When did you last swap a chainsaw sprocket?

[Alan]

Hey, have you swapped out your sprocket lately? What signs made you decide to change it and did you notice a big difference in the way it cuts?

 

[kevinj54]

I find that a new bar, 2 chains, and 1 sprocket properly rotated will all wear out about the same time.

Also a worn sprocket is hard on chains.

 

[Deleted member 252]

I always inspect them when I have the cover off and I mostly pay attention to the wear marks. I run hour meters on some of my saws and last I figured was about 40 hours run time for a sprocket.... and that's way more cutting time than people realize! Some documentation says "2 chains", I run them way longer than that, but i typically prematurely destroy a chain or 2 every year that isn't worth repairing. But no, i don't think I can tell a difference in the way the saw cuts.

 

[Deleted member 252]

I will say, I start a new sprocket with a new chain but after that I just let them rock. I can often get about 4 seasons from a bar.

 

[Alan]

I find that a new bar, 2 chains, and 1 sprocket properly rotated will all wear out about the same time.

It totally makes sense, rotating everything together to ensure even wear is a clever way to keep the entire setup running smoothly.

I always inspect them when I have the cover off and I mostly pay attention to the wear marks. I run hour meters on some of my saws and last I figured was about 40 hours run time for a sprocket

That’s a great approach. Checking based on hours and actual wear is way better than just guessing, and getting four seasons out of a bar is quite impressive.

 

[hunting1]

Just replaced one this morning. But it was more a convenience thing since a c-clip broke on a 362. I had a 361 parts saw i took one off and noticed an almost new sprocket on it so I swapped it out. No idea how many chains get worn out before we do a sprocket change. 30-40?

 

[Alan]

Great timing on that swap. It’s pretty wild to think about how many chains can fly by before a sprocket finally gets its shot!