If the selected sprocket pitch is larger than the pitch of the .325" chainsaw chain, it may indeed cause the chain to slip. The following are specific reasons and impacts:
1. The chain cannot mesh correctly
The pitch of the sprocket is larger than that of the chain, which means that the chain links cannot fully fit the teeth of the sprocket. This mismatch can cause the chain to fail to smoothly fit into the sprocket teeth, resulting in slipping.
Due to incomplete meshing between the chain and sprocket, the chain is prone to falling off or getting stuck in the sprocket teeth.
2. Increase in chain tooth clearance
If the pitch of the sprocket is greater than the pitch of the chain, the gap between the chain teeth increases, causing the chain to run unstably on the sprocket. This instability can cause the chain to slip and affect its normal operation.
3. Intensify wear and tear
Mismatched pitch can lead to incomplete meshing between the chain and sprocket, which not only causes slippage but also accelerates the wear of the chain and sprocket. Uneven wear may occur on the surface of the chain, leading to a significant reduction in its lifespan.
4. Reduce cutting efficiency and safety
Slippery chains prevent smooth cutting, reducing work efficiency. More importantly, the unstable operation of the chain increases safety risks during operation, as the chain may suddenly lose power or get stuck.