In the world of chainsaws, knowing how to measure chainsaw bar length is essential for maintaining and replacing parts to keep your tool functioning at its best.
When I’m not busy taking care of our Colorado Mountain Dogs or weeding the quarter acre homestead vegetable garden, I can be found cutting wood. Whether filling up our supply for winter, making excess firewood to sell, or removing dead trees as a job, I spend a lot of time with my chainsaw. I didn’t used to know a lot about chainsaws, but I’ve had a crash course the past few years. I hope this guide saves you time and helps you get more time sawing.
This comprehensive guide will outline the steps and techniques to accurately measure your chainsaw bar and provide some useful tips and links to help you maintain and use your chainsaw safely and effectively.
Table of Contents
Introduction
A chainsaw is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting firewood to trimming trees. One of the essential components of a chainsaw is the bar, which guides the chain as it cuts through wood. Over time and with repeated use, the chainsaw bar and chain can become worn or damaged, requiring replacement. Knowing how to measure a chainsaw bar is crucial for choosing the correct replacement parts and ensuring the proper functioning of your chainsaw.
Why Measure Your Chainsaw Bar?
Measuring your chainsaw bar is necessary for several reasons:
- To ensure proper functioning: A chainsaw’s performance relies heavily on the compatibility of its bar and chain. Measuring your chainsaw bar helps you choose the right replacement parts, ensuring the tool operates efficiently and safely.
- To avoid damage: Using an incorrect bar or chain can cause damage to your chainsaw and reduce its lifespan.
- To ensure safety: A chainsaw with the correct bar and chain is safer to use, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Safety Precautions Before Measuring
Before you begin measuring your chainsaw bar, it is essential to follow some safety precautions:
- Disconnect the chainsaw from its power source. For battery-powered chainsaws, remove the battery, and for corded chainsaws, unplug the tool from the outlet.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp chain links.
- Work in a well-lit and well-ventilated area.
Tools and Supplies Needed
To measure a chainsaw bar, you will need the following tools and supplies:
- A measuring tape or ruler
- A chainsaw scrench (combination wrench and screwdriver) or a socket wrench and flathead screwdriver
- A clean cloth for wiping the chainsaw bar
- Gloves for safety
How to Measure Chainsaw Bar Length
Step 1: Disconnect the Chainsaw from Its Power Source
Always disconnect the chainsaw from its power source before attempting to measure the bar. This prevents any risk of accidental activation or injury.
Step 2: Remove the Chainsaw Bar and Chain
To measure the chainsaw bar accurately, you will need to remove it from the chainsaw. Follow these steps:
- Use a chainsaw scrench or socket wrench to loosen and remove the nuts holding the protective case in place on the side of the chainsaw.
- Once the nuts are removed, slide the protective case off, exposing the bar, chain, and sprocket.
- Lift the chain off the bar and sprocket, allowing it to go slack.
- Pull the bar away from the chainsaw to remove it.
Step 3: Measure the Cutting Length
With the chainsaw bar removed, lay it flat on a table or counter. Measure the cutting length of the bar by placing the measuring tape or ruler at the rounded end and extending it to the center slot at the other end of the bar. Chainsaw bars are sold in even numbers (e.g., 12-inch, 14-inch, 16-inch), so round up your measurement to the nearest even number.
For example, if your chainsaw bar measures 18-7/8 inches from the tip to the center slot, round up to 20 inches.
How to Measure Your Chainsaw Chain
Measuring your chainsaw chain is also necessary to ensure proper functioning and compatibility with the bar. To measure your chainsaw chain, follow these steps:
Step 1: Count the Number of Drive Links
Chainsaw chain sizes depend on the number of drive links. Count the total number of drive links on the chain, making a note of the total. These are the links that fit into the groove of the chainsaw bar.
Step 2: Measure the Pitch
The pitch of a chainsaw chain is the distance between its drive links. To measure the pitch, find the distance between three consecutive rivets (the small, round pegs that hold the chain segments together). Start at the center of one rivet, pass the second, and end at the center of the third. Divide this measurement by 2 to obtain the chain’s pitch. Common chain pitch measurements are 3/8-inch and .325-inch.
Step 3: Determine the Chain’s Gauge
The gauge of a chainsaw chain is the thickness of the tips of the links that travel within the groove of the chainsaw bar. To determine the chain’s gauge, use coins (dime, penny, and quarter) to find the best fit in the bar’s groove. The appropriate coin should slide into the groove easily but snugly. Use the following values to determine the gauge based on which coin fits the best:
- Dime: .050
- Penny: .058
- Quarter: .063
Chainsaw Bar and Chain Compatibility
When selecting a replacement chainsaw bar and chain, it is crucial to ensure compatibility with your chainsaw. Refer to your chainsaw’s manual for recommended bar and chain sizes. If the manual is not available, you can use the measurements obtained from the steps above to choose the correct replacement parts.
Keep in mind that the chainsaw bar and chain should match the power and intended use of your chainsaw. For example, larger chainsaw bars are more suitable for powerful saws, while smaller bars and chains are better suited for lighter-duty tasks and electric chainsaws.
Maintaining and Replacing Your Chainsaw Bar and Chain
Regular maintenance and replacement of your chainsaw bar and chain are crucial for optimal performance and safety. Here are some tips for maintaining and replacing your chainsaw bar and chain:
- Regularly inspect your chainsaw bar and chain for signs of wear, damage, or uneven wear.
- Keep the chainsaw bar and chain clean and free of debris to prevent premature wear.
- Sharpen the chainsaw chain regularly to ensure efficient cutting.
- Replace the chainsaw bar and chain when they show signs of excessive wear or damage.
For more information on chainsaw maintenance and replacement, visit Chainsaw Buddy.
Other Chainsaw Resources
For additional information on chainsaw use and safety, check out the following resources:
FAQ
Q: Can I use a longer chainsaw bar than what is recommended by the manufacturer?
A: It is not recommended to use a chainsaw bar longer than what the manufacturer recommends, as it can affect the chainsaw’s performance, engine speed, and overall lifespan.
Q: How often should I replace my chainsaw bar and chain?
A: The frequency of replacing your chainsaw bar and chain depends on how often you use your chainsaw and the type of wood you’re cutting. Regularly inspect your chainsaw bar and chain for signs of wear, and replace them when necessary.
Q: Can I use a different brand of chainsaw bar or chain on my chainsaw?
A: Yes, you can use a compatible chainsaw bar or chain from a different brand, as long as the measurements match your chainsaw’s requirements.
Q: How do I know if my chainsaw chain needs to be replaced?
A: Signs that your chainsaw chain needs to be replaced include poor cutting performance, difficulty in maintaining chain tension, and excessive wear or damage to the chain links.
Conclusion: How to Measure Chainsaw Bar Length
Knowing how to measure chainsaw bar length and chain is crucial for maintaining your chainsaw’s performance and safety. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can accurately measure your chainsaw bar and chain, ensuring proper functioning and compatibility.