Do you know how to measure a chainsaw blade and chain?

Is your chainsaw starting to look dull and not working as well? Looks like it’s time to change the chain. To do this, you will need to know the length of your chainsaw blade, as well as the length and size of your chain. If you’ve looked at the manufacturers’ charts, they may seem a bit overwhelming. But it really is quite simple once you understand what is involved in chainsaw blade and chain length.

When you’re ready to replace your chain, the first thing to do is determine the size of your chainsaw’s bar. If you have an Oregon chainsaw, this should be easy. Simply check the first two numbers of the ten-digit model number that is stamped on the motor end of the blade. That is the length of the bar of your chainsaw.

Don’t have an Oregon chainsaw that will easily show you the blade length? So here are some tips to find out for yourself.

What is the best way to measure a chain saw blade?

Measuring the chainsaw blade itself is quite simple. Simply place your tape measure at the end of the bar against the casing and measure straight down the bar to the tip of the blade.

Leaf and bar are two terms used to indicate the same element. This is the blade that extends from the motor housing and carries the chain that does the sawing for you.

Manufacturers were kind enough to standardize chainsaw blade lengths in two-inch increments. The most common sizes are 16, 18 and 20 inches, although the full range is from 10 to 42 inches! When you measure your blade, round up to the nearest 2-inch measurement if necessary.

Measure a chainsaw chain

To measure your chainsaw chain, there are two things you will need to know…the number of drive links and the pitch of the chain.

A drive link is simply a tooth on the chain and the length of the chain is determined by the number of drive links (or teeth). Chain pitch also affects the size of the drive links.

Knowing the chain pitch is important as it must match the pitch of the drive sprocket and bar nose sprocket. This should be stamped on the drive link, but if you need to measure the pitch yourself, take the distance between any 3 rivets on the chain and divide by 2.

As an example, a 1/4″ pitch chain might have 52 drive links and be 2.17 feet long, while a 3/8″ pitch chain with 52 drive links would be 3.18 feet long. . So the pitch affects the size of the drive link, which affects the length of the blade.

Still not sure? Just check with your chainsaw manufacturer or anyone who makes chains and they will be able to clear up any confusion you may have.