How Do I Measure A Chainsaw Bar (5 Pro Tips For Accurate Sizing)

It’s funny, isn’t it? How something as seemingly straightforward as measuring a chainsaw bar can become a source of confusion and frustration. I’ve been there, scratching my head, wondering if I was holding the measuring tape right. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks of the trade, and I’m going to share them with you. This isn’t just about getting the right number; it’s about understanding why that number matters, and how it impacts your chainsaw’s performance and your safety. So, let’s dive into the world of chainsaw bar measurements and equip you with the knowledge to size your bar with confidence.

How Do I Measure a Chainsaw Bar? 5 Pro Tips for Accurate Sizing

The global wood processing and logging industry is a massive undertaking, with a projected market size of over $800 billion by 2027. Within this industry, chainsaws play a crucial role, from felling trees to processing firewood. Getting the right chainsaw bar length is fundamental to safe and efficient operation. Choosing the wrong size can lead to reduced cutting performance, increased risk of kickback, and even damage to your chainsaw.

Why Bar Length Matters: More Than Just a Number

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of measuring, let’s understand why bar length is so important.

Cutting Capacity: Obviously, a longer bar allows you to cut larger diameter logs. However, it’s not always about going as big as possible.
Chainsaw Power: A longer bar requires more power to drive the chain effectively. If your chainsaw doesn’t have enough power, it will bog down, and your cuts will be slow and inefficient.
Maneuverability: A shorter bar is easier to maneuver, especially in tight spaces. This is important for tasks like pruning and limbing.
Safety: An improperly sized bar can increase the risk of kickback, a dangerous situation where the chainsaw suddenly throws back towards the operator.

Tip 1: Finding the Stamped Number on Your Chainsaw Bar

The easiest way to determine your chainsaw bar length is to look for the stamped number on the bar itself. Most manufacturers will imprint the bar length, along with other information like the gauge and pitch of the chain, directly onto the bar.

Where to Look: Typically, you’ll find this information near the base of the bar, where it connects to the chainsaw body. It might be on either side of the bar.
What to Look For: The length will usually be expressed in inches (e.g., 16″, 18″, 20″). Sometimes it might be followed by the word “inch” or the abbreviation “in.”
Example: If you see “18” stamped on the bar, it indicates that you have an 18-inch chainsaw bar.

Pro Tip: Over time, the stamping can wear off, especially if you frequently use your chainsaw. If you can’t find the stamped number, don’t worry; we have other methods to determine the bar length.

Tip 2: Measuring the Cutting Length (Not the Overall Length)

This is where many people get tripped up. The chainsaw bar length is NOT the overall length of the bar. It’s the cutting length, which is the usable portion of the bar that the chain runs around.

What You Need: A measuring tape or ruler.
The Right Way to Measure:
1. Start at the base: Place the end of the measuring tape at the point where the bar exits the chainsaw body. This is where the chain starts cutting.
2. Measure to the tip: Extend the measuring tape to the tip of the bar.
3. Read the measurement: The number you see is the cutting length of your chainsaw bar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Measuring the entire bar, including the portion that sits inside the chainsaw.
- Rounding up or down to the nearest inch. Be precise.

My Experience: I remember once, helping a friend replace his chainsaw bar. He confidently told me it was a 20-inch bar. After a closer look and a proper measurement, it turned out to be an 18-inch bar! He had been overestimating the size based on the overall length, which led him to buy the wrong replacement chain. This highlights the importance of accurate measurement.

Tip 3: Understanding Gauge and Pitch (It Matters!)

While measuring the bar length is crucial, it’s equally important to understand the gauge and pitch of your chainsaw chain. These two factors determine whether the chain will fit properly on your bar and sprocket.

Gauge: The gauge refers to the thickness of the drive links on the chain, which fit into the groove of the chainsaw bar. Common gauges include 0.043″, 0.050″, 0.058″, and 0.063″.
Pitch: The pitch is the distance between any three consecutive rivets on the chain, divided by two. Common pitches include 3/8″ (0.375″), 0.325″, and 0.404″.

How to Determine Gauge and Pitch:

Check the Chainsaw Bar: The gauge and pitch are often stamped on the chainsaw bar, along with the bar length.
Check the Chainsaw Chain: The information may also be printed on the chain itself.
Consult Your Chainsaw Manual: The manual will specify the correct gauge and pitch for your chainsaw model.

Why Gauge and Pitch Are Important:

Proper Fit: Using the wrong gauge or pitch can cause the chain to bind, slip, or even come off the bar.
Safety: An improperly fitted chain can increase the risk of kickback and other accidents.
Performance: Using the correct gauge and pitch ensures optimal cutting performance and chain life.

Case Study: A local firewood producer I know learned this the hard way. He purchased a new chain for his chainsaw without checking the gauge. The chain was too loose in the bar groove, causing it to vibrate excessively and wear out quickly. He ended up damaging his bar and having to replace both the chain and the bar, costing him time and money.

Tip 4: Using Your Chainsaw Model Number for Reference

If you’re having trouble determining the bar length, gauge, or pitch, your chainsaw model number can be a valuable resource.

