How to Measure Chainsaw Bar and Chain for Replacement

Well, do you want to replace your chainsaw, but you’re unsure of the size it requires. Well, our article will guide you on how to measure chainsaw bar and the chain length. It’s ideal for those who don’t have a product manual or those whose chainsaw bar measurements have faded off in their chainsaw’s blade sides.

Are you Replacing Parts on an Older Chainsaw?

If you measure a chainsaw, then it probably time to do some replacements. Chainsaws require maintenance to help them last longer and perform effectively. However, if you regularly do general maintenance on your chainsaw and it’s still not working as it should be, then it’ll be best to buy a new one. The good thing is you can learn easily how to measure a chainsaw bar and other parts to enable you DIY.

For an older chainsaw, you’ll need to replace parts such as the chain and bar. This occurs when the teeth are worn out or broke, when the chain tension is too tight or loose and cannot adjust or when you see smoke while cutting. Also, if the chain rattles while you’re cutting or if it appears unbalanced, then it’s time to replace some parts. And finally, when after cutting you get sawdust instead of wood chips, then there is a problem.

Typically, a new chain or bar costs between $20 and $50 each. Therefore, you’ll spend $40 to $100 for two. You can decide to buy the replacement parts or buy one of the best chainsaws here. The advantage of a new chainsaw is it comes with the essential parts installed together, and you’ll get a new and better product. But before buying them, lets first learn how to measure the chainsaw bar and the chain.

Measuring your Chainsaw Bar?

There are two types of length to look for when measuring your chainsaw bar, the effective length, and the true length

Check out how to get your chainsaw direction right.

Effective Cutting Length (Or Called Length)

The thing with chainsaws is each of them is designed to handle a particular bar length. Not all chainsaws can handle longer bars as it’ll require more engine power to operate it. This is the reason why electric chainsaws cannot use blades that are more than 18 inches as it’s beyond their motors cannot produce sufficient power to run it.

Gas chains, on the other hand, come with stronger motors and can run bar lengths of up to 73 inches. You should also note that chainsaw chains can only fit on a particular size bar and cannot stretch. Therefore, if the chain is shorter or wider than the blade, then they won’t match.

The measurement of the bar from the base of its attachment to the chainsaw to the tip of the blade’s tip is called effective cutting length. To measure it, get a tape measure and then stretch it out from the base of the blade and stretch it to its tip. Now, from the measurements, you get, round them off to the nearest even number. Therefore, if the length of your bar is 17 ½ inches, then the correct measurement will be 18 inches as it’s the nearest even number. And if its 16 ½ inches, then you’ll round it to 18 and not 17 since 18 is an even number.

True Length

True length is the full length of the bar from the end to the tip when it’s not installed. Getting a true length is the second way of measuring the bar length. To measure this type of length, disassemble the chainsaw to remove the blade. You’ll remove the bolts using a screw.

Once you remove them, lay the chainsaw blade on a table. Now, measure its length from one end to the tip and don’t round it off as you’re looking for the actual measurement of the blade.

Getting a Replacement Chainsaw Bar

After measuring the true length and effective cutting length, it’s now time for you to shop for a chainsaw bar replacement. You’ll only need to look for one with the same measurements and take it home. To install this bar, you’ll have to be knowledgeable on the step by step guide of replacing it. When replacing it, follow the manufacturer’s specifications, but if you find DIY harder, then look for a professional. Finally, never replace a chainsaw bar with another one of different length and don’t also use a different type of chain.

How to Measure Chainsaw Chain Length?

How to Measure Chainsaw Chain Yourself?

To measure a chainsaw length, first, get a tape measure. You’ll measure it using links and not cm or inches. Layout the chain in a flat area, i.e., table and count the links individually until you are finished. You can also count them two-by-two to get pairs and multiply them by two in the end.

Where to Look for Chain Measurements

Did you know that it’s not a must to learn how to measure chainsaw bar and chain for replacement? Well, the manufacturers usually include the two measurements in links. The links are usually painted to one side of the chainsaw, but due to heavy uses, some fade away. The manufacturers are aware of these and have therefore stamp permanent ink-counts of important information to the chainsaw. The chainsaw measurements, including the chain length, pitch, and other important information, are imprinted here.

A Chain Measurement Secret

Well, instead of measuring the chainsaw chain, then you should know a little secret. The manufacturer usually includes all the essential measurements in the blade, and you only need to look for them. This will help you save time when looking for replacement parts.

These measurements are usually printed at the end of the bar, which is hidden behind the bolted cover of the chainsaw’s body. Once you remove the blade, you’ll discover some printed set of numbers near its end. The information is essential when replacing a chain.

For instance, it can read like 3.5″ 73 1.4mm/.0.60.

This means 3/5″ pitch, 73 drive links, and 0.60″ gauge. Take the numbers to a chainsaw replacement parts store, and you’ll be given the matching replacement parts.

The Right Parts for the Job

Getting the right & original parts for your chainsaw is vital to ensure it continues to function well& efficiently. Whether you’re doing a simple job like cutting logs or tough one like felling a whole tree, you’ll require durable parts that will handle the job efficiently. Besides, an efficient and strong chainsaw will reduce your labor, and all you need is quality parts for the device. I hope how to measure a chainsaw bar, and chain guide was useful. Contact us today for reliable chainsaws bar, attachments, chain kits, accessories, and other replacement parts from top and reputable brands.