You might have one of the best cordless chainsaws for quite some time, before you need to replace the chainsaw bar and the chain. And, in order to do that, you need to have the right bar and chain length. If you think that you can just go to the hardware store and ask for a new chainsaw bar or chain, you are making a huge mistake.
You will need to measure the bar and chain correctly. Even, if you know the inch that the chainsaw bar might be. On most of the packages of the chainsaw, they are saying the length of the bar, but this isn’t the precise length. You will need to measure it. This is a complete guide in how you should measure the bar and chain length, so that it fits perfectly on your chainsaw
The importance of measuring the chainsaw bar and chain correctly
It is essential to know why you should measure the chainsaw chain and bar correctly, before you just purchase one and install it to your chainsaw. To learn more about types and performance of various chainsaw chains you can visit this link.
Do you know how many accidents do happen with a chainsaw because of a wrong sized bar and chain? Those bar and chain come lose from the chainsaw and cause serious injury or even death. If the size isn’t correct, it won’t be secure. The moment that the chainsaw is switched on, it will start rotating. And, with the momentum, the incorrect sized bar or chain can come off and cause serious damage.
This is why you should rather spend time and make sure that you are measuring these things correctly. With the correct measured bar and chain, no accident can happen.
Measuring your chainsaw bar
When you are measuring the chainsaw bar, it is actually easy. You are measuring the bar from side to side. From the one end to the next. This will give you how long the bar should be.
Or, if you are unsure about the real length, you can take it off, and take the bar to the hardware store for replacement. They will then do the correct measurements and make sure that you are getting the correct replacement.
Things you should know when measuring your chainsaw chain length
There are couple of things that you should know when you are measuring your chainsaw chain length. Without knowing these things, you will not know the correct measurements, and the chain will not be secure when installing it.
These are the two things that you need to know when measuring your chainsaw chain length.
- The pitch. This is the distance between the chain drive links. This is also something important to have the right measurements for.
- This is the width of the grooves where the chains fit into the bar. Different bars have different gauges.
- The total length of the chain that fits around the bar.
Measuring your chainsaw chain length
Its important to make sure that you are following these steps correctly in order for you to measuring your chainsaw chain’s length correctly. This is the only way that you can make sure that your chain is going to fit perfectly around your chainsaw. These are the basic steps in measuring your chains.
- Stretch your chain on a flat surface. Making sure that the chain is stretched out perfectly.
- Count the number of drive links on the chain. It is also called dharive lugs. You should make sure that you are counting carefully. This is how you are determining the length of the chain.
- Now, you need to measure the pitch, or the distance between the chain drive links.
- As discussed earlier, you should also now measure the gauges of the chains.
With all these measured and written down, you can go down to the hardware store and purchase the correct size chainsaw chain.
The one thing that you need to know is how to measure your chainsaw bar and chains correctly. You might think that the measurements might be written on the instructions of the chainsaw. However, this isn’t precise measurements. It can be really dangerous to install a chain and bar that isn’t a perfect fit. It’s why you should make sure that you are taking your time to measure the bar and the chain correctly. Or, you should ask a professional to measure it for you to get the right replacement. It’s the only way to know for sure that you will avoid an accident with using a chain that is way to big for your chainsaw.
I have a McCulloch ES 16/1 max length 400mm (all as stated on its label) but it has 50 drive links suggesting a 14 inch bar though 16/1 and 400mm suggest 16 inch which tend to have 56 or 57 drive links. What length should I buy.?