your Stihl 026. Using the wrong mixture can damage the engine.

Chain and Bar Maintenance

Keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned. Regularly clean and lubricate the guide bar.

Professional Servicing

Have your Stihl 026 professionally serviced at least once a year. A qualified technician can inspect the saw, identify any potential problems, and perform necessary repairs.

My experience: I neglected to clean the air filter on my Stihl 026 for too long, and it caused the engine to overheat and lose power. It was a costly mistake that could have been avoided with regular maintenance.

Actionable Tip: Create a maintenance schedule for your Stihl 026 and stick to it. Regular maintenance will help keep your saw running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your Stihl 026 performs optimally and safely for years to come. Remember, the key to successful chainsaw operation is a combination of knowledge, skill, and a commitment to safety. Happy sawing!