Figuring out the proper chain dimension on your chainsaw is essential for optimum efficiency and security. An improperly sized chain can result in untimely put on, diminished reducing effectivity, and potential hazards. Happily, measuring a series for a chainsaw is a comparatively simple course of that may be achieved with just a few easy steps. On this information, we’ll present detailed directions on learn how to precisely measure your chainsaw chain, guaranteeing that you’ve the suitable match on your particular mannequin.
Step one in measuring a chainsaw chain is to rely the variety of drive hyperlinks. Drive hyperlinks are the person hyperlinks that interact with the sprocket on the chainsaw’s powerhead. To rely the drive hyperlinks, place the chain on a flat floor and thoroughly separate the hyperlinks. Begin counting from one finish of the chain and proceed till you attain the opposite finish. The full variety of drive hyperlinks you rely will decide the proper substitute chain dimension on your chainsaw.
After getting counted the variety of drive hyperlinks, you need to use the next components to calculate the chain’s pitch: Pitch = Variety of Drive Hyperlinks / 2. The pitch is a measurement that represents the gap between any three consecutive rivets on the chain. Chainsaws usually have a pitch of both 3/8″, .325″, or 1/4″. By figuring out the pitch, you’ll be able to be sure that the substitute chain you buy has the proper spacing to suit correctly in your chainsaw’s sprocket. Moreover, you must also test the gauge of the chain, which refers back to the thickness of the drive hyperlinks. The gauge is often measured in inches and may match the gauge of the unique chain to make sure correct match.
Figuring out the Correct Chain Size
Figuring out the proper chain size on your chainsaw is essential for guaranteeing optimum efficiency and security. A number of elements affect the chain’s size, together with the chainsaw’s bar size, the variety of drive hyperlinks, and the pitch. To precisely measure the chain, observe these steps:
1. **Measure the Bar Size:** Use a measuring tape or ruler to find out the size of the chainsaw bar from the tip of the nostril to the tip of the groove the place the chain suits. Document this measurement in inches or centimeters.
2. **Depend the Drive Hyperlinks:** Take away the chain from the chainsaw and lay it out on a flat floor. The drive hyperlinks are the protruding, tooth-shaped hyperlinks that interact with the sprocket on the bar’s nostril. Depend the variety of drive hyperlinks on the chain.
3. **Calculate the Chain Size:** Use the next components to find out the right chain size:
| Bar Size (inches) |
Drive Hyperlink Depend |
| 12 |
50-52 |
| 14 |
54-56 |
| 16 |
58-60 |
| 18 |
62-64 |
| 20 |
66-68 |
| 22 |
68-70 |
| 24 |
70-72 |
| 26 |
72-74 |
Finding the Information Bar’s Drive Hyperlink Depend
To precisely measure the chain on your chainsaw, you have to decide the variety of drive hyperlinks in your information bar. Comply with these steps:
- Examine the information bar: Search for a collection of numbers stamped or etched onto the slim facet of the information bar, close to the nostril.
| Instance Information Bar Markings |
| 16″ 325-72 |
On this instance, “325” represents the pitch, “72” is the variety of drive hyperlinks, and “16” is the size of the bar.
- Visible rely: If the information bar doesn’t have markings, you’ll be able to rely the variety of drive hyperlinks manually. Maintain the bar horizontally with the tooth dealing with up and rely the variety of connecting hyperlinks between the 2 rivet heads. Drive hyperlinks usually have an rectangular gap for securing the chain to the bar.
- Use a worksheet: Some chainsaw producers present a worksheet or chart that signifies the variety of drive hyperlinks primarily based on the mannequin quantity or size of the information bar. Consult with your chainsaw’s person guide or seek the advice of the producer’s web site for this data.
Figuring out the Pitch and Gauge
Earlier than measuring the size of a chainsaw chain, you have to decide its pitch and gauge. These measurements are required to make sure you buy the proper substitute chain.
Pitch
The pitch of a chainsaw chain refers back to the distance between adjoining drive hyperlinks. It’s measured in inches, and customary pitches embody 0.325", 0.375", and 0.404".
To measure the pitch, rely the variety of drive hyperlinks inside a 6" section of the chain. Divide the variety of drive hyperlinks by 2 to get the pitch in inches.
For instance, should you rely 16 drive hyperlinks inside a 6" section, the pitch could be 16 ÷ 2 = 0.325".
Gauge
The gauge of a chainsaw chain refers back to the thickness of the drive hyperlinks. It’s usually measured in millimeters, with frequent gauges being 0.043", 0.050", and 0.058".
