Finding non-safety chain

[Badfish740]

Has anyone else noticed that all the big box stores (Home Depot, Lowes-even Tractor Supply) ONLY sell safety chain? The state highway I live off of has one of each of these stores within a 40 mile stretch and I once went to each one in the same day to try to get non-safety chain for my ECHO CS-400-no dice. There's a local guy who sells regular chain but I can only get to him on my lunch break as he's only open 9:00-5:00 M-F. Should I start ordering chain online?

 

[LLigetfa]

Bag a lunch and eat it on your way to the local guy's shop.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

Has anyone else noticed that all the big box stores (Home Depot, Lowes-even Tractor Supply) ONLY sell safety chain? The state highway I live off of has one of each of these stores within a 40 mile stretch and I once went to each one in the same day to try to get non-safety chain for my ECHO CS-400-no dice. There's a local guy who sells regular chain but I can only get to him on my lunch break as he's only open 9:00-5:00 M-F. Should I start ordering chain online?

Sure?

 

[Jay H]

I just ordered 2 non-safety chains from Amicks Superstore with their flat rate USPS shipping. Yet to arrive but should be soon.

I've yet to see any real selection of sawchains at the box stores. I'm sure an actual small shop would sell them, but the only ones I have near me are all stihl dealerships and I don't cut that often so I buy the cheaper ones.

Jay

 

[Stevebass4]

http://www.baileysonline.com/

everything you ever wanted at good prices and EXELLENT customer service

 

[mobetter]

I just ordered 2 non-safety chains from Amicks Superstore with their flat rate USPS shipping. Yet to arrive but should be soon.

I've yet to see any real selection of sawchains at the box stores. I'm sure an actual small shop would sell them, but the only ones I have near me are all stihl dealerships and I don't cut that often so I buy the cheaper ones.

Jay

Get all my chains from Amicks.

I use the Oregon LGX (.375x.050)and can get 3 loops 72 or 64 link delivered in 2-3 days for under 5 bucks shipping! Right at 45 bucks for 3 loops with shipping is a great deal, I need to try Bailys Woodland Pro chain sometime, but can't find fault with the LGX, it seems to hold it's edge better than the LPX.

 

[Gooserider]

The big box stores are targetting the consumer level customer, so all you will ever find at them is safety chain - their lawyers won't let them sell the good stuff. (Though Home Despot doesn't seem to care about it's customers in other ways - I've never seen any PPE on their shelves...) If you want non-safety chain you will need to either go to a saw shop that caters to the pros, or go online.

Gooserider

 

[Creek-Chub]

Spot on from the previous fellas. You'll need to go to your local "XXX" saw dealer, or online. I'd just like to add that if you have not yet used any "non-safety chain" then you're in for an experience. If you've been cutting with the homeowner stuff, and even step up to just a semi-chisel, you'll be filling your drawers. You've heard the expression "it cuts like butter", right? Well, it's true. Pack your lunch, stop at McD's on the way, or just go without that day. You'll be glad for the sacrifice. I cut over ten cords of hardwood last year on safety chain. I bucked more than that in a day this year with a semi-chisel, and touched it up twice. Real chain takes bucking from a chore to almost fun. Post some pics of your grin the first time you throw one on a saw...

 

[WoodMann]

From a chor to fun is right! It's a pleasure to cut wood now, back with the safety chain I was cussin' up a storm because I had to stop and sharpen all the time.......................

 

[LLigetfa]

You'll need to go to your local "XXX" saw dealer, or online...
Post some pics...

OK, I googled XXX non-safety chain but I don't think the mods would let me post THOSE pics. %-P

 

[Creek-Chub]

You'll need to go to your local "XXX" saw dealer, or online...
Post some pics...

OK, I googled XXX non-safety chain but I don't think the mods would let me post THOSE pics. %-P

Perhaps a PM is in order? :cheese:

 

[rphurley]

Is a "safety chain" just a semi-chisel, and "non-safety" a full chisel, or is there some other characteristic?

 

[LLigetfa]

No, safety chain has raised guard links that reduce the amount of bite they can take going around the nose of the bar.

(broken image removed)

 

[rphurley]

No, safety chain has raised guard links that reduce the amount of bite they can take going around the nose of the bar.
(broken image removed)

Thanks, I wasn't sure.

 

[BXTF]

Has anyone else noticed that all the big box stores (Home Depot, Lowes-even Tractor Supply) ONLY sell safety chain? The state highway I live off of has one of each of these stores within a 40 mile stretch and I once went to each one in the same day to try to get non-safety chain for my ECHO CS-400-no dice. There's a local guy who sells regular chain but I can only get to him on my lunch break as he's only open 9:00-5:00 M-F. Should I start ordering chain online?

Give the local store a chance, call him up and let him know that his hours are inconvenient for you (and maybe others) he may not know. My local store will leave orders on his deck that you can pick up after hours if you call and let him know that you can't get their when the store is open. Give him a chance and you will be glad in the future when you really need him.
Chris

 

[LLigetfa]

Oh, you might notice in the diagram that what we call a raker, they call a depth gauge. They really do serve two purposes and do tend to rake the cuttings along. The ramped guard links tend not to rake but rather climb over the cuttings, reducing the chain's efficiency. The guard links also take up valuable empty space where the cuttings would otherwise travel.