DL means drive links: the metal tabs that run inside the guide-bar groove and engage the drive sprocket. The number before DL is the total count in the loop. A marking such as 55 DL means the chain has 55 drive links.
Why drive-link count matters
Drive-link count determines the loop length for a particular bar and sprocket setup. Too few links make the loop too short to install. Too many can leave it outside the usable tension range. DL must match along with pitch and gauge.
DL is not the same as bar length
Two 16-inch bars can require different drive-link counts because bar mount, nose design, pitch, and manufacturer geometry vary. Bar length narrows the search; it does not identify the chain by itself.
Chain examples by drive-link count
ALBO 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP .043" 55DL 3 Pack$21.9955 DL example: also requires 3/8" LP pitch and .043" gauge.View product →
ALBO Chainsaw Chain 16 inch 3/8 LP .043 Gauge 56DL 3 Pack$23.9956 DL example: one extra drive link changes loop length; verify every specification.View product →ALBO 18 inch 3/8 LP .050 Gauge 62DL Full-Chisel Chainsaw Chain 3 Pack$23.9962 DL example: this loop also uses a different .050" gauge and 18-inch nominal bar fit.View product →
How to find the correct DL number
- Make the saw safe and follow the manual before touching the chain.
- Clean the guide bar and look for a stamped group of pitch, gauge, and DL values.
- Check the manual or original package if the stamp is unreadable.
- As a last resort, remove the loop safely and count only the drive links—the tabs that sit in the bar groove.
How to count drive links without losing your place
Mark one drive link with a paint pen or a removable marker. Move around the loop and count each drive link once until you return to the mark. Do not count cutters or tie straps.
DL, pitch, and gauge work together
| Specification | Controls | If wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Drive links | Loop length | Cannot tension or install correctly |
| Pitch | Sprocket spacing | Chain will not mesh correctly |
| Gauge | Fit in the bar groove | Drive links are loose or will not seat |
Can the same DL fit different saws?
Sometimes, but only when pitch, gauge, drive-link count, bar configuration, and the saw manufacturer's requirements all match. The same DL number by itself does not prove compatibility.
