5 Simple Steps to Measure Bar Length on a Chainsaw

5 Simple Steps to Measure Bar Length on a Chainsaw

Measuring the bar size of a chainsaw is an important step for guaranteeing secure and environment friendly operation. It determines the reducing capability of the chainsaw and helps customers select the precise substitute bar and chain when wanted. Whether or not you are a seasoned chainsaw operator or a novice consumer, understanding tips on how to measure bar size precisely is important for correct chainsaw upkeep and operation.

To start, find the bar’s tip and the tip of the chainsaw’s physique the place the bar is connected. The bar size is measured from the tip of the bar to the middle of the mounting bolts or studs that safe the bar to the chainsaw. Utilizing a measuring tape, lengthen it from the bar’s tip to the middle of the mounting bolts. Make sure the tape measure is parallel to the bar’s high floor for an correct studying.

As soon as the measurement is taken, spherical it to the closest inch. Chainsaw bar lengths are sometimes out there in one-inch increments, equivalent to 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, and so forth. The measured size ought to correspond to considered one of these customary sizes. If the measurement falls in between two sizes, it is usually really helpful to decide on the bigger measurement for higher reducing efficiency. Keep in mind, utilizing a bar shorter than the really helpful measurement can result in untimely chain put on and elevated vibration, whereas utilizing an extended bar could put extreme pressure on the chainsaw’s engine.

Figuring out the Bar Nostril and Tip

The bar nostril is the pointed finish of the chainsaw bar the place the reducing tooth are positioned. The bar tip is the rounded finish of the bar that connects to the powerhead. You will need to have the ability to establish the bar nostril and tip as a way to correctly measure the bar size.

To establish the bar nostril, search for the pointed finish of the bar the place the reducing tooth are positioned. The reducing tooth are sometimes small, sharp, and spaced evenly throughout the bar.

To establish the bar tip, search for the rounded finish of the bar that connects to the powerhead. The bar tip is often wider than the bar nostril and has a gap within the middle for the powerhead shaft.

Here’s a desk that summarizes the important thing variations between the bar nostril and tip:

Attribute Bar Nostril Bar Tip
Form Pointed Rounded
Chopping Enamel Sure No
Connection to Powerhead No Sure

After you have recognized the bar nostril and tip, you possibly can proceed to measure the bar size.

Finding the Information Bar Mounting Nuts

Figuring out the information bar mounting nuts is comparatively easy. This is a step-by-step information that will help you find them:

  1. Examine the Entrance of the Chainsaw: Find the steel panel on the entrance of the chainsaw that covers the chain and bar. It is sometimes held in place by bolts or latches.

  2. Find the Bar Nostril Sprocket: As soon as the duvet is eliminated, you may see the bar nostril sprocket, which is a gear that drives the chain. The sprocket is connected to the information bar with one or two bolts.

  3. Establish the Mounting Nuts: The information bar mounting nuts are sometimes positioned on the edges of the bar, close to the bar nostril sprocket. They’re often massive, hexagonal nuts that safe the bar to the chainsaw. They could have a plastic or steel cowl defending them from particles.

To make sure accuracy, discuss with the chainsaw’s consumer guide for particular directions on finding the information bar mounting nuts in your mannequin.

Measuring from the Nostril to the Mounting Nuts

This technique is probably the most correct and ought to be used every time doable. To measure the bar size utilizing this technique, comply with these steps:

  1. Place the chainsaw on a flat floor, with the bar pointing away from you.
  2. Measure the gap from the tip of the nostril to the middle of the mounting nuts.
  3. Multiply the measurement by 2 to get the bar size.

For instance, if you happen to measure the gap from the tip of the nostril to the middle of the mounting nuts to be 10 inches, then the bar size can be 20 inches.

Ideas for Measuring the Bar Size

  • Use a measuring tape or ruler that’s lengthy sufficient to achieve from the tip of the nostril to the middle of the mounting nuts.
  • Be sure the measuring tape or ruler is straight and never kinked.
  • Learn the measurement rigorously to make sure accuracy.

