In the case of retaining your chainsaw working easily and effectively, one of the crucial essential elements is guaranteeing that the chain is the right size. Too brief a sequence could cause the noticed to bind and stall, whereas too lengthy a sequence can result in extreme put on and tear on the noticed’s parts. On this article, we’ll information you thru the easy steps on measure the size of your chainsaw chain to be able to maintain your noticed working at its peak efficiency.
To start, collect a number of important instruments: a measuring tape, a bit of chalk or a marker, and a pair of security gloves. Begin by securing the chainsaw on a steady floor, ensuring that the chain is just not touching something. Subsequent, put in your security gloves to guard your fingers from the sharp edges of the chain. Utilizing the measuring tape, fastidiously measure the gap from the tip of 1 drive hyperlink to the tip of the corresponding drive hyperlink on the other aspect of the chain. This measurement gives you the size of a single drive hyperlink.
After getting measured the size of a single drive hyperlink, you want to multiply this worth by the full variety of drive hyperlinks within the chain. To rely the variety of drive hyperlinks, begin from any drive hyperlink and rely each different hyperlink till you attain the place to begin. Bear in mind to incorporate the drive hyperlink you began from. Now, merely multiply the size of a single drive hyperlink by the full variety of drive hyperlinks to get the general size of the chain. With this info, you’ll be able to simply decide in case your chain is the right size on your chainsaw. If it isn’t, you’ll be able to modify the size by including or eradicating hyperlinks as wanted.
Measure from Tip to Tip
To acquire probably the most correct chain size measurement, observe these detailed tips when utilizing the “tip to tip” technique:
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Examine the Chain
Look at the chain to make sure it’s in good situation, freed from any vital nicks or injury that would intervene with the measurement.
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Establish the Drive Hyperlinks
Find the drive hyperlinks, that are the bigger, rectangular-shaped hyperlinks that interact with the chainsaw’s sprocket. Rely the variety of drive hyperlinks from one finish of the chain to the opposite, excluding the primary and final hyperlinks. The variety of drive hyperlinks represents the required chain size.
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Measure the Pitch and Gauge
Decide the pitch and gauge of the chain utilizing a sequence pitch gauge or seek the advice of the chainsaw’s guide. The pitch refers back to the distance between drive hyperlinks, whereas the gauge pertains to the thickness of the drive hyperlinks. These measurements are essential for choosing the suitable substitute chain.
For additional readability, confer with the desk under:
| Measurement | Definition | Methods to Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Size | Whole variety of drive hyperlinks | Rely drive hyperlinks from one finish to the opposite (excluding first and final hyperlinks) |
| Pitch | Distance between drive hyperlinks | Use a sequence pitch gauge |
| Gauge | Thickness of drive hyperlinks | Use a sequence pitch gauge |
Measure from Bar Stud to Bar Stud
This technique entails measuring the gap between the bar studs on the chainsaw information bar. It is probably the most correct approach, particularly for chainsaws with semi-chisel or full-chisel chains.
Step 1: Decide the bar sort.
Establish the kind of chainsaw bar you may have. Most trendy chainsaws use both customary or low-profile bars. Check with the chainsaw person guide or verify the bar itself for info.
Step 2: Find the bar studs.
Bar studs are small spherical protrusions on the within of the chainsaw information bar, the place the chain hyperlinks match. Rely the variety of bar studs in your information bar, excluding any studs on the finish of the bar.
Figuring out Chain Size Primarily based on Bar Studs
The next desk gives a information to find out the chain size based mostly on the variety of bar studs and bar sort:
| Bar Kind | Variety of Bar Studs | Chain Size |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 7 or 8 | 18 inches (45 cm) |
| Normal | 9 or 10 | 20 inches (50 cm) |
| Normal | 11 or 12 | 22 inches (55 cm) |
| Low-Profile | 7 or 8 | 16 inches (40 cm) |
| Low-Profile | 9 or 10 | 18 inches (45 cm) |
Use a Measuring Tape
That is probably the most easy technique and requires solely a measuring tape. Begin by measuring the size of the information bar. It’s the metallic blade that holds the chain. After getting the size of the information bar, add 2 inches to it. This gives you the minimal size of the chain you want.
Now, maintain the measuring tape as much as the chain and measure the size from the tip of 1 chopping tooth to the tip of the following chopping tooth. Multiply this quantity by the variety of chopping tooth on the chain. This gives you the full size of the chain.
Examine the full size of the chain to the minimal size you calculated earlier. If the full size is lower than the minimal size, you want to add hyperlinks to the chain. If the full size is bigger than the minimal size, you want to take away hyperlinks from the chain.
Listed below are some suggestions for utilizing a measuring tape to measure the size of a chainsaw chain:
- Be sure the measuring tape is straight and taut.
- Measure the size of the chain from the tip of 1 chopping tooth to the tip of the following chopping tooth.
