Anyone who uses a chainsaw should know how to measure chainsaw bar length. Whether you’re replacing a chain, upgrading your bar, or simply maintaining your tool, knowing your chainsaw’s bar length ensures optimal and safe performance. In this guide, we’ll explore how to measure chainsaw bar length, as well as how to measure the chain and blade.
What Is a Chainsaw Bar?
The chainsaw bar is the long, flat metal guide around which the chain rotates. The bar is an important component of a chainsaw, guiding the chain to cut through wood or other materials. When you’re working with a chainsaw, the bar determines its cutting capacity, affecting how large a tree or log you can cut.
There are different types of chainsaw bars, such as:
- Standard Bars: These are the most common and come in lengths ranging from 12 to 20 inches, suitable for general cutting tasks.
- Professional Bars: These bars are longer and more durable, made for heavy-duty tasks like cutting down large trees. They can reach up to 36 inches or more.
Measuring your chainsaw bar length is essential for choosing the right chain and ensuring the chainsaw’s peak performance.
The importance of measuring chainsaw bar length
Measuring chainsaw bar length is not just a technical task—it’s essential for safety and chainsaw efficiency. Here are a few reasons why you should know how to measure chainsaw bar length:
- Safety: Using the wrong-sized chain on an improperly sized bar can cause kickback, which happens when the chainsaw suddenly jerks backwards. Kickback can lead to serious injury, so it’s crucial to have the correct bar and chain combination.
- Performance: The size of your bar determines how well the chainsaw performs. If the bar is too long for your saw’s engine, it may struggle to make efficient cuts. On the other hand, if the bar is longer, it might handle larger tasks.
- Chain Compatibility: Knowing how to measure chainsaw bar length helps you select the right chain. Chains are sold in specific lengths that correspond to bar sizes, so an accurate measurement will ensure a proper fit.
Tools Needed to Measure Chainsaw Bar Length
Before starting, gather these basic tools:
- Measuring Tape: A flexible tape measure is perfect for accurately measuring your chainsaw bar length.
- Protective Gloves and Goggles: Always protect yourself while handling chainsaw parts.
- Screwdriver or Wrench: You’ll need these tools to remove the bar cover for precise measurements.
- Cleaning Supplies: A cloth and cleaner to wipe away debris and sap that could affect your measurement accuracy.
How to Measure Chainsaw Bar Length – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Safety First
Before anything else, ensure that your chainsaw is completely off and unplugged or battery removed. For additional safety, wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp chain.
Step 2: Remove the Chainsaw Bar Cover
Most chainsaws come with protective covers over the bar and chain. Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove this cover so you can inspect the entire bar length. Removing the cover ensures precise measurement.
Step 3: Measure from the Tip to the Base
To measure the chainsaw bar length, take your measuring tape and measure from the very tip of the bar to the base. This is where the bar enters the chainsaw body. This is known as the “effective cutting length.”
Step 4: Round to the Nearest Even Number
Chainsaw bars are typically sold in standard lengths, such as 12″, 14″, 16″, 18″, and 20″. If your bar measures, for example, 15.75 inches, round it up to 16 inches. This is the size you’ll need when buying a replacement chain or bar.
How to Measure a Chainsaw Blade
The term “chainsaw blade” refers to the chainsaw bar or the cutting chain. Measuring the blade length is the same as measuring the bar length since both refer to the effective cutting area of the bar. Simply follow the steps outlined above for an accurate measurement.
Knowing how to measure chainsaw bar length ensures you can choose the correct blade (chain) for your saw.
Understanding Chainsaw Chain Length
Chainsaw chains are another critical component that affects your saw’s performance. The chain must match the bar length, and three factors determine its size:
- Pitch: The distance between three consecutive rivets divided by two. This measurement affects the chain’s smoothness and speed.
- Gauge: The thickness of the chain’s drive links. It determines how the chain fits into the guide bar’s groove.
- Drive Links: The number of drive links on the chain, which also determines its overall length.
Understanding how to measure chainsaw bar length is vital for efficient and safe chainsaw performance.
How to Measure Chainsaw Chain Length
Step 1: Identify the Chain Pitch
To measure the chain pitch, find the distance between three consecutive rivets on the chain and divide it by two. The pitch is usually stamped on the chain or bar, but if not, measuring manually is simple.
