How To Measure A Chainsaw Bar. A Size Guide For Your Bar And Chain
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Chainsaws have always been a staple, especially when harvesting firewoods. Yet, no matter what model or make, bars and chains will wear. The most frequently asked question is about the dimensions of the components and saw bars.
Here, our pro woodworkers will share what you need to know in measuring a chainsaw bar and other important things to consider.
Steps To Measuring A Chainsaw Bar
To get the correct replacement bar, you need to measure your chainsaw bars. It is common for chainsaw owners not to remember their bars, especially if they are second-hand.
To get exact specifications, make sure the manual is still in its original form. When computing the measurement, you should also consider the cutting length, the bar length, and which parts have been coming out already.
Safety Tips Before You Start
Before starting any operation, whether its making a measurement, starting your saw, or fixing a chain, take into consideration preventative measures.
Always wear gloves. Make sure they are thick enough to protect your hands from any debris or the blade from falling out. They should also be thin enough so that you can still feel the parts of the saw. Remove the battery from a lithium-ion-powered tool. Always unplug corded power tools.
Disassemble The Chainsaw
Step 1: Unplug the spark plug wire.
To prevent any accidents, don’t disassemble the chainsaw while the spark wire is still plugged. Instead, disconnect power from the plug by pulling it out of the port.
Step 2: Loosen the bolts holding the top cover on the body.
Depending on the model and make of your chainsaw, there are different bolt counts. To loosen the bolts, secure a chainsaw wrench and twist it in a counterclockwise direction to remove the cover and nuts completely.
Secure the bolts in safe storage to avoid losing these delicate pieces you will use to tighten the case back again.
Step 3: Take out the chainsaw bar & chain.
Locate the nuts on the right side of the chainsaws by holding the clutch cover. Using the same wrench, unscrew the nuts before pulling the cover off the chainsaw, exposing the inner body and the chain bar.
For chainsaws with brakes, always lock the position before removing the cover to avoid difficulties when putting them back.
Measuring The Effective Cutting Length
Step 1
Secure a tape measure at the tip of the bar until you get the cutter closest to the body. To get precise cuts, make sure you use the same tape measure to determine the length effective.
Step 2
Measure from where the chain bar goes inside the chainsaw body to the tip of the chain bar. Laying the bar flat on a table is the best way to determine the length. Remember that the cut length should not exceed the true length.
Step 3
Round up your measurements to the nearest even number. Chainsaw bars are typically sold in even numbers. These include bars measuring 30 cm, 36cm, and 41cm.
Upon measurement, round the figure to the even number closest to it. The length of the chainsaw bar should be 12 if you have measured 11 cm/20 cm.
How To Measure The True Length Of The Bar
Step 1
Lock the bolts. When determining the true length of the bar, removing the bolts is necessary to get the correct body length.
Step 2
Remove the chainsaw bar, and lay the machine on a flat surface. The chainsaw should be level. Lace the end of the measurement where the bar emerges from the chainsaw casing to the tip. The bar’s true length is always about a few inches longer than its cutting length.
Step 3
Measure the bar. Measure the length of the chainsaw bar from the top to its end. This is a precise measurement, so don’t round it off to the nearest inch.
The standard chainsaw bars range from 8-61 cm.
How To Measure The Chainsaw Chain
We recommend paying attention to the model number and manufacturer of the chainsaw when measuring your chainsaw.
We dont recommend going in on a store to purchase a new one and saying youre looking for one with the same measure. Even chains with the same entire length vary depending on the manufacturer.
Step 1: Measure your chainsaw pitch
The chains pitch is measured from a distance between the chains links or where the bar enters. Use a measuring tape or a wood ruler to measure the distance between the links of your chain and the bar.
Divide the count and you will get your chain measurement pitch. Common chain pitches vary from inch to 1 cm.
Step 2: Count the number of drive links.
Its not complicated to gauge the measurement of the drive links. Identify the small bumps located inside the chains. Count every driver chain link on your chain. That is your drive link count.
Step 3: Use the caliper to determine the chain link gauge.
Determining the chain link gauge is equally important when you measure a chainsaw bar. The chain link gauge is measured through the thickness of the drive links.
Determine the measurement of your chain link gauge through a caliper or a multi-purpose gauge. Place the caliper in the location where the chain will fit.
Alternate Method: If You Don’t Have A Caliper, You Can Use Common Coins.
It is possible to measure the length of the chain link gauge even if you don’t have a caliper or a gauge. To determine the size, you can use the coin method.
Slide either a dime( 0.050 in), a penny (0.058 in), or a quarter (0.063 in) to assess the chain gauge size. Add the pitch and the drive links to determine the length of the chainsaw chain and bar.
How To Choose A Chainsaw Bar
You should always follow the instructions in your chainsaw user manual. The first is that blades can differ between electric chainsaws.
This will vary depending on the make and model of your chainsaw machine. When getting replacement parts for your chainsaw bar, its a must to ensure that the attachment surface is compatible with the cover.
There are also certain options approved by the manufacturer. Only the approved chain and bar can be mounted. You can’t use any parts that are not approved by the manufacturer and it will invalidate your warranty.
Do I Need To Replace My Chainsaw Bar?
Continuous use of a bar will cause it to wear. The bar will eventually wear faster on the side that is used most often, but it’s possible to wear both ends equally if the bar is used in a reverse direction. Replace your chainsaw bar or chain when both sides have worn out already and the burrs are causing uneven advancement.
To maintain the chainsaw’s advancement, burrs should be filed regularly. It is normal for the sliding guide to wear down. However, if the bar is longer than 183 cm, which is the longest available, it might be more difficult to replace.
To determine if your bar needs a replacement already, make a simple test by laying the machine flat and swinging the chain with your finger. If the bar swings strongly, it is time to replace the blade.
What Type Of Blade Can I Use With My Chainsaw’s Blade?
Each model comes with the right blade connector, so make sure you use the correct blade. Many chainsaw models come with different blade connections. However, you have also to consider certain parameters when using these blades.
Consider the chainsaw bar groove width, the slot distance, and the location of the oil supply holes, as faulty parts can also permanently damage the machine. The rails with the deflection star should have the corresponding chain pitch for the chain drive sprocket.
What Do The Numbers Mean On The Chainsaw Bar?
The last three numbers and letters summarize the identification code of the saw. These are essential in choosing the chainsaw bar.
FAQ
How do you read a chainsaw bar number?
You must be able to read the sequence of numbers on a chainsaw bar. The length guide is followed by the first number.
The two letters after the second number are the bar model, and the letter that comes after is code for the chain pitches and teeth.
(The Stihl Chainsaw Bar & Chain Size Chart also includes the bar numbers for many chainsaws.
Conclusion
Purchasing a power tool comes with different maintenance procedures, and its common to change parts now and then, especially if you work on a lot of DIY projects.
It is important to be familiar with the key considerations and how to measure a bar for a chainsaw to ensure that your engine runs well and lasts a long time. This article should help should you need to deal with the nitty-gritty part of replacing the parts.
