There are a lot of things you will have to consider when you are buying a chainsaw. Firstly, you will get so many options available that you will be overwhelmed. Secondly, you will have to consider the quality and features of each.
But where can you start? Well, you have to start with your requirements. You need to know what you need to find a chainsaw that can meet your needs.
The first thing you have to do is find out the length of the chainsaw bar that you need. And, the second thing you have to do is measure the length of the chainsaw bar you are currently checking out. When you think about measuring the length of a chainsaw bar, you think it is just taking a measuring tape out and measuring the bar- it’s not that simple if you want to be safe and accurate.
Therefore, let us find out the correct procedure of how to measure a chainsaw bar.
How to measure a chainsaw bar: The Steps
1. Keep the chainsaw off.
This is pretty much common sense if you are not looking for ways to destroy yourself. Not only when measuring the blade but you should keep the chainsaw turned off when you are doing anything other than cutting a tree. Therefore, make sure the chainsaw is still when you plan to measure the length of the bar.
Apart from that, it is not enough to just keep the chainsaw off- you have to measure it when it is cool as well. Therefore, give the chainsaw some time to cool off after using it. Do not touch the bar right away.
2. Keep the chainsaw on level ground.
It can be a table or it could be the ground itself- you have to place the chainsaw somewhere where it will not move. In fact, you will have to use both your hands when measuring it. So, you do not have the option to hold the chainsaw with your hands when measuring it anyway.
Just make sure that the surface you keep the chainsaw on is stable and won’t make the chainsaw move.
3. Use a measuring tape.
If you need anything for measuring the chainsaw bar- it is the measuring tape. Apparently, you have to measure from the tip of the bar to the base that goes inside the other part of the chainsaw. In fact, it is the length of the usable part of the bar, not the whole.
If you want to know the length of the bar separately then you will have to detach it from the handle of the chainsaw. You may find the length to be an odd number like 13 or 15 or even 17,5. What you will have to do is round it off to the closest even number.
It can be 14, 16, and 18 in the above case.
4. The Gauge of the bar.
It is not always enough to know just the length of the bar now, is it? You may have to know the width of the groove of the chainsaw guide bar as well. This is called the gauge of the chainsaw.
Most often you will find a corresponding gauge for the length of the chainsaw bar you choose. Now, you have to make sure that the two are compatible for you.
5. The Power of the chainsaw.
You will be choosing the length of the chainsaw bar depending on the width of the tree or branch you will be cutting. For example, if you plan to cut a 16-inch branch then you will need an 18-inch guide bar. So, the rule of thumb is to choose a length that is two inches greater than what you need.
Now, with greater lengths come greater requirements. You have to make sure that the power of the engine of the chainsaw can handle the greater length of the chainsaw. Otherwise, a chainsaw not working or getting stuck because it does not have enough power will render the choice of length meaningless.
6. Measuring the length of the chains.
Since you will have to attach a chain to the bar when using it, it is best if you measure the chain as well. Firstly, stretch it out on a plain surface. Then, count the number of drive links it has. After that, measure the pitch of the chainsaw by measuring the length of between three rivets center.
Finally, add the number of drive links to the pitch and then add the gauge to it. There you have it! The length of the chain.
In conclusion
When you are using a machine like a chainsaw, you will need to be accurate to get the best results. Accuracy comes in the form of using the right length and width for the job at hand. Knowing what you need is not enough, you will have to find what you need as well. Thus, now you know, how to measure the length of a chainsaw bar.