To measure the gauge, use a caliper or a gauge device to measure the width of a drive hyperlink at its thickest level.
| Gauge (mm) |
Approximate Inch Measurement |
| 0.043 |
0.017" |
| 0.050 |
0.020" |
| 0.058 |
0.023" |
Measuring the Size Utilizing a Tape Measure
Discovering the Precise Chain Size
To find out the exact chain size required on your chainsaw, you need to:
-
Take away the Chain: Detach the chain from the chainsaw by following the producer’s directions.
-
Straighten the Chain: Uncoil and straighten the chain on a flat floor to make sure accuracy.
-
Measure Whole Drive Hyperlinks: Utilizing a tape measure, rely and measure the size of all of the drive hyperlinks, that are the longer rectangular hyperlinks. Document this measurement (A).
-
Calculate Chain Size: To find out the chain size, observe these steps:
- Decide the pitch worth of your chainsaw (e.g., 0.325 inches).
- Multiply the pitch worth by the variety of drive hyperlinks counted in step 3 (e.g., 0.325 inches x 70 hyperlinks = 22.75 inches).
- Add 1-2 inches for the connecting hyperlink(s) (e.g., 22.75 inches + 1.5 inches = 24.25 inches).
-
Spherical to Nearest Inch: The calculated size is probably not a precise inch measurement. Spherical it up or all the way down to the closest complete inch for accuracy.
| Pitch Worth |
Instance Calculation |
Instance Size |
| 0.325 inches |
0.325 inches x 70 hyperlinks + 1.5 inches |
24.25 inches |
| 0.375 inches |
0.375 inches x 68 hyperlinks + 1.5 inches |
26.25 inches |
Including Further Size for Overlap
To make sure a safe and dependable match, it’s important so as to add additional size to the chain for overlap. This overlap permits the chain to correctly interact with the bar and drive sprocket, lowering the chance of leaping or derailment.
The quantity of overlap required varies relying on the kind of chain and bar mixture. Nonetheless, as a basic rule of thumb, it’s endorsed so as to add roughly 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to three.8 cm) of additional size to the chain.
To calculate the overall size of chain wanted, together with the overlap, observe these steps:
- Measure the size of the bar from the tip to the bottom.
- Add 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to three.8 cm) to the bar size.
- Divide the overall size by the pitch of the chain to find out the variety of drive hyperlinks required.
Keep in mind that it’s all the time higher to err on the facet of warning by including barely extra overlap than needed. Extra overlap can simply be adjusted and eliminated after set up.
| Bar Size |
Advisable Overlap |
Whole Chain Size |
| 16 inches |
1.25 inches |
17.25 inches |
| 18 inches |
1.5 inches |
19.5 inches |
| 20 inches |
1.75 inches |
21.75 inches |
Calculating the Particular Hyperlink Depend
To find out the exact hyperlink rely on your chainsaw chain, observe these steps:
1. Collect Supplies: You have to a ruler or measuring tape, a hook device, and security gloves.
2. Put together the Chain: Take away the chain from the chainsaw and guarantee it’s clear and freed from particles.
3. Discover the Beginning Hyperlink: Find the hyperlink that has a “drive hyperlink” and an “loafer hyperlink” related. The drive hyperlink could have two tooth, whereas the loafer hyperlink has one.
4. Mark the Beginning Level: Use a felt-tip marker or different seen indicator to mark the beginning hyperlink.
5. Measure the Pitch: Measure the gap between the facilities of three consecutive rivets. Divide this worth by 2 to acquire the pitch of the chain (in inches).
6. Depend the Hyperlinks: Ranging from the marked beginning hyperlink, rely each third rivet. Every set of three rivets represents one hyperlink (inclusive of the beginning hyperlink).
7. Multiply by the Pitch: Multiply the hyperlink rely by the pitch to calculate the general size of the chain in inches:
| Size (in) |
= (Hyperlink Depend) x (Pitch) |
Contemplating the Nostril Sprocket
The nostril sprocket is a small, gear-like part positioned on the tip of the chainsaw’s bar. Its main perform is to information the chain across the tip of the bar and be sure that it stays in place throughout operation. The nostril sprocket is often manufactured from hardened metal for sturdiness, and its dimension and form fluctuate relying on the chainsaw mannequin and supposed use.
When measuring a series for a chainsaw, it is essential to contemplate the nostril sprocket. The proper chain size ensures correct match and efficiency, stopping injury to the sprocket or the chain itself.
The nostril sprocket has a particular variety of tooth, which corresponds to the variety of drive hyperlinks within the chain. Drive hyperlinks are the hyperlinks that interact with the sprocket and pull the chain across the bar. The variety of drive hyperlinks in a series is often indicated within the chain’s description or on the packaging. To find out the suitable chain size, you have to match the variety of drive hyperlinks within the chain to the variety of tooth on the nostril sprocket.