- Multiply the variety of chopping tooth on the chain by the size of 1 chopping tooth to get the full size of the chain.
- Examine the full size of the chain to the minimal size you calculated earlier to find out if you want to add or take away hyperlinks.
| Measurement | Methods to Measure |
|---|---|
| Size of Information Bar | Measure the size of the metallic blade that holds the chain. |
| Size of Slicing Tooth | Measure the size from the tip of 1 chopping tooth to the tip of the following chopping tooth. |
| Variety of Slicing Enamel | Rely the variety of chopping tooth on the chain. |
| Whole Size of Chain | Multiply the size of 1 chopping tooth by the variety of chopping tooth on the chain. |
Use a Chain Gauge
A series gauge is an easy instrument that can be utilized to precisely measure the size of a chainsaw chain. Chain gauges can be found at most {hardware} shops and on-line retailers.
Listed below are the steps on use a sequence gauge to measure the size of a chainsaw chain:
- Discover the right chain gauge on your chainsaw. Chain gauges can be found in several sizes, so it is very important discover one that’s the appropriate measurement on your chainsaw. You’ll find the right measurement chain gauge by checking the proprietor’s guide on your chainsaw.
- Place the chain gauge across the chain. The chain gauge ought to match snugly across the chain, but it surely shouldn’t be so tight that it can’t be moved.
- Learn the measurement on the chain gauge. The measurement will probably be in inches. The variety of inches displayed is the size of your chainsaw chain loop.
- **Check with the desk under to find out the right size of chain on your chainsaw. Chainsaw chain size is decided by the variety of drive hyperlinks. Drive hyperlinks are the hyperlinks with two tooth, so rely the variety of drive hyperlinks in your chain to find out its size.
| Chain Size (in inches) | Variety of Drive Hyperlinks |
|---|---|
| 12 | 32 |
| 14 | 36 |
| 16 | 40 |
| 18 | 44 |
| 20 | 48 |
Measure the Noticed Bar
To measure the noticed bar, observe these steps:
- Maintain the chainsaw in entrance of you with the bar pointing away from you.
- Use a measuring tape to measure the size of the bar from the tip of the blade to the tip of the bar.
- File the measurement in inches or centimeters.
Figuring out the Chain Measurement From the Noticed Bar Size
To find out the chain measurement from the noticed bar size, confer with the next desk:
| Noticed Bar Size (inches) | Chain Pitch (inches) | Variety of Drive Hyperlinks |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 0.325 | 37-39 |
| 14 | 0.325 | 41-43 |
| 16 | 0.325 | 45-47 |
| 18 | 0.325 | 49-51 |
| 20 | 0.325 | 53-55 |
| 18 | 0.375 | 44 |
| 20 | 0.375 | 48 |
| 22 | 0.375 | 52 |
| 16 | 0.404 | 38 |
| 18 | 0.404 | 42 |
| 20 | 0.404 | 46 |
Be aware that this desk gives approximate values and should fluctuate relying on the precise chainsaw mannequin.
Decide the Pitch and Gauge
Earlier than counting the drive hyperlinks, you want to decide the pitch and gauge of your noticed chain. Pitch refers back to the distance between the drive hyperlinks, whereas gauge refers back to the thickness of the drive hyperlinks.
Decide the Pitch
| Chain Pitch | Distance Between Drive Hyperlinks |
|---|---|
| 1/4″ | 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) |
| 3/8″ | 3/8 inch (9.53 mm) |
| .325″ | .325 inch (8.26 mm) |
| .404″ | .404 inch (10.26 mm) |
Decide the Gauge
| Gauge | Thickness of Drive Hyperlinks |
|---|---|
| .043″ | .043 inch (1.09 mm) |
| .050″ | .050 inch (1.27 mm) |
| .058″ | .058 inch (1.47 mm) |
| .063″ | .063 inch (1.60 mm) |
Examine the Producer’s Suggestions
Earlier than changing or adjusting the chain in your chainsaw, it is essential to seek the advice of the producer’s specs. The really useful chain size varies relying on the mannequin and measurement of the chainsaw. Check with the proprietor’s guide or the producer’s web site for the precise chain size and pitch really useful on your explicit chainsaw.
Measuring the Chain Size
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Wrap the chain across the bar
Place the chain on the information bar and loop it round fully.
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Align the drive hyperlinks with the bar groove
Make sure that the drive hyperlinks of the chain align with the groove on the underside of the information bar.
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Tighten the chain
Alter the chain rigidity as per the producer’s directions to create a cosy match.
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Rely the variety of drive hyperlinks
Begin from the primary drive hyperlink on the decrease aspect of the information bar and rely the variety of drive hyperlinks till you attain the final drive hyperlink on the higher aspect.
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Double the rely
Multiply the rely obtained in step 4 by two to find out the full variety of drive hyperlinks within the chain.
