Guys, I have an old electric chainsaw and the chain is shot,, are new chains universal?
Or are they brand specific?
I don’t even know the name of the one I have because all the logos have worn off.
For example would a 16 inch homelite chain work on a sthil with a 16 inch bar?

Not necessarily. Take your old chain to a chainsaw shop and ask them to make you one like it.

Not necessarily. You need to know the pitch and gauge of the chain for one thing.......and the number of drive links in the old chain to determine the correct length. Also you will want the same type of cutter on the new one as on the old one. Also count the teeth on your sprocket ( might even need to replace it)

To determine the pitch, measure the distance between any three rivets and divide by two. Example, if the distance between three rivets is 3/4" then your pitch is 3/8. Might be best to just take the old chain to a saw shop and get an identical replacement

Are Menards has a template to match up your chain for length and pitch

Since you're wife buys lots of shoes, just treat yourself to a brand new saw. A chain will come with it.

There is a bunch to learn. So, what he said.

Might be time for a gas powered saw. Lot more fun.

Ya gotta grunt like Tim Allen when you say that.

The chain info is etched on the bar. Take the bar in, they can match a chain for it.

Thanks everybody

You can use any brand chain (some are way better than others) you want, but it has to be the right pitch, gauge and drive link count.

If you have access to a public library, request a copy of, "Barnacle Parp's Chainsaw Guide". Older book, but still valid info.

Gauge, pitch, and number of drive links should be stamped on the tail end (slotted end) of the bar.

Sometimes on those electric ones you can Google the model # and the word chain,the ones that fit it will pop up. Won’t work on Stihl or Husky’s because each model can have different pitch and gauge, bar length etc.

Should, but rarely is!

I would not trust the info on the bar UNLESS it is the original bar and you know that your sprocket has not been changed. You're better off taking the chain to the saw shop

Guys, I lucked out,,, ( good thing I’m a pack rat)
While going through some papers I found the flipping receipt for the saw… I kept it for warranty issues.
Now I know exactly what saw it is.

You're on the cutting edge now. So to say.