Desk of Bar Lengths

The next desk reveals the bar lengths of some widespread chainsaws:

Mannequin Bar Size
Stihl MS 170 14 inches
Husqvarna 135 16 inches
Echo CS-310 18 inches
Craftsman 42CC 20 inches

Utilizing a Measuring Tape or Ruler

To precisely measure the size of your chainsaw’s bar, comply with these steps utilizing a measuring tape or ruler:

1. Make sure the chainsaw is turned off and unplugged.
2. Find the bar’s tip and the bottom the place it attaches to the physique of the chainsaw.
3. Lengthen the measuring tape or ruler alongside the highest of the bar, aligning it with the tip and base.

4. Report the measurement in inches or centimeters.

For added accuracy, contemplate the next ideas:

– Use a high-quality measuring tape or ruler with clear markings.
– Make sure the measuring instrument is held straight and parallel to the bar’s high edge.
– Repeat the measurement a couple of instances to make sure consistency.

Measurement vary Beneficial instrument
As much as 24 inches Commonplace measuring tape
24 to 36 inches Lengthy measuring tape or ruler
Over 36 inches Carpenter’s measuring tape or folding rule

Measuring from the Tip to the Finish of the Information Bar

To measure the bar size from the tip to the tip of the information bar, comply with these steps:

  1. Place the chainsaw on a flat floor with the bar pointing away from you.

  2. Establish the tip of the bar, which is the pointed finish the place the chain begins to chop.

  3. Find the tip of the information bar, which is the sq. or rectangular finish the place the chain wraps round.

  4. Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the gap between the tip of the bar and the tip of the information bar.

  5. The measurement you get hold of is the bar size.

Ideas:

  • Be certain that the chainsaw is turned off and cooled down earlier than measuring.

  • Use a straight ruler or tape measure for correct outcomes.

  • If the bar has a curved tip, measure from the tip of the straight part to the tip of the information bar.

Figuring out the Total Bar Size

Measuring the general bar size is essential for selecting the proper substitute bar and guaranteeing optimum efficiency. Listed below are the steps to find out the general bar size:

  1. Find the Tip: Decide the pointed finish of the bar, which is the tip.
  2. Establish the Nostril: The world the place the tip meets the bar physique is named the nostril.
  3. Measure to the Nostril: Use a tape measure to measure the gap from the tip to the nostril.
  4. Report the Tip Distance: Observe down the measured distance because the “Tip Distance.”
  5. Find the Mounting Holes: Discover the 2 mounting holes on the bottom of the bar the place it attaches to the noticed.
  6. Measure Between Holes: Measure the gap between the facilities of the 2 mounting holes. This measurement is the “Mounting Gap Distance.”

Tip: To make sure accuracy, measure each the Tip Distance and Mounting Gap Distance a number of instances and file a mean of the measurements.

The general bar size is decided by including the Tip Distance and Mounting Gap Distance:

Total Bar Size = Tip Distance + Mounting Gap Distance

Measurement Description
Tip Distance Distance from the tip to the nostril
Mounting Gap Distance Distance between the facilities of the mounting holes
Total Bar Size Sum of Tip Distance and Mounting Gap Distance

Issues for Angled Cuts

When making angled cuts, the efficient bar size is affected by the angle of the lower. The shorter the angle, the shorter the efficient bar size turns into. It is because the noticed blade will not be reducing straight throughout the workpiece, however is as an alternative touring at an angle. Consequently, the noticed blade is just reducing by a portion of the workpiece’s thickness. The larger the angle, the much less of the workpiece’s thickness the noticed blade is reducing by, and the shorter the efficient bar size turns into.

The next desk reveals the efficient bar size for various angles of lower:

Angle of Minimize Efficient Bar Size
100%
15° 96%
30° 87%
45° 71%
60° 50%
75° 25%
90° 0%

When making angled cuts, it is very important take the efficient bar size into consideration. This may allow you to to keep away from reducing too deeply into the workpiece or reducing at too shallow an angle.

Checking the Producer’s Specs

By going by the chainsaw’s consumer guide or the producer’s web site, you possibly can simply entry the precise bar size specs of your explicit mannequin. Official documentation sometimes outlines important particulars like really helpful bar lengths, reducing capabilities, and security pointers, guaranteeing you have got all the mandatory info to decide on probably the most appropriate bar size in your wants.

