The proper way for how to measure a chainsaw chain length is as follows:
- Count the drive links — Count the individual links on the chain one by one.
- Measure the pitch — This is the distance between each drive link. Measure the length between any three rivets. ...
- Measure the gauge — This is the width of the groove on the chain that fits on the bar. Common gauges include .043″, .050″, .058″, and .063″. ...
How to measure a chainsaw chain?
Your chainsaw is in need of a new chain, but it’s been so long since you got one that you don’t remember what size you need. Well, you’re in luck, here’s how to measure a chainsaw chain: To measure a chainsaw chain you need to find the pitch, gauge, and link count.
How do you check the drive links on a chainsaw chain?
Remove the chain and count the number of drive links. Drive links are the triangular extensions on the underside of the chain that keep it attached to the bar. Use a wrench to remove the guide bar side panel, then use a screwdriver to release the tension on the chain. Pop the chain off the bar in order to count the drive links. [7]
How do I know what chain I have?
The chains have three distinct measurements that come into play when determining the correct chain: pitch, gauge and number of links. Sometimes they're easy to find, but if not, you might have to get out the calipers or take it to a professional. The pitch measurement describes the distance between the links on the chain.
What do the numbers on a chainsaw mean?
This number represents the number of driver links on the chainsaw chain. You may also see a number next to the letters “DL” instead of an image of a driver link. For example, if your bar contains the phrase “72DL” on the side, this means your chainsaw has 72 drive links. 4
How to Measure the Bar of Your Chainsaw
If you have a chainsaw already but are unsure of the size or unsure how to measure it, just follow these simple steps. You need to measure the usable length of the entire bar. This is also referred to as the cutting length of the bar.
How to Measure Your Chainsaw Chain
Measuring your chainsaw chain will only take a few minutes. Once you have the chain off of the chainsaw, all you need to do is discover the pitch and the gauge, and you can do this easily with a piece of tape, a quarter, a penny, and a dime.
How a Chainsaw Chain Works
If you are curious about how the actual chain works to cut wood, here is some fun information. There are four main aspects of how this small and thin chain manages to cut down entire trees with incredible ease.
Types of Chainsaw Chains
There are three main types of chains for chainsaws. Each one has an aggressiveness level that depends on what exactly you are using it for.
The three key chain measurements
These three measurements will give you all of the information you need to get the perfect chain for your chainsaw.
Levels of Chain Aggressiveness
This determines how smooth and fast a chain is able to cut through wood. The aggressiveness of a chain will all depend on what you intend on using it for and your level of skill.
Anti Kickback (low)
This is by far the most common chain available and has been designed to prevent kickback. Think of kickback as being a treadmill at high speed, as soon as you step on it, it throws you off. The same can happen with a chainsaw when the tip comes into contact with the piece of wood. The rotating chain effectively gets thrown back toward the user.
Skip Tooth (medium)
These chains are also commonly referred to as ‘regular’ chains. They are typically used for professional use and feature a space between each cutting link. This results in the chain having less resistance and an improved cutting rate. However, it also reduces the smooth finish that a low-kickback chain provides.
Full Skip (aggressive)
A full skip chain is at the most aggressive end of the spectrum, meaning it is able to quickly work its way through the wood it is cutting. Much like the skip-tooth, the full-skip has spaces between the cutting teeth (two links instead of one) and is intended for larger chainsaws.
How to measure chainsaw chain?
Well, you’re in luck, here’s how to measure a chainsaw chain: To measure a chainsaw chain you need to find the pitch, gauge, and link count. This information can be found on the information stamp on the chainsaw bar, through the numbers on the chain, or through measuring your chain manually. That’s how you can size a chain in a nutshell, ...
What chainsaw chain brands have a number letter?
The popular chainsaw chain brands of Carlton, Husqvarna, and Oregon stamp their brand and a number letter combination onto their chains.
What happens if you put too long chainsaw chain?
If it’s too long, you won’t be able to tension your chain properly which could cause your chain to slip out of the bar track which is a bad day for everybody. Now that you know the right vocabulary, let’s dig into how to measure a chainsaw chain.
How to convert a fraction to a decimal?
For example, if the pitch you have is 3/8″ but the box says 0.375″, convert your fraction to a decimal by dividing the top from the bottom. 3 divided by 8 is 0.375 so your chain matches.
What is pitch in rivets?
Pitch is the distance between three rivets divided by two.
Why is pitch important when looking for a chainsaw?
Pitch is an important factor when looking for a chain because it can change the way your saw cuts.
How to tell gauge?
