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Chainsaw Bar and Chain | profile | all galleries >> root >> Guide to Measure Chainsaw Bar and Chain | tree view | thumbnails | slideshow |
There is no doubt that chainsaws are a multifaceted tool, suitable for light pruning, cutting large trees or firewood, as well as chopping wood. With all that benefits, you’ll still need to replace the old chain or bar with the new one. However, you need to find the perfect fit for your chainsaw bar or chain for a more smooth and safe cutting process. Why? Because using the wrong size chainsaw bar or chain can not only cause significant damage to your machine but also end up injuring the operator.
Now, read on to learn more about measuring the chainsaw bar perfectly as well as what things you need to keep in mind before replacing your chain bar. So, let’s find out.
Before we move forward, let us first know what exactly is chainsaw bar?
Technically speaking, a chainsaw bar usually consists of three main parts:
The Engine Unit
Cutting System
Handles
Further, a cutting system comprises both the guide bar and the saw chain that is accountable to make your DIY tasks effortless. The chainsaw bar aims to guide the movement of the chain and delivers power and performance alike.
A good chainsaw bar helps you cut objects easily
Having a good quality chainsaw bar can get you:
Long-standing performance with precision
Strict quality control standards
It can offer you high-wear resistance
It maximizes the service life of the chain and the bar
It can also match your complex cutting requirements easily
With so many benefits, it is not a good idea to underestimate the importance of the chainsaw bar especially when it has a vital job to do and enhances your working capabilities like a true pro.
Here we have some of the easiest methods that will help you measure the chainsaw chain and bar and choose the new one that can make your every cutting job worthwhile. Let’s get started:
Measuring the chainsaw bar is as simple as it sounds. Using a tape measure, you can know the exact measurement of your old bar before buying the new one.
Start measuring from the tip of the chain and to the point where the bar enters the chainsaw body and the casing.
Just add an extra half-inch to the measurement in case there is no chain in the bar, only to compensate.
After that, just round off your measurement to the nearest even number.
For instance, the measurement “16.5” or “17'' would both be counted as “18” and you need to round off this figure to an even number i.e; 18. This is most commonly known as the “called length” or “usable length”.
This means you need to opt for a new bar having an 18” bar length only.
To measure the chainsaw chain, first, you need to familiarize yourself with two other measurement techniques:
THE PITCH - It tells you the distance between the chain’s drive links
THE GAUGE - It is the width or thickness of the groove where the chain directly fits into the bar
Pitch is the stud or the rivet, usually small and round in shape, that holds the chain together. To determine the exact pitch size, you need to measure the distance between the three rivets. Just measure the length between the three and then divide by 2 to know the size of the pitch bar.
The measurement of the pitch commonly comes in sizes such as 1/4″, .325″, 3/8″, and .404″.
Follow the below-mentioned smart trick to measure and evaluate the size of the gauge:
Just find a quarter dime and penny
Before using the same, you need to pick the cleaning tool or flat blade screwdriver to clean off the debris from the bar’s groove
After that, try to slide each of the given coins into the groove of the blade. Stop using unnecessary force or extra pressure for inserting the coin
Whichever coin will fit into the groove bar without using any force will tell you the exact size of the gauge bar
The size of the Quarter, Dime, and Penny is .063”, .058”, and .043”.
There’s still one secret left that can tell you measurements of the chainsaw bar length without putting any effort.
Almost every high-quality chainsaw body covers the numbers or the figures that are generally located at the end of each bar. The measurements are hidden just behind the cover on the chainsaw body.
All you need to do is take the blade off and you can discover the small printed set of numbers that can read something like 3/8” (for pitch) and .050” (for gauge) with 72 (for drive links).
There’s one secret that helps you measure the chainsaw bar length without any effort
If you are a beginner or don’t have a measuring tape to determine the chainsaw bar length size, simply go through the chainsaw guide manual, find those numbers in the chainsaw body and you’re guaranteed to find a matching chainsaw chain or bar from the nearest hardware store.
As you have now figured out how to measure your old chainsaw bar length, here are still some of the important things you need to keep in mind to save you plenty of time as well as money:
Thinking of purchasing a replacement bar could be a troublesome job for many. You need to decide how long a bar should be, the size, comfortability as well as productivity. The usual guidelines are to know the diameter of the wood that you most often use to cut. By adding extra inches, you get the idea about what size you exactly need that can further help you achieve every complex cutting task.
The longer the bar, the less productive it would be. For those with inexperienced hands, the long bars can make it harder for you to manage the pruning jobs while causing a great hazard to you and the people around you. Before buying anything out of the blue or under pressure, you must think about your real requirements and buy the one that matches your job profile professionally.
If you want your chainsaw to run smoothly and efficiently for years, you must pick the right length of the chain and the bar. Giving more importance to chainsaw bar length will get you optimal results and cause minimum accidents.
The process of determining the length of the bar and the chain is simple and easy to follow. So, guessing the size of your chainsaw seems not to be a good idea for both beginners and professionals. You need to go through the manuals and follow the above-mentioned guidelines to make things work in your favor.
Choosing the right chainsaw bar size for yourself
As a smart chainsaw user, if you are looking for more information related to chainsaw machines, then Chainsaw Insider is the ultimate platform for you. At Chainsaw Insider, you get the helpful chainsaw review that will help every enthusiast or hobbyist choose the best chainsaw tool for cutting small as well as large wood trunks comfortably.
Therefore, learn, discover, and upgrade your knowledge about chainsaws by exploring Chainsaw Insider now!
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