How To Measure Chainsaw Bar

Chainsaws are indispensable gardening tools.

You use it for a lot of different tasks around the property, so signs of wear and tear will become noticeable over time.

There will come a time when you will need to replace some of its vital parts, specifically the bar and chain.

In case you come to that point, you need to know what size you need.

Learning how to measure chainsaw bar is an essential piece of skill to have during this situation.

How To Measure Chainsaw Bar?

You should know how to measure chain saw bar if you can’t find your tool’s exact measurement details.

When replacing the blade, you need to understand the technical terms and measurements used so that you can find and buy the right item.

Take note of two bar or blade measurements when learning how to measure a chainsaw bar: the effective cutting length and true length.

Effective Cutting Length

The “effective cutting length” is the measurement from the tip to the blade base connected to the casing.

To get this number, you will need to use a tape measure and stretch it over the blade.

Round off the measurement to the nearest even number to get the cutting length.

True Length

On the contrary, the “true length” is the blade’s full measurement when removed from the casing.

You can also use a tape measure for this, but there’s no need to round off the numbers.

Instead, what you get is the actual blade measurement.

What Do the Numbers Mean on a Chainsaw Bar?

Like knowing how to measure chain saw bar, you also need to learn how to do the same on the chain.

The numbers printed or embossed on the bar are related to the chain and not the blade.

Getting the correct chain length is trickier.

Three measurements determine chainsaw chains: drive links, gauge, and pitch.

Drive Links

One of the pieces of information found on the chainsaw bar is the number of drive links on the chain.

These are the parts resting inside the bar.

If you can’t find the bar’s information, you have to count the number of drive links to determine the chain’s full length.

It’s crucial to know the correct drive link number.

The chain will not fit if the links are less than their actual number. On the other hand, you cannot tighten the chain if you overcount.

Gauge

Gauge is the drive links’ thickness or the groove’s width in the chainsaw bar where the chain passes.

Get the correct bar measurement to ensure that the chain can move freely through the grooves.

These are the four standard gauges: 0.043 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.058 inches, and 0.063 inches.

You can check these measurements on the chain using a tape measure.

Alternatively, you can slide a coin into the groove to know the gauge. The one that fits snugly confirms the gauge measurement.

The dime measures 0.050 inches; a penny will be 0.058 inches, while a quarter is 0.063 inches.

Pitch

The chain pitch is the length between the drive links. It is the measurement between three rivets divided in half.

Rivets are the small round studs holding the chain sections together.

The typical chainsaw pitch sizes are as follows: ⅜, ¼, 0.325, and 0.404 inches.

These details are typically found on the lower part of the bar, usually hidden under the chainsaw casing.

Types of Chainsaw Bars

It’s not enough to just learn how to measure a chainsaw bar.

Knowing its different types will also help in choosing which one is suitable for you.

There are different types of chainsaw bars in varying shapes and sizes.

Below are some of the more common ones for your reference.

Laminated Bars

Laminated bars have different coating materials, making them lightweight, long-lasting, balanced, and sturdy.

This bar type is the perfect choice for chains below 20 inches long for better cutting performance.

Laminated Sprocket Nose Bar

You will generally find that a laminated sprocket nose bar has a small radius.

It also has a gentle curve for kickback reduction and excellent cutting control.

Solid Bar

Solid steel blades are meant for cutting hardwood in a professional setting.

This bar type is the perfect choice for dusty or sandy conditions and usually comes in 30- to 42-inch lengths.

Solid Bar With Replaceable Tip

This solid bar type has a changeable tip, mostly used for long blades, reducing pressure on the top.

The replaceable tip uses premium-quality roller bearing, carrying the chain’s load around the nose.

Solid Nose Bar

This chainsaw bar type has no sprocket, making it suitable for cutting in dirty or sandy conditions.

However, this sturdy bar has a higher price-point than other types.

It also tends to get very hot, draining some of the chainsaw’s power while in use.

