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Oregon 72 vs 73 chain
The most common wrong buy in chainsaw chain: two 3/8″ chains whose boxes look near-identical, differing only in gauge.
| Oregon code | Pitch | Gauge | Husqvarna |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 (72LPX / 72EXL) | 3/8″ | .050″ (1.3 mm) | H80 |
| 73 (73LPX) | 3/8″ | .058″ (1.5 mm) | H81 |
| 75 (75LPX) | 3/8″ | .063″ (1.6 mm) | — |
Fit a 73 loop to a bar with a .050″ groove and the drive links will not seat in the groove at all; run a 72 in a .058″ groove and the chain slops side-to-side, wears the bar rails and can derail under load. The same trap exists at .325″ (.050 / .058 / .063) and in Stihl's Picco line (.043 vs .050).
Questions
What is the difference between Oregon 72 and 73 chain?
Both are 3/8″ pitch. Oregon 72 is .050″ (1.3 mm) gauge; Oregon 73 is .058″ (1.5 mm) gauge. The gauge is the drive-link thickness, and it must match the groove in your guide bar.
Can I run 73 chain on a bar that takes 72?
No. A .058″ drive link will not seat in a .050″ bar groove.
Can I run 72 chain on a bar that takes 73?
It may physically fit, but the .050″ drive links slop side-to-side in a .058″ groove, wear the bar rails and can derail under load. Match the gauge stamped on the bar.
How do I find out which gauge my bar is?
Read the stamp near the tail of the bar. It states length, pitch and gauge, and often a drive-link count. If it is worn, measure the groove width with a caliper, or see the verification guide.
How to verify your chain size · Identification chart · Chain specs