Husqvarna made chain

[Wolverine]

 

[Philbert]

I hope that Oregon and Carlton will start 'pre-stretching' at least their 'Pro-grade' chains, now that both STIHL and Husqvarna are claiming to do this. Adds some steps, equipment, and additional cost to the manufacturing process, so probably not worth it for 'consumer-grade' chains.

Re-tensioning the chain is just something that I am accustomed to, so not that big of a deal, but a nice feature. Raises the quality bar a bit.

Philbert

 

[Wolverine]

Agreed! I recently bought another 119dl loop of Oregon JGX and it stretched quite a bit after some softwood noodling.

 

[SawTroll]

I hope that Oregon and Carlton will start 'pre-stretching' at least their 'Pro-grade' chains, now that both STIHL and Husqvarna are claiming to do this. Adds some steps, equipment, and additional cost to the manufacturing process, so probably not worth it for 'consumer-grade' chains.

Re-tensioning the chain is just something that I am accustomed to, so not that big of a deal, but a nice feature. Raises the quality bar a bit.

Philbert

I have never seen any results of said "pre-stretching" - which is a natural result of the fact that "chain stretch" really isn't about stretch, but about wear in the rivet holes.
Then there is the temporary stretch from heating, which is real, but temporary, and has nothing to do with the brand.

What may vary is how "clean" the rivet holes are from "wire edges", and if they aren't (or if they aren't "flattened" by so called pre-stretching) it may of course affect how the chain initially feels, regarding chain tension adjustment - but I haven't noticed any difference between Oregon and Stihl, it affects all new chain loops.

It isn't really stretch though, just natural processes of running in new chain loops - and the words "pre stretched" feels like just marketing in my mouth.

 

[SawTroll]

What I tried to say above is that saw chain simply doesn't stretch - but they do expand (temporary, from heat), and there will be wear on the rivets and in the rivet holes.
So called "pre stretching" can't do anything but flattening imperfections in the rivet holes somewhat, and those will wear away pretty fast anyway.

 

[Philbert]

I have never seen any results of said "pre-stretching" - which is a natural result of the fact that "chain stretch" really isn't about stretch, but about wear in the rivet holes.

That is what I understand Niko; that 'pre-stretching is basically running the new chain under tension at the factory to fully seat the rivets, instead of chain users doing this on their saw. There are lots of comments and testimonials from users on these sites about a noticeable difference between STIHL ('pre-stretched') and Oregon (not) in this respect.

Philbert

 

[SawTroll]

That is what I understand Niko; that 'pre-stretching is basically running the new chain under tension at the factory to fully seat the rivets, instead of chain users doing this on their saw. There are lots of comments and testimonials from users on these sites about a noticeable difference between STIHL ('pre-stretched') and Oregon (not) in this respect.

Philbert

I know that there are - it is just that I haven't noticed any difference worth mentioning, they all loosen a little while being "run in".

 

[jakethesnake]

New chain does "stretch" all of em pre stretched or not. I use big chains on machines not cutting chains. Same principle though weather they are pre stretched or not doesn't mean a heck of a lot to me.

 

[Wolverine]

I use big chains on machines not cutting chains.

Me too, I work @ a motorcycle shop so I'm constantly adjusting chain tension.

 

[jakethesnake]

The sumbitches may not "stretch" but they get longer one way or another I believe we can all agree on that one

 

[SawTroll]

The sumbitches may not "stretch" but they get longer one way or another I believe we can all agree on that one

Yes.

The really important thing to remember is to loosen the tension before letting the chain cool off, if you have tightened it while the chain was hot. If not, the crank may get damaged when the chain contracts from cooling off.