Suitable Replacement Stihl 031AV Chain Parts

Chain saw chain design has come a long way in the last 60 years. Currently, chains are being designed on computers. The manufacturing process has also advanced to new levels to permit worldwide delivery of the best combinations of chain available. To get maximum power and performance out of your chain saw and optimum power when cutting wood, make sure your saw has a sharpe chain or new suitable replacement Stihl 031AV chain parts.

Stihl 031AV Chain Types & Configurations

Chain saw chain comes in many different configurations from professional chisel chain [square tooth] to semi-chisel [round tooth] chain to safety chain saw chain for the occasional user. Stihl 031AV Chain saw chain comes in many combinations to include full chisel chain, semi chisel chain, full skip chain, ripping chain, carving chain and harvester chain.

Every chain must be driven to perform work. On the bottom of every Stihl 031AV chain there are drive links that are v-shaped. The drive links ride into the bar groove to guide the chain in the cut.

The cutter has several different parts. First, there is a top plate which is the top of the cutter and is the leading edge of the cutter tooth. There are both left and right cutters that alternate from left to right and left again. Next, the depth gauge controls how deep the cutter tooth cuts. There is also a gullet which funnels the wood chips away underneath the cutter and ejects them when the chain reaches the sprocket. The toe of the Stihl 031AV chain cutter rides on the bar groove and is on the front bottom of the cutter. Another toe on the bottom rear of the cutter can become worn as the tooth rocks when cutting the wood fibers. Finally, there are rivet holes where the bearing rivet rides.

The last part of the Stihl 031AV chain is the tie strap that is opposite the cutter tooth. This strap helps to connect the chain together.

Stihl 031AV Chain Maintenance

The chain saw chain requires periodic maintenance of the chain cutters. You can either file the Stihl 031AV chain with a chain saw file or use an electric sharpener (12 volt or 110 AC chain grinder) to sharpen the cutter for top performance.

The top five things to remember to get top performance from your chain are:

1- Your chain must be sharp

2- Your chain‹??s depth gauge must be properly set per manufacturer's specifications

3- Your chain must be properly tensioned

4- Your chain must be properly lubricated

5- Your bar must be in good shape

General things to know about different types of Stihl 031AV chain and for cutting conditions:

Skip tooth chain is generally used for longer bars sized 24‹?? and up. Skip tooth chain is usually for the professional and has more kick back tendencies.

Ripping chain is designed to cut with the grain of the wood and not against it, the chain is sharpened either 10 or 15 degrees and is intended for saw mills.

Semi-chisel chain [round tooth] is one the most overlooked chains on the market. The round cutter is more forgiving in dirty wood conditions when compared to the chisel cutter chain. This type of Stihl 031AV chain cuts a little slower but stays sharper longer than chisel chain.

Chisel chain is by far the fastest cutting chain available for chain saws, with its square teeth, it cuts faster than the semi chisel round tooth chain. However, Stihl 031AV chisel chain doesn‹??t perform well in dirty conditions. Once the points get dull, chain cutting performance decreases significantly.

To determine your replacement Stihl 031AV chain, count the drive links on the chain. The drive links are v-shaped and go into the bar groove. You may also find a number on the drive link along with the manufacture of the chain. Armed with this information, you can check the chain reference chart or go to the saw manufacturer to find and the bar and chain information for your model number.

For more information on measuring chain saw chain, determining pitch of chain, and using the chain reference chart, feel free to browse the chain saw chain information section.