Step 2: Measure the Chain Gauge
The gauge refers to the thickness of the chain’s drive links. You can measure this with a caliper, but the information is often in your chainsaw’s manual. Standard gauges include .043″, .050″, .058″, and .063″.
Step 3: Count the Drive Links
The drive links are the teeth that fit into the guide bar. Count the number of links to ensure the chain will match your bar. This number is critical when buying a replacement chain.
How to Measure Guide Bar Length
If you’re wondering whether the guide bar is different from the cutting bar, the answer is no. The guide bar length includes the entire bar, even the portion inside the chainsaw housing. To measure this:
- Remove the cover, exposing the entire bar.
- Measure from the very tip of the bar to the end that fits inside the chainsaw.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Chainsaw Bar Length
Even seasoned users sometimes need help measuring chainsaw bar length. Here are some common errors to avoid:
- Measuring the Entire Bar: Only measure the exposed part of the bar, not the portion that fits inside the chainsaw.
- Skipping the Cleaning Process: Debris and buildup can affect your measurement accuracy. Clean the bar before measuring.
- Not Rounding Up: Chainsaw bars are sold in standard sizes, so always round up to the nearest even number.
How to Size a Chainsaw Bar Correctly
When selecting the correct size chainsaw bar, keep these factors in mind:
- Power of the Chainsaw: Longer bars require more engine power. If your engine isn’t powerful enough, it will struggle with a larger bar.
- Cutting Needs: Shorter bars (12 “-16″) are perfect for light tasks like pruning or cutting firewood. For larger trees, use bars over 18”.
- Skill Level: If you’re a beginner, stick with shorter bars, which offer better control and are safer.
Knowing how to measure chainsaw bar length helps you size the bar correctly and ensures your chainsaw operates efficiently.
Chainsaw Bar Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your chainsaw bar ensures it lasts longer and performs better. Here’s what you need to do:
- Clean the Bar After Each Use: Dirt, sawdust, and sap can clog bar grooves, causing wear.
- Lubricate the Bar and Chain: Regular oiling reduces friction and prevents overheating.
- Inspect for Wear: Check the bar’s grooves regularly. If the chain is loose or doesn’t fit properly, it’s time to replace the bar.
Read our 7 Essential Chainsaw Tips for beginners, if you want more tips on chainsaw maintenance.
When to Replace Your Chainsaw Bar
Even with proper maintenance, your chainsaw bar will eventually wear out. Here are some signs it’s time to replace the bar:
- Bent or Warped Bar: If the bar is visibly damaged or bent, it won’t cut properly.
- Worn-Out Grooves: If the grooves are too worn and the chain no longer fits snugly, replace the bar.
- Rust or Chips: Any rust or chips in the bar can affect performance and increase injury risk.
Best Chainsaw Chains to Buy
Finding the right chainsaw chain can significantly improve your chainsaw’s performance. Here are some of the Best Chainsaw Chains based on different needs:
Oregon S62 AdvanceCut 18-Inch Chainsaw Chain
Best for General Use: This 18-inch chain is designed for a wide variety of cutting tasks and is known for its durability and precision. It fits a wide range of chainsaws and provides smooth, low-vibration cutting.
Husqvarna H30-72 Chainsaw Chain
Best for Professional Use: Husqvarna’s chains are known for their performance and reliability. This chain is ideal for professionals or anyone looking to tackle large, demanding cutting tasks.
Stihl 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain
Best for Speed: This chain is perfect for users who need fast, efficient cuts. Stihl’s chains are built for speed without sacrificing durability, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
Greenworks 8-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Chain
Best for Small Chainsaws: This 8-inch chain is designed for electric and battery-powered chainsaws, offering a sharp, reliable cut for smaller, lighter-duty jobs like trimming branches or cutting firewood.
Read Also: Best Lightweight Chainsaw For Easy Cutting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Video Guide
Conclusion
By learning how to measure chainsaw bar length, you can not only choose the right chainsaw chain, but also ensure that your gear is long lasting and safe. Proper measurement, maintenance, and replacement of your chainsaw bar are essential to keeping your chainsaw in optimal working condition.
Whether you’re a homeowner tackling weekend yard projects or a professional logger, ensuring you have the right bar length and chain setup will save you time, effort, and enhance safety.
Now that you understand how to measure chainsaw bar length, you can confidently maintain your chainsaw and choose the right accessories to keep it performing at its best.
