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Stihl 029 - best sprocket bar chain combo

Started by rebocardo, March 05, 2009, 09:28:13 PM

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rebocardo

I just got a used and abused Stihl 029. It has a .325 7 tooth drum with a 3/8 x .050 bar. It needs a new drum for some reason  :o

I was thinking about going with a .325 sprocket and rim instead, 20 inch chain and bar, which would be 67 drive links going by Bailey's catalog. The same chain as my MS-250 18".

Otherwise I was thinking about going to a 3/8 sprocket and rim and hopefully a .050 bar that takes 72 drive links so I could use the same chain that my Husky 372/Stihl 066 uses.

Was there a default chain/bar combo that was the saw's sweet spot? I have read the various posts here and I gather this is a home owner's saw, but, hopefully still worth about $100.

Since it will only be a back-up saw to my MS-250 I am not real anxious to have yet another bar/chain combo and I might sell it on E-Bay anyways once I get my 066 fixed.

Any suggestions?

ladylake

 A .325 drum and a 3/8 bar don't work toegther, the drum, chain and bar have to match. I'd recomend a 325 setup for a 029 which turns a little slower than a 3/8 setup but applys more torque to the chain due to lower gearing. I've run 029 and 290 saws that were doggy with a 3/8 setup but cut pretty good with a 325 setup.   Steve
Timberking B20  18000  hours +  Case75xt grapple + forks+8" snow bucket + dirt bucket   770 Oliver   Lots(too many) of chainsaws, Like the Echo saws and the Stihl and Husky     W5  Case loader   1  trailers  Wright sharpener     Suffolk  setter Volvo MCT125c skid loader

rebocardo

thanks steve  :)

that is what I will go for then, a .325 set up.

Al_Smith

 An 029 is not overly blessed with a lot of torque .Most likely a .325 with a 7 tooth would work out best . You have to keep the r's up on those little pea pickers .

Jim Spencer

If your 029 now has a .375 X .050 bar why don't you stay with that and then you can use your chain and bar from your 066 or use your bar and chain from your 029 on your 066.
You will have to buy a .375 drum is all.
I have used .375 X .050 on my 029 for 10-15 years with no problems.
I also have a 066 and use the same chain and 16" bar on both saws.  The reason I use a 16" bar on my 066 is because I have a Logosol and 16" bar uses less power than a 20" or larger.   Of course I use ripping chain when I am sawing lumber.

rebocardo

Well, I decided to go with the .063 x .325 chain in 72 DL and 7 tooth sprocket. This is the same chain as my MS-250 with a 18" bar. Though for the 029 this means a 16" bar. I think it will be a nice little running saw with the 16" bar.

I already share the 3/8 x .050 x 72 DL chain between my Stihl 066 and Husky 372. If I am going to pick up a chainsaw with a 20" bar, I might as well pick up the 066 (my favorite)  :)  or the 372.


John Bartley

Things appear to be waay different in the USA for Stihl chains and bars etc....

Up here in the frozen north, the 029/MS290 comes with a .325"/7 tooth drive sprocket and your choice of 16" (67dl), 18" (74dl) or 20" (80dl?) chain, all in 0.050" ga. My personal choice would be 18" (74dl), with a 7 tooth drive. I guess that in the USA, .325 chain comes in 0.063" ga? We don't have that here that I've ever seen.

cheers

john
Kioti DK35HSE w/loader & forks
Champion 25hp band mill, 20' bed
Stihl MS361
Stihl 026

Rocky_J

John, it's a Stihl thing that they do to make it difficult to find replacement chains except at a Stihl dealer. It helps lock customers into their brand. All their homeowner saws come with .063 gauge bar and chain.

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