Where to Find the Model Number: The model number is usually located on a sticker or plate on the chainsaw body. It might be near the engine, handle, or fuel tank.
Using the Model Number:
1. Consult Your Chainsaw Manual: The manual will provide detailed specifications for your chainsaw, including the recommended bar length, gauge, and pitch.
2. Visit the Manufacturer’s Website: Most chainsaw manufacturers have websites where you can look up specifications for your chainsaw model.
3. Contact Customer Support: If you’re still unsure, you can contact the manufacturer’s customer support for assistance.

Actionable Tip: Keep a record of your chainsaw model number and the specifications for your bar and chain. This will make it much easier to order replacements in the future. I personally keep a small notebook in my workshop with this information for all my power tools.

Tip 5: When to Consider a Different Bar Length

While sticking with the recommended bar length is generally the safest and most efficient option, there are situations where you might consider using a different size.

Longer Bar:
- Pros: Allows you to cut larger diameter logs.
- Cons: Requires more power, can be more difficult to maneuver, increases the risk of kickback.
- When to Consider: If you frequently cut large logs and have a powerful chainsaw.
Shorter Bar:
- Pros: Easier to maneuver, reduces the risk of kickback, requires less power.
- Cons: Limits the size of logs you can cut.
- When to Consider: If you primarily do pruning, limbing, or small-diameter firewood processing.

Important Considerations:

Chainsaw Power: Make sure your chainsaw has enough power to handle a longer bar. Consult your chainsaw manual or a qualified technician for recommendations.
Safety: Be extra cautious when using a longer bar, as it increases the risk of kickback. Use proper cutting techniques and wear appropriate safety gear.
Chain Compatibility: Ensure that the chain you use is compatible with the bar length and your chainsaw model.

Real Example: I once worked with a small logging operation that primarily felled small to medium-sized trees. They were using 20-inch bars on their chainsaws, which were unnecessarily long for the size of the trees they were cutting. I recommended switching to 18-inch bars, which improved their maneuverability and reduced the risk of kickback, without sacrificing cutting capacity.

Beyond the Measurement: Maintaining Your Chainsaw Bar

Measuring your chainsaw bar is just the first step. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity and performance.

Regular Cleaning

Sawdust, sap, and debris can accumulate on the bar, hindering its performance and causing premature wear. Clean your chainsaw bar regularly, especially after heavy use.

How to Clean:
1. Remove the bar from the chainsaw.
2. Use a wire brush to remove any debris from the bar groove and oil holes.
3. Wipe the bar clean with a rag.
4. Inspect the bar for any damage, such as cracks or bends.

Checking and Cleaning the Oil Holes

The oil holes on the chainsaw bar are responsible for lubricating the chain. If these holes become clogged, the chain will not receive adequate lubrication, leading to increased friction and wear.

How to Check and Clean:
1. Locate the oil holes on the bar. They are usually small holes near the base of the bar.
2. Use a small wire or needle to clear any debris from the oil holes.
3. Make sure the oil holes are clear and free-flowing.

Filing and Dressing the Bar

Over time, the edges of the bar can become burred or uneven. This can affect the chain’s performance and increase the risk of kickback. Filing and dressing the bar can help restore its original shape and performance.

How to File and Dress:
1. Use a bar dressing tool or a flat file to remove any burrs or unevenness from the edges of the bar.
2. File the edges of the bar at a slight angle to create a smooth, even surface.
3. Be careful not to remove too much material, as this can weaken the bar.

Bar Flipping

Flipping the bar periodically can help distribute wear evenly and extend its lifespan.

How to Flip:
1. Remove the bar from the chainsaw.
2. Flip the bar over so that the top edge is now on the bottom.
3. Reinstall the bar on the chainsaw.

Data Point: A study by Oregon Products found that regularly flipping your chainsaw bar can increase its lifespan by up to 25%.

Costs and Budgeting Considerations

Chainsaw bars range in price from around $20 for a small bar to over $100 for a large, professional-grade bar. The cost will depend on the bar length, quality, and brand.

Budgeting Tips:
- Consider the type of work you’ll be doing when choosing a bar. If you only need to cut small-diameter firewood, a less expensive bar may be sufficient.
- Factor in the cost of replacement chains when budgeting for a new bar.
- Take care of your bar to extend its lifespan and avoid premature replacement.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Chain Binding: If the chain is binding on the bar, it could be due to a clogged oil hole, a damaged bar, or an improperly tensioned chain.
Chain Slipping: If the chain is slipping on the bar, it could be due to a worn sprocket, a stretched chain, or an improperly tensioned chain.
Uneven Cutting: If the chainsaw is cutting unevenly, it could be due to a dull chain, a damaged bar, or an improperly adjusted carburetor.

Additional Resources

Chainsaw Manufacturers: Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan Pro
Logging Tool Suppliers: Forestry Suppliers, Ben Meadows
Drying Equipment Rental Services: Local rental companies

The Final Cut: Knowledge is Power

Measuring your chainsaw bar accurately is a fundamental skill that will save you time, money, and frustration. By following these five pro tips, you can confidently determine the correct bar length for your chainsaw and ensure optimal performance and safety. Remember, knowledge is power, and a well-informed chainsaw operator is a safe and efficient one. So, get out there, measure with confidence, and keep those chainsaws humming!

How Do I Measure a Chainsaw Bar (5 Pro Tips for Accurate Sizing)