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  1. Grannyknot New Member

    joined: Dec 5, 2011
    81 posts
    East Tennessee
    Thinking of converting my saw over to a 3/8 sprocket and maybe running a half skip chain to help the rpms and chip build up.
    Reason being is that both my dad's 031av & my father in laws ms311 both have 3/8 pitch chains.
    I cut with them quite a bit and was thinking it might be nice to have interchangeable parts (we all have 16" bars).

    Any reason I shouldn't attempt this for pure convenience?
    #1

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  2. wkpoor Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 30, 2008
    1,843 posts
    Amanda, OH
    .325 is close to .375LowPro. Standard 3/8 is quite a big jump. Can you find a bar and a drive sproket for that chain to fit you saw?
  3. TreePointer Minister of Fire

    joined: Sep 22, 2010
    1,303 posts
    Western PA
    Don't do it.

    Your Stihl 024 is a 41cc saw, which is underpowered for regular 3/8" pitch. Stick with .325 pitch (or whatever came on the saw).

    Also, are you sure that the bar mount pattern is the same between your saw and the larger saws? Check it.
  4. JustWood Minister of Fire

    joined: Aug 14, 2007
    3,185 posts
    Arrow Bridge,NY
    Half or full skip should be an improvement even though going with bigger chain.
  5. MasterMech Minister of Fire

    joined: Aug 2, 2011
    4,782 posts
    Hudson Valley NY
    I'd stick with the .325 on the 024 but with a 3/8" sprocket and bar, you should be good to go if you want to try it. Expensive experiment tho. I'd buy the sprocket and mount the bar & chain from the MS310 to give it a whirl.
  6. kevin j Minister of Fire

    joined: Jan 21, 2008
    530 posts
    minnesota us
    I'd stay .325 or 3/8LP
    Just had an 026, 16 inch, 3/8 full comp and it was working in 12 inch wood. Takes a light hand.
    My .325 20 inch cuts better and holds rpm better.
  7. Grannyknot New Member

    joined: Dec 5, 2011
    81 posts
    East Tennessee
    Thanks for the advice everyone.
    Sounds like I'm better off saving my money for a ms391.
  8. smokinj Minister of Fire

    joined: Aug 11, 2008
    15,417 posts
    Anderson, Indiana
    311,391 pretty close on everything. Wait til you wear out your .325 then change it!
  9. Stump_Branch Minister of Fire

    joined: Nov 12, 2010
    878 posts
    MD
    Anyone have opinions on doing this with a ms290? Seems the power is there. 3/8 chain is cheaper, and it spits out mulch, versus the .325 shavings.

    Ive thought about it often, but still have a few good .325s left.
  10. smokinj Minister of Fire

    joined: Aug 11, 2008
    15,417 posts
    Anderson, Indiana
    .325 is easier to pull, keep that in mind.
  11. MasterMech Minister of Fire

    joined: Aug 2, 2011
    4,782 posts
    Hudson Valley NY
    Done it. Stick with the .325.

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