How to measure your Chainsaw Chain and Bar?

When it comes to chainsaws, there are so many different models, and they come in all shapes and sizes. It can be difficult to know what size chain your chainsaw has, or if it is even the right size for your needs.

So How to measure your Chainsaw Chain and Bar?

To measure the chain on a chainsaw, you will need to determine the pitch, gauge, and number of drive links.

The pitch of a chain is the distance between any three consecutive rivets divided by two. Common chain pitches include 0.325 inches, 3/8 inch, and 0.404 inches.

The gauge, also known as the drive link thickness, is the thickness of the metal at the base of the drive link.

To measure the number of drive links on a chain, simply count the number of links that have a pin in them (drive links have a pin, whereas cutters do not).

To measure the length of your chainsaw bar you need to measure the cutting length of your bar. The cutting length of a bar is the distance from the tip of the bar to the point where the bar meets the chainsaw engine.

In the case of you don’t have the right tools you can refer the manual that came with your chainsaw or check online for the product specifications.

How to Measure the Chainsaw Bar

The first step to measuring the chainsaw bar is to remove the saw chain from your chainsaw. If your chainsaw does not have a chain guide, this will be easy. Otherwise, you will need to remove the top cap first, and then the saw chain should slide right out of the guide.

Next, you will need to measure the chainsaw bar. There are a few ways to do this, and you can use any method that works for you. Here are some of the ways that you can measure the chainsaw bar:

Use the Chainsaw Chain Gauge

When you measure your chainsaw chain, you can use the chainsaw chain gauge to ensure that it is the correct size. Most chainsaw chain gauges will have a set of markings that will indicate the different sizes of chainsaws, so you simply need to find the bar that corresponds to your chainsaw.

If you don’t have a chainsaw chain gauge, you can also measure your chainsaw bar by using the measurements on the manufacturer’s website. Simply check the width, length and thickness of the bar to determine if it is the right size for your chainsaw.

Measure the Bar With a Tape Measure

While measuring with a chain gauge is a great way to ensure that you are getting the correct size for your chainsaw, you can also use a tape measure to measure your chainsaw bar. You simply need to measure the length, width, and thickness of the bar, and compare that to the bar diameter that you have found on the manufacturer’s website.

If the measurements match up, you will know that the bar is the right size for your chainsaw. If not, you will need to find a different bar or purchase a new saw.

Use a Tape Measure With a Ruler

If you do not have a tape measure, a tape measure with a ruler is one of the best ways to measure the bar. Simply lay the tape measure across the bar so that you can read the numbers on the tape measure. You will then be able to see how long, wide, and thick the bar is.

greg mitchell

About The Author

I’m Greg, who is behind this site Saw ProTips. I have been working in the trades since I was in high school, where I developed my passion for woodworking. This site was created to act as a library of skills, facts, and tricks that I’ve learned throughout my life.