For instance, if the nostril sprocket has 7 tooth, you would wish a series with 7 drive hyperlinks. To make sure accuracy, it is beneficial to seek the advice of your chainsaw’s operator’s guide or seek advice from the producer’s specs for the precise chain size required on your explicit chainsaw mannequin and nostril sprocket configuration.
Chain Size and Variety of Tooth
| Tooth on Nostril Sprocket |
Chain Size (Drive Hyperlinks) |
| 6 |
6 |
| 7 |
7 |
| 8 |
8 |
| 9 |
9 |
| 10 |
10 |
Figuring out the Right Size
To make sure optimum efficiency, it is essential to measure the chainsaw chain precisely. Place the brand new chain on the information bar, aligning the primary cutter with the drive sprocket. Pull the rest of the chain over the bar and information it across the nostril sprocket. If the chain suits snugly with none extra slack, it is seemingly the proper size.
Troubleshooting Brief or Lengthy Chains
Encountering a series that’s both too brief or too lengthy can result in operational points. Here is learn how to deal with these issues:
Chain Too Brief
Signs:
- Chain will not wrap across the nostril sprocket totally
- Chain could bind or soar off the bar
Resolution:
- Add a brand new hyperlink to the chain
- Substitute your complete chain with an extended one
Chain Too Lengthy
Signs:
- Chain hangs unfastened and sags
- Chain could bind or soar off the bar
- Elevated danger of kickback
Resolution:
- Take away a hyperlink from the chain
- Substitute your complete chain with a shorter one
Figuring out the Preferrred Chain Size for Numerous Information Bar Sizes
The next desk supplies a basic guideline for choosing the suitable chain size for various information bar sizes:
| Information Bar Measurement (inches) |
Chain Size (drive hyperlinks) |
| 12-14 |
50-52 |
| 16-18 |
56-58 |
| 20-22 |
62-64 |
| 24-26 |
68-70 |
It is necessary to notice that these values are approximate and should fluctuate barely relying on the precise chainsaw mannequin and bar.
Measuring with a Measuring Stick
1. Decide the size of the bar.
Measure the size of the chainsaw bar from the tip of the nostril to the tip of the tail.
2. Add 2 to 4 inches to the bar size.
This provides you with the approximate size of chain you want.
3. Wrap the measuring stick across the chain.
Begin on the finish of the chain and wrap the measuring stick across the chain, overlapping the tip by about 1 inch.
4. Mark the measuring stick.
Use a pencil or marker to mark the measuring stick on the level the place the tip of the chain overlaps.
5. Measure the size of the marked part.
Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the size of the marked part on the measuring stick.
6. Add 2 to 4 inches to the measured size.
This provides you with the approximate size of chain you want.
7. Minimize the chain to the specified size.
Use a series noticed chain cutter to chop the chain to the specified size.
8. File the chain to sharpen it.
Use a series noticed file to sharpen the chain.
9. Set up the chain on the chainsaw.
Comply with the producer’s directions for putting in the chain on the chainsaw.
10. Alter the chain pressure.
Comply with the producer’s directions for adjusting the chain pressure. The chain must be tight sufficient to stop it from slipping off the bar, however not so tight that it binds.
| Chain Size |
Bar Size |
| 20 inches |
18 inches |
| 24 inches |
22 inches |
| 28 inches |
26 inches |
How To Measure A Chain For A Chainsaw
In an effort to be sure that your chainsaw is working at its greatest, it is very important have the proper chain dimension. The chain dimension is decided by the pitch, gauge, and size. The pitch is the gap between the drive hyperlinks, the gauge is the thickness of the drive hyperlinks, and the size is the variety of drive hyperlinks within the chain.
To measure the chain, you will have a measuring tape or a series gauge. In case you are utilizing a measuring tape, place the tape at the start of the chain and measure to the tip of the chain. The measurement must be in inches. In case you are utilizing a series gauge, merely insert the gauge into the chain and browse the measurement.
After getting the measurement, you’ll be able to examine it to the beneficial chain dimension on your chainsaw. The beneficial chain dimension might be discovered within the proprietor’s guide or on the producer’s web site.
If the chain dimension isn’t appropriate, it could actually trigger the chainsaw to run poorly and even injury the chainsaw. Subsequently, it is very important just remember to have the proper chain dimension earlier than you begin utilizing your chainsaw.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How do I do know what dimension chain I would like for my chainsaw?
The beneficial chain dimension on your chainsaw might be discovered within the proprietor’s guide or on the producer’s web site.
What’s the distinction between pitch, gauge, and size?
The pitch is the gap between the drive hyperlinks, the gauge is the thickness of the drive hyperlinks, and the size is the variety of drive hyperlinks within the chain.
Can I take advantage of a series that’s too lengthy or too brief for my chainsaw?
No, utilizing a series that’s too lengthy or too brief on your chainsaw may cause the chainsaw to run poorly and even injury the chainsaw.
