Installing Rim Sprocket, Is There a Right & Wrong Orientation

Hey folks, is there a proper orientation from a mechanical standpoint as to which side of a Rim sprocket is facing outwards. I always assumed that the side bearing the manufacturer (stihl in my case) and size (3/8-7, .325-7, etc) should face outwards. However, two of the saws I acquired recently had the Rim reversed with the "holes" showing. Does it make a mechanical difference, or as in bar side rotation, is it actually good to occasionally rotate your Rim to give it even wear on each bearing side? Or maybe like cords/belts in a tire, it is best to maintain it in one torsional direction for its service life. Anyone have an opinion out there?

It'll work either way .

The other thought that I forgot to mention is that it would probably stay cleaner and not clog with gunk if the holes were installed towards the clutch.

Most of the wear on a rim occurs from the outside in, so IMO flipping it won't significantly extend it's life. I usually install it with the identifying marks facing out but that's just my personal little bit of OCD.

Yep, that way I know what's under the cover at a glance. Tried em both ways, & they don't wear any different. A C

Funny I never even thought about this.

Pete

I never had either until Lukem posted about how his "grenaded" into pieces the other day. Got me thinking about preventive maintenance .