Chainsaw bars and chains are vital components that directly impact the chainsaw’s cutting efficiency and overall performance. Accurate measurement of the chainsaw bar is essential for several reasons, including:
- Replacement: Ensuring you purchase the correct replacement bar to maintain optimal cutting capacity.
- Maintenance: Identifying wear and tear through regular measurement for timely maintenance and preventing unexpected breakdowns.
- Safety: Using an incorrectly sized bar can lead to hazardous situations and potential injuries.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of accurately measuring a chainsaw bar’s length, clarifying key terms such as flat surface, chain measurement, chain gauge, chainsaw chain, chainsaw body, and chainsaw blade.
Understanding Chainsaw Bar Components
Chainsaws are comprised of several essential components that work together to achieve optimal cutting performance. One such critical element is the chainsaw bar, which itself is made up of several key parts:
1. Chainsaw Body:
The chainsaw body serves as the primary housing, encompassing the engine and other internal components. It also provides essential structural support for the entire chainsaw.
2. Guide Bar or Chainsaw Bar:
The guide bar, often referred to as the chainsaw bar, is a long, narrow, and resilient metal component that provides guidance and support to the chainsaw chain throughout the cutting process. It determines the maximum cutting length and significantly impacts the overall functionality of the chainsaw.
3. Drive Links:
Drive links are the raised metal links found on the chainsaw chain, responsible for engaging with the guide bar. They enable the chain’s movement and transmit power from the engine to facilitate cutting.
4. Bar Groove:
The bar groove, also known as the chain groove, is a designated channel on the surface of the guide bar. It houses both the drive links and cutting teeth of the chainsaw chain, ensuring correct alignment and adequate lubrication for optimal cutting performance.
How to Measure Chainsaw Bar Length: A Simple 3-Step Guide
Maintaining your chainsaw in optimal working condition is essential for both safety and efficiency. A key part of this maintenance involves understanding the precise size of your chainsaw bar, as this dictates the compatible chains and replacement bars you can purchase. Fortunately, measuring your chainsaw bar is a straightforward task that requires minimal time and the right tools.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tape measure
- Gloves (optional)
Step 1: Identify the cutting length:
This is the most crucial measurement when dealing with chainsaw bars. It signifies the functional or usable length of the bar that actively participates in cutting wood, rather than the total length from one end to the other.
Step 2: Measure from tip to body
Position the end of your measuring tape at the outermost point of the bar, precisely where the chain teeth begin. Extend the tape measure in a straight line along the bar until it reaches the point where the bar enters the chainsaw body (powerhead). This measured distance represents your effective cutting length.
Step 3: Round to the nearest even number
Chainsaw bar lengths are generally designated in whole or half-inch increments, with even-numbered lengths being the most prevalent. In cases where your measurement falls between these increments, such as 15.3 inches, round it up to the nearest whole or half-inch, which in this instance would be 16 inches.
Additional Tips
For safety, wear gloves if the chain is still on the bar. If the bar is removed from the saw, locate the mounting slot and measure from there to the tip to determine the cutting length. Check if the bar length is printed on it, as some brands like Stihl often do. Additionally, identify the bar’s gauge (thickness) and pitch (drive link spacing) for selecting the right replacement chain. This information is usually stamped on the bar. Following these steps ensures accurate chainsaw bar measurement and helps you choose the right replacement parts for optimal performance and safety. A properly sized bar and chain combination enhances chainsaw efficiency and minimizes the risk of binding or kickback. So, get your measuring tape and start measuring!
Pro Tip: Consult your chainsaw’s manual or seek advice from a qualified technician if you have any doubts regarding chainsaw maintenance or operation.
How To Measure a Chainsaw Chain
Measuring a chainsaw chain requires identifying three crucial parameters: the pitch, the gauge, and the number of drive links. Understanding these measurements is essential to ensure you select the appropriate replacement chain for your chainsaw.
Here’s how to measure each:
Measure the chain pitch
Identify the rivets on the chain. These are the small, round metal pins that connect the chain links. Measure the distance between the center points of three rivets in a row. Divide this measurement in half to determine the pitch.
Chainsaw chain rivets
Common chainsaw chain pitches include 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and .325 inch.
Measure the chain link gauge
- Employ a caliper to measure the thickness of the drive link. The drive link is the rectangular-shaped link that sits within the groove of the chainsaw bar.
Chainsaw chain drive link
- Common chainsaw chain gauges include .043 inch, .050 inch, .058 inch, and .063 inch.
Measure the driver links
- Count the drive links in the chain by marking a link with tape or paint, then counting each link as you go around the chain until you return to the marked link.
Chainsaw chain drive links counting
- The number of drive links will generally be an even number.
Alternatively:
- The chainsaw bar often has the pitch, gauge, and number of drive links stamped on it. This is usually a sequence of numbers and letters, like “3/8 .050 72DL”.
Chainsaw bar with pitch, gauge, and number of drive links
After obtaining all three measurements, you can confidently purchase a replacement chain that perfectly matches the specifications of your chainsaw.
Here are some additional tips:
Ensure you measure between the center points of the rivets, not the edges, when determining the pitch. If using a caliper feels uncomfortable, visit a hardware store or chainsaw shop and have them measure the gauge for you. When buying a replacement chain, bring along the old chain to guarantee you select the correct one.
Final Takeaway
Precise measurements are crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your chainsaw. By regularly checking and measuring the chainsaw bar, you can proactively identify and address any potential problems.
By adhering to these detailed guidelines, users can confidently and accurately measure both their chainsaw bar and chain, allowing them to make informed decisions about replacements or required maintenance.