Sprocket Nose Bars

This bar type is aptly named due to the sprocket placed at its tip where the chain circulates, reducing friction.

It is the most common bar type that lets the chain move faster around the blade’s nose.

The teeth’s number on the tip of the sprocket’s nose is crucial to its cutting performance.

Can I Put a Shorter Bar on My Chainsaw?

Can I put a shorter bar on my chainsaw? Some are curious to know the answer to this one.

Technically, yes. However, chainsaws are designed differently with varying configurations depending on the manufacturer’s concept.

Most equate a chainsaw’s capability to its bar’s length when, in fact, energy output and engine power determine its performance.

That is why pairing a powerful saw with a shorter blade offers improved performance and substantial saw balance.

So, if you plan on putting a shorter bar on your chainsaw, it’s best to coordinate it with your dealer to ensure that the configurations are correct.

Which Chainsaw Should I Choose?

Logically, if you need to replace the bar and chain of your chainsaw, you will look for the same size as the original.

However, we have also mentioned that you can change it to a different size according to what you want.

Choosing a chainsaw size must depend on the tree’s diameter or thickness, or log you typically cut.

Adding an inch or two to the bar size provides additional clearance while cutting.

Here are some references that you can follow when looking for the appropriate chainsaw.

8 - 16 inches

This size is perfect for trimming small to medium trees in your garden. You can also use this for some limb removal tasks.

16 - 18 inches

You can use this size for small to medium tree pruning and limb removal. It’s also perfect for tree felling.

18 - 20 inches

This length is for medium to large trees. It is perfect for trimming, limb removal, cutting firewood, and tree felling.

20 - 24 inches

This length is what you need for felling medium to large trees and for cutting firewood.

Chainsaw bar sizes from 20 inches and longer are mostly the heavy-duty types used by professionals for cutting massive trees.

For beginners and residential users, medium-size chainsaws between 12 to 16 inches long will suffice.

These chainsaw models are easier to maneuver and more lightweight, reducing the unnecessary strain for the user.

When To Replace Chainsaw Bar?

Chainsaws are sturdy power tools. However, you cannot avoid signs of wear and tear from showing through constant use.

It is also expensive to replace the chainsaw bar every time you see signs of devaluation and depreciation.

How will you know when it’s time to change the bar of your chainsaw?

Here are some signs you need to look out for on your guide bar.

• The chainsaw bar may get crooked due to constant use. If you have confirmed that it’s not straight anymore, then it’s time to replace it.
• Try to check if you have a twisted bar. It looks straight on one side but looks bent on the other. It’s another indication that it needs replacement.
• Check for damaged rails. It’s the part that holds the chain to the bar. Cracked or pinched rails are dangerous, as they can’t control the chain securely.
• Observe how your chainsaw cuts through the wood. You may be using a damaged chainsaw bar if you notice that it’s not producing a straight cut.

When To Replace Chainsaw Chain?

The chainsaw chain is the other vital part of your power tool that needs replacing.

Most agree that chains have a shorter lifespan than bars.

That is understandable since it’s the part that does the cutting; thus, it’s more prone to damage and overuse.

Below are the most common signs that your chainsaw chain needs replacement.

• Dullness

It is the foremost reason why users decide to change the chains on their chainsaws.

You will know that the chains are dull when it does not go through the log or tree as smoothly as before.

• Loose Chain

When you notice rattling while using the chainsaw, it means that the chain is loose and does not fit the bar.

• Smoke

If you see small sawdust particles or smoke while using the chainsaw, then it’s time for a chain replacement.

How Do You Measure a Guide Bar?

Now that you know how to measure a chainsaw bar, it’s easier for you to find a replacement if the need arises.

You can also find your needed information printed on the bar or from the instruction manual that came with your chainsaw.

In case you can’t find these details, you can practice your skill of knowing how to measure chainsaw bar.

If you plan on buying a new one, you can check our list of the best chainsaw for firewood for some ideas.