If you have a question about how to measure a chainsaw bar, then you should read the following article. Chainsaw bars come in many different sizes, lengths, and pitches. You must be aware of the size of the chain, the length of the bar, and the pitch of the chain when ordering a bar and chain. In this guide, we will teach you how to measure the bar and chain for your chainsaw so that you can make the right choice.
Contents
How To Measure a Chainsaw Bar: Step by Step Guide
Chainsaws are useful tools for cutting wood, but they are only as effective as the blades that are used. A chainsaw bar needs to be the right length for the job and the chainsaw that is being used. Fortunately, measuring a chainsaw bar is a relatively simple process. All you need is a measuring tape, a few simple tools, and a bit of knowledge about how to use them. With a few minutes of your time, you can have the perfect chainsaw bar for your needs. So, in this guide, I will take a detailed look at how to measure chainsaw bar length and width.
Step 1: Remove the chainsaw housing which covers the blade
The first step in answering the question of how to measure bar size on a chainsaw is to remove the chainsaw’s housing, which covers the chain. This will give you access to the bar. Depending on your chainsaw, the housing may be screwed on, or it may snap into place.
To remove the housing, simply unscrew the screws or pull the housing away from the saw. Be careful not to lose any screws, and be aware that there may be small parts inside the housing that could fall out.
Step 2: Release some tension to pull the chain from the bar
Once the housing is removed, you will need to release some tension from the chain so that you can pull it away from the bar. This can be done by loosening the nuts that hold the bar in place. Be careful not to loosen the nuts too much, as this could cause the bar to come out of the chainsaw entirely.
Step 3: Remove the chain from the chainsaw bar
With the tension released, you can now remove the chain from the bar. Simply pull the chain away from the bar, being careful not to let it fall to the ground. Also, be sure to keep track of which way the chain was facing on the bar.
Step 4: Check to see if the chainsaw bar needs replace or repair
Now that the chain is off the bar, you can inspect it for any damage. If the bar is bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it will need to be replaced. If the bar is in good condition, however, you can simply reattach the chain and put the housing back on the chainsaw.
Step 5: Measure the chainsaw bar
With the bar free of the chainsaw, you can now measure it to see what size it is. The last step in answering the question of how to measure the bar on a chainsaw is to get an accurate measurement, it is best to use a tape measure. Simply measure the length of the bar from end to end.
Keep in mind that some chainsaws use different size bars for different purposes. For example, a saw designed for cutting firewood may use a different size bar than a saw designed for trimming trees. Be sure to check your saw’s manual to see what size bar it uses.
What Is the Best Way to Measure a Chainsaw Bar?
The best way to measure a chainsaw bar is with a measuring tape. Place the measuring tape at the end of the bar, and measure from the tip of the bar to the end of the bar. It is important to measure the bar from the tip, as this is where the cutting chain is located.
There is no need to measure the entire length of the bar, as the cutting chain only extends a certain distance from the tip. It is also important to ensure that the measuring tape is level, as a slanted measuring tape will give an inaccurate measurement.
How to Determine a Chainsaw Bar Groove Gauge
There are a few ways to determine a chainsaw bar groove gauge. One way is to measure the width of the groove with a ruler or a caliper. Another way is to measure the depth of the groove with a depth gauge.
The width of the groove is typically between 0.325 inches and 0.345 inches (8.3 mm and 8.8 mm). The depth of the groove is typically between 0.050 inches and 0.070 inches (1.3 mm and 1.8 mm).
If you don’t have a depth gauge, you can use a penny. Place the penny in the groove and make sure that the top of the penny is flush with the top of the bar. If the penny is too deep, the groove is too shallow. If the penny is too shallow, the groove is too deep. It’s best to have a depth gauge, but if you don’t, the penny method will work.
What Do the Numbers Mean on a Chainsaw Bar?
The numbers on a chainsaw bar indicate the bar’s length and the maximum length of the saw chain that can fit on the bar. For example, a chainsaw bar that is 16 inches long can fit a saw chain that is also 16 inches long. It is important to use the correct size saw chain for the saw bar to avoid damage to the bar or the chain.
The numbers on the saw bar are usually stamped into the metal near the end of the bar. The most popular bar lengths are 16 inches, 18 inches, and 20 inches. There are also specialty bars available in lengths ranging from 12 inches to 36 inches.
How Do You Know When to Replace Your Chainsaw Bar?
Chainsaw bars will generally last anywhere from 5 to 20 years, depending on how often they are used. However, if you notice that your chainsaw bar is starting to show signs of wear, such as cracks or chips in the metal, it is time to replace it.
Also, if the chainsaw bar is not properly aligned with the chain, it will need to be replaced. It can cause the chain to come off of the bar, which can be dangerous. So, if you notice any of these signs, it is time to replace your chainsaw bar.
FAQ
Can you put a bigger bar on the chainsaw?
Yes, you can put a bigger bar on a chainsaw, but it is important to make sure that the bar is compatible with the saw. You can check the compatibility by looking in the owner’s manual or contacting the manufacturer.
How to choose the chainsaw bar?
There are many factors to consider when choosing a chainsaw bar, such as the type of wood you will be cutting, the size of the wood, and the type of chainsaw you will be using. You will also need to consider the length of the bar and the gauge of the chain.
How to measure chainsaw bar for new chain and sprocket?
The most important measurement is the bar’s effective cutting length, which is the distance from the tip of the bar to the center of the sprocket nose. The second measurement is the bar’s gauge or thickness. The third measurement is the bar’s pitch or the distance between the centers of the drive links.
Also read:
- Best Chainsaw Sharpeners
- How to Cut Down a Tree With a Chainsaw?
- What Is Mixed Gas for a Chainsaw?
- How to Clean a Chainsaw?
Conclusion
I hope my article helped you find the answer to the question of how to measure bar length on a chainsaw. There are different ways to measure chainsaw bar. The most common way is to measure it from the tip of the bar to the end of the cutting edge. However, there are other ways to measure a chainsaw bar, too, like measuring it from the top of the bar to the bottom of the bar or measuring it from the bottom of the bar to the top of the bar.
If you have any questions or would like to share your own experience, please feel free to leave a comment below.
“A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”