Deviations

It is vital to notice that the required bar size could fluctuate barely from the precise size of the bar you obtain. This variance is because of manufacturing tolerances and the necessity to accommodate totally different chain drive methods. As an illustration, a 20-inch bar could have an precise size that falls between 19.5 and 20.5 inches. Whereas this distinction is mostly minor, it is a good suggestion to test the bodily bar size if exact measurements are important in your software.

Measuring the Bodily Bar Size

In instances the place you do not have entry to the producer’s specs or desire a extra hands-on method, you possibly can decide the bar size manually utilizing a easy measuring tape. This is a step-by-step information:

  1. Place the chainsaw on a flat and steady floor.
  2. Find the nostril of the information bar, which is the pointed finish the place the chain begins reducing.
  3. Lengthen the measuring tape from the tip of the nostril to the bottom of the chainsaw physique, the place the bar is connected to the ability head.
  4. Report the measurement in inches or centimeters.

Keep in mind, the bodily bar size could embody the size of the nostril, which isn’t at all times part of the reducing space. Some producers present separate measurements for the reducing size and the general bar size. Be sure you make clear which measurement is being offered when referring to the producer’s specs.

Chopping Size

The size of the particular reducing portion of the bar, excluding the nostril.

Total Bar Size

The overall size of the bar, together with the nostril.

Measurement Sort

Description

Significance of Correct Measurement for Chain Tensioning

Correct chain pressure is essential for optimum chainsaw efficiency and security. An precisely measured bar size is important for attaining the proper pressure.

9. Utilizing a Measuring Tape

If you do not have a ruler or caliper, you should utilize a measuring tape to estimate the bar size. Comply with these steps:

  1. Place the tape on the finish of the information bar and lengthen it alongside the highest edge.
  2. Observe the measurement the place the tape reaches the bottom of the chainsaw.
  3. Subtract the thickness of the bar from the measurement to get an approximate bar size.

This is a desk for example the steps:

Step Measurement
1 Whole size (tape measure)
2 Size from finish to base
3 Bar size (Size from finish to base – bar thickness)

Security Precautions When Measuring Bar Size

Earlier than measuring the bar size, it is essential to take correct security precautions to keep away from accidents:

  1. Put on security gear: All the time put on eye safety, ear safety, and gloves when dealing with the chainsaw.
  2. Safe the chainsaw: Place the chainsaw on a steady floor and guarantee it is turned off and the chain brake is engaged.
  3. Take away the information bar: To measure the bar size precisely, it’s essential to take away the information bar from the chainsaw.
  4. Use a tape measure: Use an ordinary tape measure or a tape measure particularly designed for measuring chainsaws.
  5. Find the bottom of the bar: Begin measuring from the bottom of the bar, the place it attaches to the chainsaw physique.
  6. Measure to the tip: Lengthen the tape measure to the tip of the bar, the place the chain begins.
  7. Learn the measurement: Observe down the size in inches or centimeters, relying in your most popular metric.
  8. Double-check: To make sure accuracy, re-measure the bar size to keep away from any discrepancies.
  9. Spherical as much as the closest inch: When measuring the bar size, spherical as much as the closest entire inch for security causes.
  10. Contemplate the nostril radius: If the chainsaw bar has a nostril radius (the curved portion on the tip), add an additional 1/2 inch to the measurement for accuracy.

How To Measure Bar Size On Chainsaw

Measuring the bar size on a chainsaw is a straightforward course of that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. The bar size is the gap from the tip of the nostril to the tip of the bar. To measure the bar size, comply with these steps:

  1. Place the chainsaw on a flat floor.
  2. Measure the gap from the tip of the nostril to the tip of the bar.
  3. The measurement is the bar size.

Individuals Additionally Ask

What’s the customary bar size for a chainsaw?

The usual bar size for a chainsaw is eighteen inches. Nonetheless, bar lengths can vary from 10 inches to 36 inches, relying on the mannequin of chainsaw.

What’s the most bar size that can be utilized on a chainsaw?

The utmost bar size that can be utilized on a chainsaw is decided by the mannequin of chainsaw. The producer will specify the utmost bar size that can be utilized on every mannequin.

Can I exploit a bar that’s longer than the really helpful size on my chainsaw?

No, you shouldn’t use a bar that’s longer than the really helpful size in your chainsaw. Utilizing a bar that’s too lengthy can put stress on the chainsaw and trigger it to overheat.