“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.
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.
We’ll cover bar and chain measurements, the difference between true length and cutting length, pitch, rivets, links, and more, to help you replace your chainsaw bar or chain. With the bar removed, place it on a flat surface and use a tape measure or yardstick to get the measurement. If your saw is old and requires a chain as well as a new bar you may find it economical to buy a new chainsaw.
how to measure chainsaw bar Related Question:
What is bar length for chainsaw?
To preface, the standard bar lengths for chainsaws are 16, 18, and 20 inches. However, longer bars do exist and can exceed 24 inches. When taking a measurement, you should round to the nearest even whole number.
What does 325 mean on a chainsaw bar?
Chain Sizing Breakdown 325 and three-eighths (. 375) pitches pertain to the spacing between the rivets. That spacing is important when you are cutting. The . 325 is a smaller top cutter and tie strap, which makes it easier for the saw to turn and draw less energy, particularly from the user.
Can you put a different size bar on a chainsaw?
Most chainsaws can operate up to three different bar sizes. Guide bars are measured in length, from the tip of the bar to the heel, and range in size from 14 to over 40 inches. Check the specifications in your model’s operator’s manual to see what size bars you can run on your saw.
What size chainsaw do I need for a 36 inch bar?
A good rule of thumb is that the diameter of the trees you cut regularly should be no more than twice the length of the bar on a chainsaw. That means a 20-inch chainsaw can handle a 36-inch tree (remember, effective cutting length is roughly -2 inches of the bar length).
What do chainsaw chain numbers mean?
If you are replacing a Stihl® chain, you can look at the numbers on the side of the chain to determine pitch, gauge, and other characteristics of the chain. Example: Your chain has the number 33RM2 stamped in the side of it. The first number represents the pitch: 1 = 1/4″ 2 = 0.325″
Can I put a 20 inch bar on my 18 inch chainsaw?
Changing the bar and chain on your 18-inch chain saw to a 20-inch size will enable easier cutting of larger trees and branches. Larger chain saws cut through thicker trees and limbs.
How long is a 16 inch chainsaw bar?
Measure the bar from end to end to find its true length. For example, if the measurement is 16 1⁄3 inches (41 cm), then the true length of the bar is 16 inches (41 cm). Standard chainsaw bar lengths are between 8–24 inches (20–61 cm).
Can you put a 18 inch bar on a 14 inch chainsaw?
Different Bar Sizes A Poulan 14 chainsaw can operate with a bar that’s 12, 14, 16 and 18 inches length. However, a larger bar may not always give the best cutting performance.
What size bars does Stihl make?
STIHL guide bars range from 10″ (found on our tree-trimming pole pruners) to an incredible 59″ (used in extreme felling operations).
What size tree can a 16 chainsaw cut?
16 chainsaw would cut through a 14″ tree diameter. 10 inch chainsaw for 8″ in diameter. 6 inch chainsaw can cut a 4″ diameter.
How many cc is a 28 inch bar?
Husqvarna 966 73 31-13 572XP 28-Inch 70.6cc Professional Gas Chainsaw, 3/8-Inch . 063-Inch.
Does the number of links in a chainsaw chain matter?
Number of links is to fit the bar – pitch is to fit the sprocket. Show activity on this post. Since the number of links is larger(81 instead of 74), there is low chance that it would fit properly.
Does gauge matter on chainsaw chain?
The gauge measurement of a saw chain tells a pro user about the strength of a chain’s drive links. Thicker drive links are usually stronger, but they are heavier. Weight affects performance, and to maximize cutting speed, weight should be kept to a minimum.
What size file do you use on a 3/8 chainsaw chain?
With that said, the Stihl 3/8″ chain is identical in size to Oregon and other brands which all recommend a 7/32″ file.
Can you put an 18 inch bar on a Stihl ms180?
Yes you can use any brand of bar and chains providing the mounting pattern suits the ms180 (3005 mount). You can also change gauge from .