When it comes to chainsaws and chainsaw bars, the popular saying of one size fits all is far from it. Many first-time users and beginners often believe that a chainsaw bar of any length can also fit with a chainsaw of any length. This idea is false and should be completely downplayed. Chainsaw bars come in varying lengths which means not every chainsaw bar is right for every chainsaw engine. The length of a chainsaw bar is completely relative to the size of a chainsaw engine.
Large chainsaw bars are best suited to work for chainsaws with large engines. This is mainly because the chainsaw will require more energy to drive a chain across a lengthy chain bar. To help you get a clear and concise measurement, we’ve listed down the steps for accurate measurement of a chainsaw bar.
Guide To Measuring Your Chain Bar
Step 1: Removing the Chain bar from the Chainsaw
Taking out the chain bar from the chainsaw is very essential as it helps you to get a very accurate measurement. To do this, you need to unscrew the two nuts at the handle of the chainsaw. Once the nuts are out, take out the housing to expose the full engine including the chain bar and the chain.
Step 2: Loosen The Tension Wheel of the Chain Bar
Once the chain bar is exposed, find the tension wheel and loosen it with a flat head screwdriver. Turn the screwdriver from right to left to release the tension. Once the tension is released, pull off the chain from the grooves of the chain bar down to the drive sprocket.
Step 3: Separate The Chain From the Chain Bar
To completely detach the chain from the chain bar, you will need to pull the chain on the drive sprocket. You can find the drive gear located under the handle of the chainsaw.
Step 4: Examine The Chain Bar For Signs of Replacement or Repair
After completely detaching the bar or blade from the chain and chainsaw, examine the bar carefully. Take your time to observe if the bar needs repair or replacement.
Step 5: Take Measurement of The Bar
To get an accurate measurement of the chain bar, place the bar on a flat surface. Measure the bar from the top to the bottom using a ruler or a measuring tape. Also, you can take your bar to any hardware store near you to get it properly measured.
The length of the chain bar is an important factor to consider when buying a chainsaw. It is even more important when it comes to replacing a chain bar for a particular chainsaw. However, the length of the chain bar isn’t the only part of a chainsaw that requires measurement before replacement. The pitch and gauge of a chain also require measuring in the case of replacement.
Measuring The Pitch and Gauge of A Chainsaw
The pitch of a chain refers to the distance between the individual drive links of the chain. The gauge on the other hand is the width of the groove which helps to fit the chain on the chain bar. To measure the pitch, you’ll need to measure the distance between three rivets on the chain and then divide the number by two. The rivets of the chain are studs or pegs that hold together each segment of the chain.
Measuring the gauge can be a lot easier and quicker with the help of coins (a dime, a penny, and a quarter). Remember to clean out dirt or debris that may be stuck in the gauge of the chain. Place each coin into the gauge, and find out which of the coins fits perfectly into the gauge. Each coin represents a certain gauge measurement, a dime (0.50 gauge), a penny (0.58 gauge), and a quarter (0.63 gauge). This will help you determine the size of the gauge on the chain.
We also have a post about how to measure a chainsaw chain for replacement.