“Using the wrong size bar or chain can damage the chainsaw and injure the chainsaw operator,” says Vince Christofora of Woodstock Hardware. Read on to learn how to measure your chainsaw’s bar and chain. Sometimes called a chainsaw blade, the chainsaw bar is the metal “Arm” that holds and supports the chain during cutting.
Whether you need to replace your chainsaw bar or you are just interested in what size it is, here’s how you do it! This measurement is taken from the tip of the bar to where the bar meets the chainsaw body. The chainsaw bar itself, more often than not, will have the bar length displayed on it, along with other measurements.
You should be able to find all the figures you need in your instruction manual, but if you have lost it or it is otherwise unavailable, there are a couple of ways to work it out yourself – so here, we look at how to measure a chainsaw bar. You need to measure the bar from the tip of the chain to the point where the bar enters the chainsaw body or casing. Another issue related to bar measurements is deciding how long a bar you need – you may have to consider this when buying a new chainsaw or when thinking about buying a replacement bar.
I’ll show you the easiest methods for how to measure a chainsaw bar and how to measure a chainsaw chain length. The second way for how to measure a chainsaw bar length is called the “True” length of the blade. With the information you learned here, you no longer have to wonder how do you measure a chainsaw bar or chain because you now know how to do it.
how tight should your chainsaw chain be Related Question:
How do I know if my chainsaw chain is tight enough?
The chainsaw chain should feel snug but still pull freely. Finally, perform a “snap” test to ensure proper saw chain tension. Simply pull the chain on the underside of the guide bar down so one or two drive links are out of the guide bar rails and release it. The chain should snap directly into position.
Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?
There is a tension screw located near the base of the bar on the chainsaw. To tighten the chain, turn it clockwise, and to loosen turn it counterclockwise. Don’t over-tighten the chain as this could cause it to break.
How tight is too tight for a chainsaw chain?
A properly-tensioned chainsaw chain should still be just a little loose on the chainsaw guide bar, but the chain needs to be tight enough that you can’t pull the drive links out of the bar nose.
Why does my chainsaw chain keep loosening?
Chain Not Set Properly One of the most common reasons why your chain might be coming loose is because it was not set properly. When you go through the steps to tension your chain, you need to finish those steps by setting the tension so it won’t change as you work your saw.
Why is my chainsaw blade smoking?
This most commonly is a result of a dull chain and exerting to much pressure on the bar and chain trying to make the chain saw cut. This could also be either a lack of bar and chain oil ( tank empty, restricted oiler hole ) or an inferior type of oil that is being slung off the chain and not lubricating.
How long should a chain on a chainsaw last?
The lifetime of a chainsaw chain has no fixed limit and depends on usage and maintenance. The chain should last many years; 5-6 years should be no problem. However, if the chainsaw chain is used properly and taken care of, it can last way longer.
How often should you sharpen a chainsaw?
A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn’t get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.
Do chainsaw chains stretch?
A chainsaw chain stretches and loosens from tension and extreme friction. The friction from cutting through wood makes the chain very hot and the heat causes it to loosen. The heat expands the guide bar and when it cools, the chain has stretched. The chain will also loosen as it wears down from use.
How do I know if my chain is too loose?
To find out whether your chain is too long take a look at it from the side with your eyes being level with the chain. A loose chain will sag close to or below the chainstays as the chain hangs between the rear cogs and chainring. The chain might skip as you pedal, or even drop off the gears.
Why does my chainsaw jump when cutting?
Improper Chain Tension You can extend the life of your chain, bar and chain saw motor by maintaining the proper amount of tension on the chain. Too much slack in your chain can cause the saw blades to jump the bar. This is commonly referred to as throwing the chain.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of bar oil?
Effective – Vegetable oils have natural properties including good lubricity, resistance to shear, a high flash point, and a high viscosity index. These qualities lend themselves to chain lubricant requirements similar to petroleum-based chain oils, and do not contribute to chain or bar wear over time.
Why is my chainsaw burning the wood?
Your chainsaw burns wood because of poor lubrication Lubrication allows the mechanical parts to coordinate much better by avoiding a phenomenon of friction which risks causing traces of burns. This is one of the main reasons that your appliance gives off too much heat and that the wood burns.
Why is my chainsaw blowing white?
Why is my chainsaw blowing white? While black smoke is caused by the burning of more fuel than air, blue or white smoke is generally caused by the burning of excess oil.
Can you cut a stump with a chainsaw?
A chainsaw, however, can grind up a stump and leave it all but gone; still, you can’t use a chainsaw to completely grind away a stump. After much of the stump is gone, however, dirt and other material can cover the stump so it won’t be noticed.
Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw chain?
Sharpening your chainsaw chain is definitely worth it as a sharp chainsaw chain is easier to work with. It takes less effort to cut through wood and your chain will make cleaner cuts with sharp blades. A chainsaw chain can be sharpened multiple times without much of a cost.