How Do You Measure a Chainsaw Blade and Chain?
There will be a time when you need to replace the chain from your chainsaw. When that day comes, it is imperative that you know the length of your chainsaw blade and the length and type of chain you need. While it may seem confusing when you look at charts full of numbers for sizes, it really is pretty easy to figure out the length of both the blade and the chain of your chainsaw.
When you’re ready to replace your chain, the first thing to do is determine the size of your chainsaw bar. If you happen to have an Oregon chainsaw, this should be easy. Just check the first two numbers of the ten-digit model number that is stamped on the motor end of the blade. That’s your chainsaw bar length.
Don’t have an Oregon chainsaw that easily shows you the length of the blade? Then here are some tips for figuring it out yourself.
How Do You Measure A Chain Saw Blade?
To measure the chainsaw blade itself is simple enough to do. Just put your measuring tape at the end of the bar up against the casing and measure straight down the bar all the way to the tip of the blade.
The blade and the bar are two names for the same thing. They both refer to the long portion that extends from the motor casing that carries the chain and is used for cutting.
For all manufacturers, chain saw blades are made in 2-inch measurements. Although the most often seen are the 16-, 18- and 20-inch sizes, you can actually buy chainsaw blades as small as 10 inches or as long as 42 inches. If your blade measurement doesn’t end in an even number, then round up to the nearest one.
Measuring A Chainsaw Chain
In order to measure the chain on a chainsaw, you will need to know the number of drive links as well as the pitch of the chain.
The number of drive links actually determines the length of the chain. A drive link is simply a tooth on the chain. The pitch of the chain will also affect the size of the drive links.
The pitch of a chain is the size of the chain. This is the distance between any three rivets, then divided by two. Your chain pitch is important because it must match the pitch of the drive sprocket and sometimes the bar nose sprocket. The pitch should be stamped on the drive link.
As an example, a 1/4″ pitch chain might have 52 drive links and be 2.17 feet in length, while a 3/8″ pitch with 52 drive links would be 3.18 feet in length. So the pitch affects the drive link size which affects your blade’s length.
Still unsure? Just check with your chain saw’s manufacturer or anyone who makes chains and they will be able to clear up any confusion you may have.