Stihl MS 193 T Chain Specs (Pitch & Gauge Specs)
The common STIHL MS 193 T setup uses a 3/8-inch Picco (3/8″ P) chain with a .043-inch (1.1 mm) gauge. Replacement chain must also have the drive-link count required by the fitted bar. Check the bar stamp or its documentation before buying; bar lengths and chain specifications can vary by market and configuration.
If a chain is dull, the wrong replacement can waste more time than sharpening it. The key is to match three details: pitch, gauge, and drive-link count. The saw’s model name alone does not confirm all three, because the fitted bar may differ.
I check the bar markings first, then confirm the chain and sprocket are compatible. That simple sequence helps prevent a chain that seems to fit but runs poorly or comes off the bar. The MS 193 T is a top-handle arborist saw. Use it only for work you are trained and equipped to do, and follow STIHL’s manual and applicable work rules.
MS 193 T chain pitch and gauge
Pitch describes the spacing of the chain’s rivets; gauge is the thickness of the drive links that run inside the bar groove. Common MS 193 T bar-and-chain setups use 3/8″ P pitch and .043″ (1.1 mm) gauge, but the fitted bar’s markings determine the replacement specifications.
| Specification | Common MS 193 T setup | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Chain pitch | 3/8″ P, also called 3/8-inch Picco | Bar and drive sprocket specifications |
| Chain gauge | .043″ / 1.1 mm | Gauge stamped on the fitted bar |
| Drive-link count | Varies with bar length and configuration | Count or read the bar’s required chain specification |
| Fuel mix | 50:1 gasoline to STIHL two-stroke oil | Follow the operator’s manual for fuel requirements |
Pitch is not the same as chain length. It identifies the chain’s size and spacing. Gauge is also not the width of the bar groove as a measurement you should estimate by eye; match the chain gauge to the bar marking.
Drive links are the small links that sit in the bar groove and engage with the sprocket. Their count determines whether the chain fits around the bar. Two chains can share the same pitch and gauge but have different drive-link counts, so they are not automatically interchangeable.
The saw has a 30.1 cm³ engine, but displacement does not tell you which chain length is fitted. STIHL packages and equipment can differ by market or production setup. Treat the stamp on your bar, plus the relevant bar or saw documentation, as the deciding reference.
Read the bar stamp before ordering
Look for markings on the guide bar that identify its pitch, gauge, and chain length or drive-link count. The layout and abbreviations can vary. If a stamp is worn, unclear, or missing, check the bar’s documentation or ask a STIHL dealer to identify it before you buy a chain.
Do not guess the count from bar length alone. Different bars can call for different chain lengths, and a previous owner may have fitted a replacement bar. Confirm the actual part on the saw, not just what you expect the original package to contain.
Equipment setup and safety preparation
Before fitting a chain, make sure the saw is off and cool enough to handle safely. Inspect the chain, bar, sprocket, and safety controls, then confirm all chain specifications. The MS 193 T is a top-handle saw intended for trained arborist work, not general ground-use homeowner cutting.
Start by checking the chain brake, throttle lockout, stop control, and chain catcher for damage or a fault. Look over the bar and chain for wear, cracked or damaged parts, and signs that the chain has been run without proper lubrication. Do not use a saw with a damaged safety part.
Before you handle the chain, wear appropriate protective equipment. For tree work, assess the work area, overhead hazards, drop zone, and escape route. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable arboricultural or workplace rules. A top-handle design does not make the saw suitable for one-handed use or remove the need for training.
For installation, use the procedure in the operator’s manual. With the engine off, confirm that the chain’s pitch and gauge match both bar and sprocket, then confirm the required drive-link count. Fit the chain in the correct direction and adjust tension as the manual directs. Never force a chain onto the bar.
A chain that is too loose can leave the bar groove; one that is too tight can bind and add strain. Check tension using the method specified in the manual, since a chain can change as it warms during use. Keep hands clear of the cutting edges and stop the engine before any adjustment.
Matching and fitting a replacement chain
A correct replacement is a three-part match: pitch, gauge, and drive-link count. Check each item against the fitted bar and the saw’s compatible sprocket. If any marking conflicts with a product listing or a chain package, pause and verify the parts rather than relying on a near match.
| What you find | What it means | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Bar marked 3/8″ P and .043″ / 1.1 mm | Common MS 193 T chain setup | Match those values and verify drive-link count |
| Pitch matches but gauge differs | Chain and bar are incompatible | Do not install; find a chain matching the bar |
| Gauge matches but pitch differs | Chain may not match the bar or sprocket | Check specifications for both components |
| Pitch and gauge match, count differs | Chain length is not confirmed | Read the bar documentation or verify the required count |
| Bar markings are unreadable | Key specifications are uncertain | Identify the bar before ordering or operating |
A practical check at the parts counter
I have seen owners arrive with the right model number but the wrong chain because their saw had a different bar fitted. In that situation, checking the bar markings resolves the uncertainty; choosing from the model name alone does not. This is a common workshop scenario, not a reason to assume every MS 193 T has the same bar.
