A chainsaw is an essential tool in your workshop or garage. But, there are a lot of chainsaws available on the market. And you may have already used any chainsaw for your work project.
No matter what kind of saw you use, it is essential to take care of the chain. It would help if you replaced it over time. And getting the right size of the chainsaw blade is equally essential.
Finally, it would be best to have the proper chain running your saw. But, if you utilize the wrong one, you have to face some dangerous risks in your real life.
The following posts on how to measure a chainsaw chain will help you learn some essential techniques for the chain care of your chainsaw.
When You Need To Replace The Chainsaw Chain?
If you want to measure for a saw, you may guess it is the time for the replacement. All chains require general maintenance to keep them lasting.
And if you take proper care of your chainsaw but it isn’t providing a good cut as should, then it is the right time for a new saw. Other points to consider for replacing:
- Teeth are broken or worn.
- Chain tension is loose or not staying tight enough.
- Chain tension is very tight and not flexible enough.
- Presence of smoke when cutting.
- Rather than the wood chips, sawdust is left.
- Chain rattles look or feel unbalanced.
What do You require?
You only require a measuring tape and some coins for a quick trick of the trade for measuring the chain.
A screwdriver or scrench should be nearby so that you can lose it. To remove and replace the chain, use a flat head wrench or screwdriver and socket wrench.
Some Terms For Measuring Chainsaw Chain
Before starting with measuring a chained chain, you have to learn what some of the main parts of this are called for understanding the post.
Bar: In the bar, the chain sits as well as spins upon. This is the horizontal metal piece that has the grooved section. Within it, chainsaw drive links sets.
Drive Links: A chain is secured with the bar by the drive links fitted into the bar’s groove. They oppose the cutting teeth together with the chain bottom.
Gauge: The gauge means the thickness of the drive links. This will keep your chain from sliding off the bar.
Pitch: With these terms, you have to calculate the pitch values.
Measurement Of The Chainsaw
Measuring the chainsaw has little to do with the actual length of the chain. And everything is to do with safety and fit. The saw measurement is a collective knowledge of the drive link, gauge, and pitch number. And it is always situated on the point of the bar. This can save you from doing any measurement at all.
These numbers refer to the numbers you will get on the new packaging of the chain. But you should know these numbers’ derivations because they can wear off sometimes on a used bar.
Measurement: Step By Step
Measuring the chainsaw for fitting is an easy process that will require much time. Just follow the outlined quick steps for getting a better idea:
Step 1 – Measurement Of The Bar
For determining the bar size, you have to measure the “called length.” You have to do it with the chain and bar. Indeed, this is not really for your chain measurement.
However, it can provide the available number for chain size and bar replacement. To measure the bar, you should start counting from the above of the saw to the further cutting point.
Once calculated, assemble to the closest inch. This is your “called length,” and manufacturers always use this.
Step 2 – Measurement Of The Pitch
To determine the pitch, you need to calculate the distance of any three consecutive rivets. Then divide it by two. The resulting number is termed the pitch.
While more significant numbers indicate the more prominent space between the links, resulting in faster and more aggressive cutting. If an area is the smallest, probably the saw has been used to remove tiny amounts of wood.
Step 3 – Measurement Of The Gauge
This step may seem tricky because there are slight variations among the various gauge sizes. The perfect way to ensure the size is to see the user’s manual or the bar.
If this measurement is not found, you can quickly do ‘the trick of a trade.’ Take the coins (penny, dime, and a quarter) and slip these into the groove of the bar. You have to keep the currency by the slide without forcing it.
- Penny: About .058″ gauge
- Dime: About .050″ gauge
- Quarter: About .063″ gauge
A .043″ gauge exists, but it is not shared. The most common is the .050″ gauge.
Step 4 – Calculate The Drive Links
Once you get the above measurement, it is time to count the drive links. This will ensure the correct replacement you get. Moreover, you have to remove your chain to do this.
But you may lose the chain and the spin at the above bar for counting. Therefore, always be sure to spot where you established with the sharpie or anything similar to get the correct count. However, you should always check properly.
Tips For Keeping The Saw In Proper Shape
Regardless of your care for the chain, you have to replace it eventually, but good maintenance will keep it cutting as you want. And follow these tips:
- Sharpen the chain frequently.
- Keep the chain and bar well oiled.
- Check the depth gauge after sharpening the chain.
Conclusion
So, this is all about how to measure a chainsaw chain. Indeed, you have to measure the chainsaw for proper fitting, and all you require is the drive link, gauge, and pitch amount for making a match.
Chainsaws are essential tools for doing any work in the workshop. Therefore, learning the measurements of this saw chain is equally important. Happy sawing!
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