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Seek the advice of the drive hyperlink desk
Check with the producer’s specs or the under desk to find out the corresponding chain size based mostly on the rely of drive hyperlinks.
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Confirm and proper
Examine the measured chain size towards the really useful chain size specified by the producer. Alter the chain accordingly if needed.
Calibrate Your Measuring Machine
Earlier than you start measuring the chain size, it is very important calibrate your measuring system. This may make sure that your measurements are correct. To calibrate your measuring system, observe these steps:
- Wrap the measuring system round a identified size of chain, akin to a 12-inch piece of chain.
- Make it possible for the measuring system is cosy towards the chain, however not so tight that it distorts the chain.
- Learn the measurement on the measuring system.
- If the measurement is just not correct, modify the measuring system till it’s.
As soon as your measuring system is calibrated, you might be able to measure the chain size in your chainsaw.
Measuring the Chain Size
To measure the chain size in your chainsaw, observe these steps:
- Place the chain on a flat floor.
- Wrap the measuring system across the chain, beginning on the finish of the bar.
- Make it possible for the measuring system is cosy towards the chain, however not so tight that it distorts the chain.
- Measure the size of the chain from the tip of the bar to the tip of the chain.
- File the measurement in inches.
The chain size needs to be specified within the proprietor’s guide on your chainsaw. If you’re undecided what the right chain size is on your chainsaw, seek the advice of with a certified technician.
The next desk exhibits the really useful chain lengths for among the most typical chainsaw fashions:
| Chainsaw Mannequin | Chain Size |
|---|---|
| Stihl MS 180 | 14 inches |
| Husqvarna 142 | 16 inches |
| Echo CS-310 | 18 inches |
| McCulloch CS 350 | 20 inches |
Decide the Slicing Size
To find out the chopping size of a chainsaw chain, observe these steps:
- Establish the drive hyperlinks: The drive hyperlinks are the hyperlinks that interact with the sprocket on the chainsaw bar. They’re usually narrower and have an oblong form.
- Rely the drive hyperlinks: Rely the variety of drive hyperlinks alongside your entire size of the chain, together with the hyperlinks at every finish the place the chain is linked to the bar.
- Multiply by the pitch: The pitch is the gap between the facilities of adjoining drive hyperlinks. The pitch is normally stamped on the chainsaw bar or the chain itself. Multiply the variety of drive hyperlinks by the pitch to get the chopping size.
For instance, in case you have a sequence with 72 drive hyperlinks and a pitch of 0.325 inches, the chopping size could be 72 x 0.325 = 23.4 inches.
Desk: Chain Size Calculation
| Variety of Drive Hyperlinks | Pitch (inches) | Slicing Size (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 64 | 0.325 | 20.8 |
| 72 | 0.375 | 27 |
| 80 | 0.404 | 32.32 |
Methods to Measure Chain Size on Chainsaw
Measuring the size of a chainsaw chain is essential for guaranteeing correct match and optimum efficiency. Here is a complete information that will help you precisely measure your chainsaw chain:
Step 1: Collect Supplies
You may want the next gear:
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Chain hook or needle-nose pliers
Step 2: Take away the Chain
To entry the chain, you will have to take away it from the chainsaw. Observe the producer’s directions on your particular mannequin.
Step 3: Establish the Drive Hyperlinks
Drive hyperlinks are the elongated metallic hyperlinks that join the chopping tooth. On most chainsaws, drive hyperlinks are coloured otherwise or have a special form than the chopping tooth.
Step 4: Mark and Rely Drive Hyperlinks
Use a sequence hook or needle-nose pliers to fastidiously grasp one finish of the chain. Pull the chain away from itself to separate the drive hyperlinks.
Make a mark on the primary drive hyperlink after which proceed pulling the chain, counting every drive hyperlink as you go.
Cease if you attain the marked drive hyperlink once more. The variety of drive hyperlinks you counted represents the chain size.
Step 5: Measure Pitch
The chain pitch is the gap between the facilities of three consecutive rivets. To measure the pitch, use a measuring tape or ruler and measure the gap between two adjoining rivets.
Instance:
For those who rely 72 drive hyperlinks and measure a pitch of three/8″, your chainsaw chain size is 72 divided by 4 (since there are 4 drive hyperlinks per pitch) = 18″.
Folks Additionally Ask
Q: What measurement system ought to I take advantage of to measure chain size?
A: Use the metric system to measure the size in centimeters or inches.
Q: How do I do know if I measured the chain size appropriately?
A: Check with your chainsaw’s producer guide for the really useful chain size. It ought to match your measured size.
Q: Can I take advantage of any chain size on my chainsaw?
A: No, utilizing an incorrect chain size can injury the chainsaw or have an effect on its efficiency. At all times select a sequence size that matches the producer’s specs.
