Is it okay to run a chain with an extra drive link?

[Lootbug]

Hey guys,

I have a bar here that's 3/8lp, .050, 56DL. There's a decent sale price on some loops of 3/8lp, .050, 57DL. Wondering if the one extra drive link would be okay to run?

 

[Greenerpastures]

It will depend on how your original now fits, if there is still room to tension the chain
then a new 57 might fit and tighten, but when it stretches you will have no way of tensioning
it, unless you remove the link.
It would work better in a larger deeper bar, I have a Carlton bar with a big nose and a 12
tooth sprocket, now that bar would be ok with an extra link as the bar is very close to the drive sprocket
with its correct chain.
Am also told some manufacturers measure their bars differently, some measure from the end of the slot
to the end of the bar, others measure their own pre determined average point of reference which is usually
out an inch of so from the front of the slot, which the manufacturer decided upon based on measuring
the popular saw models from drive sprocket to front on saw casing.
IF the chains are cheap enough, then it may be financially fesable to get a link taken out.

Regards, john

 

[jakethesnake]

As long as it'll tighten up you're good. Agreed with greenpasture

 

[Lootbug]

Thanks for the feed back guys. I think I'll order one and give it a try. I'll make sure to keep a close eye on the chain tension during use. If it gets too lose for the tensioner it'll get an early retirement.

 

[jakethesnake]

Hell you can knock a link out with a hammer and punch. Then reset it with the hammer Or damn sure take it to anyone who deals in chain and get it shortened up a link. How cheap we talkin here

 

[Lootbug]

$12.99 deal of the day on hls:

https://www.hlsproparts.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=91VXL057CK&CartID=1

There's some other chains on sale also.

 

[Icepick69]

That's a good deal. My everyday low price for 56dl is 14.28. 12.99 for 57dl is one good deal.
Apsbarshop.com

 

[peter92]

buy it and take a link out

 

[KenJax Tree]

Www.Loggerchain.com everyday price is cheaper.

 

[Icepick69]

Jacks small engine has it for 12.30

 

[Icepick69]

Sle equipment has it for 11.50

 

[Greenerpastures]

That's a good deal. My everyday low price for 56dl is 14.28. 12.99 for 57dl is one good deal.
Apsbarshop.com

If it were me I would take your deal, if the OP needs to pay to remove a link then there
is no saving to be had.

Regards to all, john

 

[radio]

Left Coast Supplies currently sells 56 link loops of VXL for $11.

In the past they have had sales on this chain for $8.99 per loop plus free shipping. Looks like they've got their overstock under control now.

 

[Lootbug]

Welp, guess it wasn't such a deal after all lol. Thanks for all the other options guys.

 

[radio]

HL Supply has great deals on parts and I buy a lot from them. Their chain prices are good but slightly better deals, as you have seen, can be had elsewhere. Make sure you compare the final price with shipping. If you are making a parts order with HLS then I would just add their chain on to the order and you would effectively be getting free shipping on the chain and that could even make the final price cheaper than other sites.