It is not easy to purchase the correct replacement chain for your chainsaw.
You need precise information about your chainsaw as well as the chain measurement. However, the way to measure a chainsaw chain is different and unique.
Therefore, you might find matching the right chain to a chainsaw little complicated.
But, don’t worry! In this article, we will show you how to measure chainsaw chain to find the right number you need and order the correct chain.
There are three types of measurements you have to know before matching chains, including pitch, gauge, and the number of drive links.
The first part we mention here is pitch measurement.
Thank to this number, users will know the distance between any three rivets on the chain, divided in half.
It is a little complicated to measure pitch yourself. However, fortunately, you can see this measurement directly and clearly which is often printed in the user manual or on your tool.
The most common pitch sizes are 1/4″, .325″, 3/8″, 3/8″ low-profile, and .404″ (in inches).
Among these measurements, 3/8″ as well as 3/8″ low-profile is used widely because it requires less power when cutting.
Normally, you can find pitch measurement on the guide bar.
Number of drive links
The only correct way to get the proper length cane is to count the number of individual drive links on that chain. These links fit into your guide bar exactly.
A quick tip when counting driver links is to align the chain, so the drive links across from each other. With that way, you can count two links at a time.
If you use length measurements, for example, “a 2-foot chain”, you cannot order the right chainsaw chain.
Along with the distance between links (pitch), you also need to measure the number of links to have the overall chain length. It is the most helpful way to get an accurate number about your chain.
When it comes to the number of drive links, you will not find the measurement on the tool or in the user manual like the pitch and gauge.
Also, this is a reason why you need to count the links on your chain.
Gauge Measurement
The last measurement here is the gauge, which refers to the thickness of drive links.
Usually, the numbers can be found on the chainsaw bar.
Like pitch measurement, you will get the exact number about gauge measurement on the tool, towards the user-end of the guide bar.
In case you don’t know what is the gauge measurement when seeing a bunch of numbers in the user manual, you should take your tool to the shop and beg professionals for help.
However, if you cannot find this number on the saw, my suggestion is to have a chain gauge measured professionally. Because this number is very small, when you measure it yourself, it is hard to get the most precise width of drive links.
.043″, .050″, .058″, and .063″ chain gauge are available now. And almost all users choose .050″ gauge measurement.
The Last Words
Now you know what you are looking for.
In this article, we mentioned the three measurements you need to get when replacing a chain. We hope that you find our guide helpful and informative.
Feel free to leave us a comment or ask a question, we will try to help you as soon as possible!
Leave a Reply