Measuring the bar length of a chainsaw is a crucial step for ensuring safe and efficient operation. It determines the cutting capacity of the chainsaw and helps users choose the right replacement bar and chain when needed. Whether you’re a seasoned chainsaw operator or a novice user, understanding how to measure bar length accurately is essential for proper chainsaw maintenance and operation.
To begin, locate the bar’s tip and the end of the chainsaw’s body where the bar is attached. The bar length is measured from the tip of the bar to the center of the mounting bolts or studs that secure the bar to the chainsaw. Using a measuring tape, extend it from the bar’s tip to the center of the mounting bolts. Ensure the tape measure is parallel to the bar’s top surface for an accurate reading.
Once the measurement is taken, round it to the nearest inch. Chainsaw bar lengths are typically available in one-inch increments, such as 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, and so on. The measured length should correspond to one of these standard sizes. If the measurement falls in between two sizes, it’s generally recommended to choose the larger size for better cutting performance. Remember, using a bar shorter than the recommended size can lead to premature chain wear and increased vibration, while using a longer bar may put excessive strain on the chainsaw’s engine.
Identifying the Bar Nose and Tip
The bar nose is the pointed end of the chainsaw bar where the cutting teeth are located. The bar tip is the rounded end of the bar that connects to the powerhead. It is important to be able to identify the bar nose and tip so that you can properly measure the bar length.
To identify the bar nose, look for the pointed end of the bar where the cutting teeth are located. The cutting teeth are typically small, sharp, and spaced evenly across the bar.
To identify the bar tip, look for the rounded end of the bar that connects to the powerhead. The bar tip is usually wider than the bar nose and has a hole in the center for the powerhead shaft.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the bar nose and tip:
| Characteristic | Bar Nose | Bar Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Pointed | Rounded |
| Cutting Teeth | Yes | No |
| Connection to Powerhead | No | Yes |
Once you have identified the bar nose and tip, you can proceed to measure the bar length.
Locating the Guide Bar Mounting Nuts
Identifying the guide bar mounting nuts is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you locate them:
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Inspect the Front of the Chainsaw: Locate the metal panel at the front of the chainsaw that covers the chain and bar. It’s typically held in place by bolts or latches.
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Locate the Bar Nose Sprocket: Once the cover is removed, you’ll see the bar nose sprocket, which is a gear that drives the chain. The sprocket is attached to the guide bar with one or two bolts.
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Identify the Mounting Nuts: The guide bar mounting nuts are typically located on the sides of the bar, near the bar nose sprocket. They are usually large, hexagonal nuts that secure the bar to the chainsaw. They may have a plastic or metal cover protecting them from debris.
To ensure accuracy, refer to the chainsaw’s user manual for specific instructions on locating the guide bar mounting nuts for your model.
Measuring from the Nose to the Mounting Nuts
This method is the most accurate and should be used whenever possible. To measure the bar length using this method, follow these steps:
- Place the chainsaw on a flat surface, with the bar pointing away from you.
- Measure the distance from the tip of the nose to the center of the mounting nuts.
- Multiply the measurement by 2 to get the bar length.
For example, if you measure the distance from the tip of the nose to the center of the mounting nuts to be 10 inches, then the bar length would be 20 inches.
Tips for Measuring the Bar Length
- Use a measuring tape or ruler that is long enough to reach from the tip of the nose to the center of the mounting nuts.
- Make sure the measuring tape or ruler is straight and not kinked.
- Read the measurement carefully to ensure accuracy.
Table of Bar Lengths
The following table shows the bar lengths of some common chainsaws:
| Model | Bar Length |
|---|---|
| Stihl MS 170 | 14 inches |
| Husqvarna 135 | 16 inches |
| Echo CS-310 | 18 inches |
| Craftsman 42CC | 20 inches |
Using a Measuring Tape or Ruler
To accurately measure the length of your chainsaw’s bar, follow these steps using a measuring tape or ruler:
1. Ensure the chainsaw is turned off and unplugged.
2. Locate the bar’s tip and the base where it attaches to the body of the chainsaw.
3. Extend the measuring tape or ruler along the top of the bar, aligning it with the tip and base.
4. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
For added accuracy, consider the following tips:
– Use a high-quality measuring tape or ruler with clear markings.
– Ensure the measuring tool is held straight and parallel to the bar’s top edge.
– Repeat the measurement a few times to ensure consistency.
| Measurement range | Recommended tool |
|---|---|
| Up to 24 inches | Standard measuring tape |
| 24 to 36 inches | Long measuring tape or ruler |
| Over 36 inches | Carpenter’s measuring tape or folding rule |
Measuring from the Tip to the End of the Guide Bar
To measure the bar length from the tip to the end of the guide bar, follow these steps:
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Place the chainsaw on a flat surface with the bar pointing away from you.
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Identify the tip of the bar, which is the pointed end where the chain starts to cut.
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Locate the end of the guide bar, which is the square or rectangular end where the chain wraps around.
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Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the distance between the tip of the bar and the end of the guide bar.
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The measurement you obtain is the bar length.
Tips:
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Ensure that the chainsaw is turned off and cooled down before measuring.
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Use a straight ruler or tape measure for accurate results.
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If the bar has a curved tip, measure from the tip of the straight section to the end of the guide bar.
Determining the Overall Bar Length
Measuring the overall bar length is crucial for choosing the correct replacement bar and ensuring optimal performance. Here are the steps to determine the overall bar length:
- Locate the Tip: Determine the pointed end of the bar, which is the tip.
- Identify the Nose: The area where the tip meets the bar body is called the nose.
- Measure to the Nose: Use a tape measure to measure the distance from the tip to the nose.
- Record the Tip Distance: Note down the measured distance as the “Tip Distance.”
