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 proper chain dimension in your chainsaw is essential for optimum efficiency and security. An improperly sized chain can result in untimely put on, diminished chopping effectivity, and potential hazards. Fortuitously, measuring a sequence for a chainsaw is a comparatively simple course of that may be completed with just a few easy steps. On this information, we’ll present detailed directions on the right way to precisely measure your chainsaw chain, guaranteeing that you’ve the suitable match in 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 interact with the sprocket on the chainsaw’s powerhead. To depend 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 whole variety of drive hyperlinks you depend will decide the proper substitute chain dimension in 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 space between any three consecutive rivets on the chain. Chainsaws sometimes have a pitch of both 3/8″, .325″, or 1/4″. By figuring out the pitch, you possibly can make sure that the substitute chain you buy has the proper spacing to suit correctly in your chainsaw’s sprocket. Moreover, you also needs to test the gauge of the chain, which refers back to the thickness of the drive hyperlinks. The gauge is usually 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 proper chain size in your chainsaw is essential for guaranteeing optimum efficiency and security. A number of components 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, comply with 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. Report 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 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 in your chainsaw, it’s good to decide the variety of drive hyperlinks in your information bar. Comply with these steps:

  1. Examine the information bar: Search for a collection 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 possibly can 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 sometimes 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 based mostly on the mannequin quantity or size of the information bar. Check with your chainsaw’s consumer handbook 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, it’s good 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 embrace 0.325", 0.375", and 0.404".

To measure the pitch, depend the variety of drive hyperlinks inside a 6" phase 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" phase, 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 sometimes 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 in your chainsaw, it’s essential 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 Complete Drive Hyperlinks: Utilizing a tape measure, depend and measure the size of all of the drive hyperlinks, that are the longer rectangular hyperlinks. Report this measurement (A).

  4. Calculate Chain Size: To find out the chain size, comply with 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 is probably not an actual 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 Additional 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 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. Nevertheless, as a common 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, comply with 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 overall 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 Advisable Overlap Complete 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 in your chainsaw chain, comply with 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” linked. The drive hyperlink may 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 space 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 positioned 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 usually product of hardened metal for sturdiness, and its dimension and form differ relying on the chainsaw mannequin and meant 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 harm 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 interact with the sprocket and pull the chain across the bar. The variety of drive hyperlinks in a sequence is usually indicated within the chain’s description or on the packaging. To find out the suitable chain size, it’s good 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 really helpful to seek the advice of your chainsaw’s operator’s handbook or seek advice from the producer’s specs for the particular chain size required in your specific 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 Appropriate 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 probably the proper size.

Troubleshooting Quick or Lengthy Chains

Encountering a sequence that’s both too quick or too lengthy can result in operational points. This is the right way to tackle these issues:

Chain Too Quick

Signs:

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

Resolution:

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

Chain Too Lengthy

Signs:

  • Chain hangs unfastened and sags
  • Chain might bind or bounce off the bar
  • Elevated danger of kickback

Resolution:

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

Figuring out the Very best Chain Size for Numerous Information Bar Sizes

The next desk offers a common guideline for choosing the suitable chain size for various information bar sizes:

Information Bar Dimension (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 will differ barely relying on the particular 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 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. Regulate the chain rigidity.

Comply with the producer’s directions for adjusting the chain rigidity. The chain ought 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

So as to make sure that your chainsaw is working at its greatest, you will need to have the proper chain dimension. The chain dimension is set by the pitch, gauge, and size. The pitch is the space 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 sequence gauge. In case you are utilizing a measuring tape, place the tape at first of the chain and measure to the tip of the chain. The measurement ought to be in inches. In case you are utilizing a sequence gauge, merely insert the gauge into the chain and browse the measurement.

After you have the measurement, you possibly can evaluate it to the really helpful chain dimension in your chainsaw. The really helpful chain dimension may be discovered within the proprietor’s handbook or on the producer’s web site.

If the chain dimension will not be appropriate, it may well trigger the chainsaw to run poorly and even harm the chainsaw. Due to this fact, you will need to just be sure you have the proper chain dimension earlier than you begin utilizing your chainsaw.

Individuals Additionally Ask

How do I do know what dimension chain I want for my chainsaw?

The really helpful chain dimension in your chainsaw may be discovered within the proprietor’s handbook or on the producer’s web site.

What’s the distinction between pitch, gauge, and size?

The pitch is the space 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 quick for my chainsaw?

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