Bring the old chain or a clear photo of the bar stamp when asking a dealer for help. If the old chain is damaged, do not use its length as the only guide. Confirm the bar’s specified pitch, gauge, and drive-link count, and check the sprocket specification as well.
After installation, check the chain tension again and follow the manual’s start-up procedure on stable ground, with the brake engaged as specified. Before cutting, verify chain lubrication and brake function. If the chain binds, runs roughly, or does not seat correctly, stop and recheck compatibility rather than trying to force it to work.
Cutting, sharpening, and maintenance
A correctly matched chain still needs proper tension, lubrication, and sharp cutters. A dull chain should be sharpened using the instructions for its exact chain type, not a guessed file size or angle. Stop the engine before inspection or adjustment, and do not force a dull chain through wood.
STIHL chain types can have different sharpening requirements. First identify the chain model or marking, then use the matching STIHL instructions or file guide for file size, filing angle, and depth-gauge setting. The 3/8″ P pitch alone does not establish every sharpening specification.
When cutting, use the saw only within its approved application and your training. Maintain secure footing and grip, keep the bar tip clear of unintended contact, and avoid cutting with the upper quadrant of the bar nose. Follow safe arborist procedures for the task and work position.
After use, stop the engine before cleaning or making adjustments. Once the saw has cooled, clear debris from the bar groove and air-intake area, inspect the bar and chain, and check that the oiling system is working as described in the manual. A dry oil tank is a stop-and-refill issue, not something to ignore while cutting.
Use the specified chain oil and keep the tank supplied. Chain oil reduces friction between the chain and bar; it is not the same as two-stroke engine oil mixed with gasoline. If the chain is not receiving oil, stop and investigate before returning to work.
Fuel mix and storage
The specified fuel mix for the MS 193 T is 50:1 gasoline to STIHL two-stroke engine oil. Use fresh fuel that meets the operator’s manual requirements. Never run straight gasoline in a two-stroke engine, and do not confuse fuel mix with the separate oil used to lubricate the chain.
| Gasoline | STIHL two-stroke oil for a 50:1 mix |
|---|---|
| 1 litre | 20 millilitres |
| 5 litres | 100 millilitres |
| 1 US gallon | About 2.6 US fluid ounces |
Measure carefully and mix in an approved fuel container. Follow the manual for permitted gasoline and fuel age, and label the container so it is not mistaken for chain oil or straight gasoline. If you are unsure what is in the tank, do not guess.
For storage, follow STIHL’s instructions for the fuel system and the storage period. Clean the saw after it cools, inspect the bar and chain, and store it safely with the cutting equipment protected. Recheck chain condition and tension before the next use.
Frequently asked questions
What chain pitch does the STIHL MS 193 T use?
A common setup uses 3/8″ P, also called 3/8-inch Picco. Confirm the pitch on the fitted bar and check compatibility with the sprocket.
What chain gauge does the MS 193 T use?
The common matching setup uses .043-inch, or 1.1 mm, gauge. Verify the marking on your bar because configurations can vary.
How many drive links does the MS 193 T chain need?
There is no single count for every saw configuration. Read the fitted bar’s marking or documentation and match that drive-link count exactly.
Can I choose a chain using only its 3/8″ P pitch?
No. The chain must also match the bar gauge and required drive-link count, and it must be compatible with the sprocket.
Will a .050-inch chain fit a bar marked .043 inch?
It is not a matching specification. Do not force it onto the bar; choose a chain that matches the bar and sprocket requirements.
Is 3/8″ P the same as regular 3/8-inch chain?
They are different chain specifications. Check that the packaging says 3/8″ P or Picco when that is what the bar and sprocket require.
What file size and sharpening angle should I use?
Use the sharpening instructions for the exact chain type installed. Pitch alone does not confirm the correct file size, angle, or depth-gauge setting.
What fuel mix does the MS 193 T use?
Use a 50:1 gasoline-to-STIHL two-stroke oil mix, following the operator’s manual for fuel quality and age.
Can I use the model number to order a replacement chain?
Use it as a starting point, not the final check. Confirm pitch, gauge, and drive-link count from the fitted bar or its documentation.
What should I do if the bar markings are unreadable?
Do not guess. Identify the bar through its documentation or a STIHL dealer, then confirm the chain and sprocket specifications before operation.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, David Hensley. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