- Locate the Mounting Holes: Find the two mounting holes on the base of the bar where it attaches to the saw.
- Measure Between Holes: Measure the distance between the centers of the two mounting holes. This measurement is the “Mounting Hole Distance.”
Tip: To ensure accuracy, measure both the Tip Distance and Mounting Hole Distance multiple times and record an average of the measurements.
The overall bar length is determined by adding the Tip Distance and Mounting Hole Distance:
Overall Bar Length = Tip Distance + Mounting Hole Distance
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| Tip Distance | Distance from the tip to the nose |
| Mounting Hole Distance | Distance between the centers of the mounting holes |
| Overall Bar Length | Sum of Tip Distance and Mounting Hole Distance |
Considerations for Angled Cuts
When making angled cuts, the effective bar length is affected by the angle of the cut. The shorter the angle, the shorter the effective bar length becomes. This is because the saw blade is not cutting straight across the workpiece, but is instead traveling at an angle. As a result, the saw blade is only cutting through a portion of the workpiece’s thickness. The greater the angle, the less of the workpiece’s thickness the saw blade is cutting through, and the shorter the effective bar length becomes.
The following table shows the effective bar length for different angles of cut:
| Angle of Cut | Effective Bar Length |
|---|---|
| 0° | 100% |
| 15° | 96% |
| 30° | 87% |
| 45° | 71% |
| 60° | 50% |
| 75° | 25% |
| 90° | 0% |
When making angled cuts, it is important to take the effective bar length into account. This will help you to avoid cutting too deeply into the workpiece or cutting at too shallow an angle.
Checking the Manufacturer’s Specifications
By going through the chainsaw’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website, you can easily access the exact bar length specifications of your particular model. Official documentation typically outlines essential details like recommended bar lengths, cutting capabilities, and safety guidelines, ensuring you have all the necessary information to choose the most suitable bar length for your needs.
Deviations
It’s important to note that the specified bar length may vary slightly from the actual length of the bar you receive. This variance is due to manufacturing tolerances and the need to accommodate different chain drive systems. For instance, a 20-inch bar may have an actual length that falls between 19.5 and 20.5 inches. While this difference is generally minor, it’s a good idea to check the physical bar length if precise measurements are essential for your application.
Measuring the Physical Bar Length
In cases where you don’t have access to the manufacturer’s specifications or prefer a more hands-on approach, you can determine the bar length manually using a simple measuring tape. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Place the chainsaw on a flat and stable surface.
- Locate the nose of the guide bar, which is the pointed end where the chain starts cutting.
- Extend the measuring tape from the tip of the nose to the base of the chainsaw body, where the bar is attached to the power head.
- Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
Remember, the physical bar length may include the length of the nose, which is not always a part of the cutting area. Some manufacturers provide separate measurements for the cutting length and the overall bar length. Be sure to clarify which measurement is being provided when referring to the manufacturer’s specifications.
|
Measurement Type |
Description |
|---|---|
Importance of Accurate Measurement for Chain Tensioning
Proper chain tension is crucial for optimal chainsaw performance and safety. An accurately measured bar length is essential for achieving the correct tension.
9. Using a Measuring Tape
If you don’t have a ruler or caliper, you can use a measuring tape to estimate the bar length. Follow these steps:
- Place the tape at the end of the guide bar and extend it along the top edge.
- Note the measurement where the tape reaches the base of the chainsaw.
- Subtract the thickness of the bar from the measurement to get an approximate bar length.
Here’s a table to illustrate the steps:
| Step | Measurement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Total length (tape measure) |
| 2 | Length from end to base |
| 3 | Bar length (Length from end to base – bar thickness) |
Safety Precautions When Measuring Bar Length
Before measuring the bar length, it’s crucial to take proper safety precautions to avoid injuries:
- Wear safety gear: Always wear eye protection, ear protection, and gloves when handling the chainsaw.
- Secure the chainsaw: Place the chainsaw on a stable surface and ensure it’s turned off and the chain brake is engaged.
- Remove the guide bar: To measure the bar length accurately, you need to remove the guide bar from the chainsaw.
- Use a tape measure: Use a standard tape measure or a tape measure specifically designed for measuring chainsaws.
- Locate the base of the bar: Start measuring from the base of the bar, where it attaches to the chainsaw body.
- Measure to the tip: Extend the tape measure to the tip of the bar, where the chain begins.
- Read the measurement: Note down the length in inches or centimeters, depending on your preferred metric.
- Double-check: To ensure accuracy, re-measure the bar length to avoid any discrepancies.
- Round up to the nearest inch: When measuring the bar length, round up to the nearest whole inch for safety reasons.
- Consider the nose radius: If the chainsaw bar has a nose radius (the curved portion at the tip), add an extra 1/2 inch to the measurement for accuracy.
How To Measure Bar Length On Chainsaw
Measuring the bar length on a chainsaw is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. The bar length is the distance from the tip of the nose to the end of the bar. To measure the bar length, follow these steps:
- Place the chainsaw on a flat surface.
- Measure the distance from the tip of the nose to the end of the bar.
- The measurement is the bar length.
People Also Ask
What is the standard bar length for a chainsaw?
The standard bar length for a chainsaw is 18 inches. However, bar lengths can range from 10 inches to 36 inches, depending on the model of chainsaw.
What is the maximum bar length that can be used on a chainsaw?
The maximum bar length that can be used on a chainsaw is determined by the model of chainsaw. The manufacturer will specify the maximum bar length that can be used on each model.
Can I use a bar that is longer than the recommended length on my chainsaw?
No, you should not use a bar that is longer than the recommended length on your chainsaw. Using a bar that is too long can put stress on the chainsaw and cause it to overheat.