The gauge is indicated by the symbol of a bar track. If you look to the left of the number labeled “gauge” in the image above, you’ll see what I mean.
What is chainsaw sharpening?
Anyone who uses a chainsaw knows that regular chain sharpening is a must and various chainsaw file sizes are appropriate for every sharpening process. Chainsaw chains come in different types and lengths. Some of them are better used for logging, while some types are best for tree surgery and some for firewood cutting.
Why is chainsaw file size important?
Knowing the chainsaw file sizes is crucial because you can always achieve the best performance of your chain if you can use the right file without damaging the cutters and the rakers. And for quick and easy filing work, this is the reason why we have shown you the best chain sharpener products in electric and battery-powered forms.
Why is it important to find the best chain sharpener?
How to find the best chain sharpener products in the market is important because the performance of your chainsaw also depends on the sharpness of its chain. Even with a heavy-duty chainsaw, if you don’t know how to sharpen the teeth of the chain and you’re using the wrong file size, your chainsaw won’t work well.
How to measure chainsaw chain size?
So to know this, there are two things you can do. First, to check the number that is marked on the side of the cutter then match this number on the file chart. Second, you can also manually measure the pitch of the chain by measuring three rivets using a ruler or a measuring tape in mm. What you get will be divided into 2 X .039 and the result is the pitch size in inches.
Why do chainsaw chains break?
However, these chainsaw chains have some small issues. They can break easily because they run at a higher speed. They cannot be used also in a dirty environment like wet and mossy woods or they become prone to kickbacks. And because they are fast-moving, they can produce a rough cut on softwood.
What are the different types of chainsaw chains?
Chainsaw chains come in 3 different basic configurations – the full chisel, the semi-chisel and the chipper chain. Nonetheless, all chainsaw chains have the same basic parts and you will know them better below. Chainsaw Chain and Its Parts.
How long does it take to sharpen a chain?
All you need to do is unscrew the small screws to adjust the flap’s height. With this, you can finish a single chain in less than 10 minutes.
How to measure chainsaw chain pitch?
To measure the pitch of your chain, measure the distance between any three rivets on your chainsaw chain and divide this number by two. The most common pitches for chainsaw chains are 0.325, 3/8 or 0.404 inches. Occasionally 1/4-inch comes up as the pitch.
What are the three measurements that come into play when determining the correct chain?
The chains have three distinct measurements that come into play when determining the correct chain: pitch, gauge and number of links. Sometimes they're easy to find, but if not, you might have to get out the calipers or take it to a professional.
What is the gauge on a chainsaw?
The gauge is the width of the lugs, the parts of the chain that fit into the guide bar. Common gauge measurements are 0.050 and 0.058 inches, followed by 0.043 and 0.063 inches. The gauge, like the pitch, often is displayed on the guide bar.
Do chainsaws need maintenance?
However, like with all power tools, they require maintenance and replacement parts. Replacing the chain on your chainsaw isn't necessarily a difficult task.
Who is Jasey Kelly?
With a professional background in gardening, landscapes, pests and natural ecosystems, Jasey Kelly has been sharing her knowledge through writing since 2009 and has served as an expert writer in these fields. Kelly's background also includes childcare, and animal rescue and care.
Are You Replacing Parts on an Older Chainsaw?
If you’re reading this post and replacing the bar or chain on an older chainsaw, then you may want to check out my other guide on the best budget chainsaw options.
How long can a gas chainsaw chain be?
Some gas chainsaws, on the other hand, can go up to a whopping 72 inches in bar length because they have the beefy engines to handle it. Another thing to keep in mind is that chainsaw chains don’t stretch. Each one is designed to fit on a certain size bar. For example, if the chain is too short or too wide for the blade, it won’t fit.
Where is the chainsaw bar stamped?
Your current chainsaw bar is likely to have all of the measurements you need for a chain replacement stamped right on the blade itself.
How to measure drive link pitch?
Measure the pitch — This is the distance between each drive link. Measure the length between any three rivets. The rivets are what hold the drive links together. Then divide by 2 to get the pitch. Common pitch sizes include 1/4″, .325″, 3/8″, and .404″.
What is the effective cutting length of a chainsaw?
The effective cutting length is the span of the bar from the tip of the blade to the base of the where it’s attached to the chainsaw.
How much does a bar chain cost?
A new bar or chain can cost around $20 to $50 each (or $40 to $100 in total).
How to tell gauge of bar?
Try to slide each coin into the groove of the blade. Whichever one fits snugly without force will tell you the gauge of the bar.
