7 Steps on How to Measure a Chain for a Chainsaw

7 Steps on How to Measure a Chain for a Chainsaw

Figuring out the right chain measurement to your chainsaw is essential for optimum efficiency and security. An improperly sized chain can result in untimely put on, lowered reducing effectivity, and potential hazards. Luckily, measuring a sequence for a chainsaw is a comparatively simple course of that may be completed with a number of easy steps. On this information, we’ll present detailed directions on the way to precisely measure your chainsaw chain, guaranteeing that you’ve got the proper match to your particular mannequin.

Step one in measuring a chainsaw chain is to depend the variety of drive hyperlinks. Drive hyperlinks are the person hyperlinks that have interaction with the sprocket on the chainsaw’s powerhead. To depend the drive hyperlinks, place the chain on a flat floor and punctiliously separate the hyperlinks. Begin counting from one finish of the chain and proceed till you attain the opposite finish. The whole variety of drive hyperlinks you depend will decide the right substitute chain measurement to your chainsaw.

After you have counted the variety of drive hyperlinks, you need to use the next formulation 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 may make sure that the substitute chain you buy has the right spacing to suit correctly in your chainsaw’s sprocket. Moreover, you must also verify the gauge of the chain, which refers back to the thickness of the drive hyperlinks. The gauge is often measured in inches and will match the gauge of the unique chain to make sure correct match.

Figuring out the Correct Chain Size

Figuring out the right chain size to 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. File 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 have interaction 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 formulation 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 to your chainsaw, you have to decide the variety of drive hyperlinks in your information bar. Comply with these steps:

  1. Examine the information bar: Search for a sequence of numbers stamped or etched onto the slim aspect 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.

  2. Visible depend: If the information bar doesn’t have markings, you may depend the variety of drive hyperlinks manually. Maintain the bar horizontally with the enamel going through up and depend the variety of connecting hyperlinks between the 2 rivet heads. Drive hyperlinks usually have an rectangular gap for securing the chain to the bar.
  3. 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. Discuss with your chainsaw’s person guide or seek the advice of the producer’s web site for this info.

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 right 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 embrace 0.325", 0.375", and 0.404".

To measure the pitch, depend 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, in the event you depend 16 drive hyperlinks inside a 6" section, the pitch could be 16 รท 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 widespread gauges being 0.043", 0.050", and 0.058".

To measure the gauge, use a caliper or a gauge instrument 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 to your chainsaw, you have to:

  1. Take away the Chain: Detach the chain from the chainsaw by following the producer’s directions.

  2. Straighten the Chain: Uncoil and straighten the chain on a flat floor to make sure accuracy.

  3. Measure Whole Drive Hyperlinks: Utilizing a tape measure, depend and measure the size of all of the drive hyperlinks, that are the longer rectangular hyperlinks. File this measurement (A).

  4. 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).
  5. Spherical to Nearest Inch: The calculated size might not be a precise inch measurement. Spherical it up or right down to the closest entire 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 further size to the chain for overlap. This overlap permits the chain to correctly have interaction with the bar and drive sprocket, decreasing the danger of leaping or derailment.

The quantity of overlap required varies relying on the kind of chain and bar mixture. Nevertheless, 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 whole size of chain wanted, together with the overlap, observe these steps:

  1. Measure the size of the bar from the tip to the bottom.
  2. Add 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to three.8 cm) to the bar size.
  3. Divide the whole size by the pitch of the chain to find out the variety of drive hyperlinks required.

Do not forget that it’s at all times higher to err on the aspect of warning by including barely extra overlap than essential. Extra overlap can simply be adjusted and eliminated after set up.

Bar Size Really helpful 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 depend to your chainsaw chain, observe these steps:

1. Collect Supplies: You will have a ruler or measuring tape, a hook instrument, 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” linked. The drive hyperlink can have two enamel, 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, depend each third rivet. Every set of three rivets represents one hyperlink (inclusive of the beginning hyperlink).

7. Multiply by the Pitch: Multiply the hyperlink depend 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 situated on the tip of the chainsaw’s bar. Its major operate is to information the chain across the tip of the bar and make sure that it stays in place throughout operation. The nostril sprocket is often made from hardened metal for sturdiness, and its measurement and form fluctuate relying on the chainsaw mannequin and supposed use.

When measuring a sequence 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 enamel, which corresponds to the variety of drive hyperlinks within the chain. Drive hyperlinks are the hyperlinks that have interaction with the sprocket and pull the chain across the bar. The variety of drive hyperlinks in a sequence 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 enamel on the nostril sprocket.

For instance, if the nostril sprocket has 7 enamel, you would wish a sequence 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 to 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 right size.

Troubleshooting Quick or Lengthy Chains

Encountering a sequence that’s both too brief or too lengthy can result in operational points. Here is the way to deal with these issues:

Chain Too Quick

Signs:

  • Chain will not wrap across the nostril sprocket absolutely
  • Chain could bind or bounce off the bar

Resolution:

  • Add a brand new hyperlink to the chain
  • Exchange the complete chain with an extended one

Chain Too Lengthy

Signs:

  • Chain hangs unfastened and sags
  • Chain could bind or bounce off the bar
  • Elevated threat of kickback

Resolution:

  • Take away a hyperlink from the chain
  • Exchange the complete chain with a shorter one

Figuring out the Ideally suited Chain Size for Numerous Information Bar Sizes

The next desk gives 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 vital 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 gives you 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 gives you the approximate size of chain you want.

7. Minimize the chain to the specified size.

Use a sequence noticed chain cutter to chop the chain to the specified size.

8. File the chain to sharpen it.

Use a sequence 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 rigidity.

Comply with the producer’s directions for adjusting the chain rigidity. The chain needs to be tight sufficient to forestall 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

To be able to make sure that your chainsaw is working at its greatest, you will need to have the right chain measurement. The chain measurement 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 want a measuring tape or a sequence gauge. If you’re utilizing a measuring tape, place the tape in the beginning of the chain and measure to the tip of the chain. The measurement needs to be in inches. If you’re utilizing a sequence gauge, merely insert the gauge into the chain and skim the measurement.

After you have the measurement, you may examine it to the beneficial chain measurement to your chainsaw. The beneficial chain measurement may be discovered within the proprietor’s guide or on the producer’s web site.

If the chain measurement will not be right, it could trigger the chainsaw to run poorly and even injury the chainsaw. Due to this fact, you will need to just remember to have the right chain measurement earlier than you begin utilizing your chainsaw.

Folks Additionally Ask

How do I do know what measurement chain I would like for my chainsaw?

The beneficial chain measurement to your chainsaw may 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 sequence that’s too lengthy or too brief for my chainsaw?

No, utilizing a sequence that’s too lengthy or too brief to your chainsaw could cause the chainsaw to run poorly and even injury the chainsaw.