In terms of maintaining your chainsaw working easily and effectively, one of the vital essential points is making certain that the chain is the right size. Too brief a sequence may cause the noticed to bind and stall, whereas too lengthy a sequence can result in extreme put on and tear on the noticed’s elements. On this article, we’ll information you thru the straightforward steps on the right way to measure the size of your chainsaw chain so that you could preserve your noticed working at its peak efficiency.
To start, collect a number of important instruments: a measuring tape, a chunk of chalk or a marker, and a pair of security gloves. Begin by securing the chainsaw on a steady floor, ensuring that the chain shouldn’t be touching something. Subsequent, put in your security gloves to guard your arms from the sharp edges of the chain. Utilizing the measuring tape, fastidiously measure the space from the tip of 1 drive hyperlink to the tip of the corresponding drive hyperlink on the alternative facet of the chain. This measurement gives you the size of a single drive hyperlink.
After you have measured the size of a single drive hyperlink, you should multiply this worth by the full variety of drive hyperlinks within the chain. To depend the variety of drive hyperlinks, begin from any drive hyperlink and depend 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 may simply decide in case your chain is the right size in your chainsaw. If it isn’t, you may regulate the size by including or eradicating hyperlinks as wanted.
Measure from Tip to Tip
To acquire probably the most correct chain size measurement, comply with these detailed tips when utilizing the “tip to tip” methodology:
-
Examine the Chain
Study the chain to make sure it’s in good situation, freed from any important nicks or injury that might intervene with the measurement.
-
Determine the Drive Hyperlinks
Find the drive hyperlinks, that are the bigger, rectangular-shaped hyperlinks that have interaction with the chainsaw’s sprocket. Depend 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.
-
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 handbook. 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 alternative chain.
For additional readability, seek advice from the desk beneath:
| Measurement | Definition | How one can Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Size | Whole variety of drive hyperlinks | Depend 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 methodology entails measuring the space 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 kind.
Determine the kind of chainsaw bar you could have. Most trendy chainsaws use both customary or low-profile bars. Discuss with the chainsaw consumer handbook or test 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. Depend the variety of bar studs in your information bar, excluding any studs on the finish of the bar.
Figuring out Chain Size Based mostly on Bar Studs
The next desk offers a information to find out the chain size primarily based on the variety of bar studs and bar kind:
| Bar Sort | 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 simple methodology and requires solely a measuring tape. Begin by measuring the size of the information bar. It’s the steel blade that holds the chain. After you have 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 slicing tooth to the tip of the following slicing tooth. Multiply this quantity by the variety of slicing tooth on the chain. This gives you the full size of the chain.
Evaluate the full size of the chain to the minimal size you calculated earlier. If the full size is lower than the minimal size, you should add hyperlinks to the chain. If the full size is larger than the minimal size, you should take away hyperlinks from the chain.
Listed below are some ideas for utilizing a measuring tape to measure the size of a chainsaw chain:
- Be certain the measuring tape is straight and taut.
- Measure the size of the chain from the tip of 1 slicing tooth to the tip of the following slicing tooth.
- Multiply the variety of slicing tooth on the chain by the size of 1 slicing tooth to get the full size of the chain.
- Evaluate the full size of the chain to the minimal size you calculated earlier to find out if you should add or take away hyperlinks.
| Measurement | How one can Measure |
|---|---|
| Size of Information Bar | Measure the size of the steel blade that holds the chain. |
| Size of Reducing Tooth | Measure the size from the tip of 1 slicing tooth to the tip of the following slicing tooth. |
| Variety of Reducing Enamel | Depend the variety of slicing tooth on the chain. |
| Whole Size of Chain | Multiply the size of 1 slicing tooth by the variety of slicing tooth on the chain. |
Use a Chain Gauge
A sequence gauge is a straightforward software 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 the right way to use a sequence gauge to measure the size of a chainsaw chain:
- Discover the right chain gauge in your chainsaw. Chain gauges can be found in numerous sizes, so you will need to discover one that’s the appropriate dimension in your chainsaw. You could find the right dimension chain gauge by checking the proprietor’s handbook in your chainsaw.
- Place the chain gauge across the chain. The chain gauge ought to match snugly across the chain, however it shouldn’t be so tight that it can’t be moved.
- Learn the measurement on the chain gauge. The measurement can be in inches. The variety of inches displayed is the size of your chainsaw chain loop.
- **Discuss with the desk beneath to find out the right size of chain in your chainsaw. Chainsaw chain size is decided by the variety of drive hyperlinks. Drive hyperlinks are the hyperlinks with two tooth, so depend 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, comply with 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.
- Report the measurement in inches or centimeters.
Figuring out the Chain Measurement From the Noticed Bar Size
To find out the chain dimension from the noticed bar size, seek advice from 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 offers approximate values and should fluctuate relying on the particular chainsaw mannequin.
Decide the Pitch and Gauge
Earlier than counting the drive hyperlinks, you should 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 dimension of the chainsaw. Discuss with the proprietor’s handbook or the producer’s web site for the particular chain size and pitch really useful in your specific chainsaw.
Measuring the Chain Size
-
Wrap the chain across the bar
Place the chain on the information bar and loop it round utterly.
-
Align the drive hyperlinks with the bar groove
Be sure that the drive hyperlinks of the chain align with the groove on the underside of the information bar.
-
Tighten the chain
Regulate the chain rigidity as per the producer’s directions to create a comfortable match.
-
Depend the variety of drive hyperlinks
Begin from the primary drive hyperlink on the decrease facet of the information bar and depend the variety of drive hyperlinks till you attain the final drive hyperlink on the higher facet.
-
Double the depend
Multiply the depend obtained in step 4 by two to find out the full variety of drive hyperlinks within the chain.
-
Seek the advice of the drive hyperlink desk
Discuss with the producer’s specs or the beneath desk to find out the corresponding chain size primarily based on the depend of drive hyperlinks.
-
Confirm and proper
Examine the measured chain size in opposition to the really useful chain size specified by the producer. Regulate the chain accordingly if crucial.
Calibrate Your Measuring System
Earlier than you start measuring the chain size, you will need to calibrate your measuring machine. This can be sure that your measurements are correct. To calibrate your measuring machine, comply with these steps:
- Wrap the measuring machine round a identified size of chain, similar to a 12-inch piece of chain.
- Make it possible for the measuring machine is comfortable in opposition to the chain, however not so tight that it distorts the chain.
- Learn the measurement on the measuring machine.
- If the measurement shouldn’t be correct, regulate the measuring machine till it’s.
As soon as your measuring machine is calibrated, you’re able to measure the chain size in your chainsaw.
Measuring the Chain Size
To measure the chain size in your chainsaw, comply with these steps:
- Place the chain on a flat floor.
- Wrap the measuring machine across the chain, beginning on the finish of the bar.
- Make it possible for the measuring machine is comfortable in opposition to 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.
- Report the measurement in inches.
The chain size ought to be specified within the proprietor’s handbook in your chainsaw. In case you are unsure what the right chain size is in your chainsaw, seek the advice of with a professional 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 Reducing Size
To find out the slicing size of a chainsaw chain, comply with these steps:
- Determine the drive hyperlinks: The drive hyperlinks are the hyperlinks that have interaction with the sprocket on the chainsaw bar. They’re sometimes narrower and have an oblong form.
- Depend the drive hyperlinks: Depend the variety of drive hyperlinks alongside your entire size of the chain, together with the hyperlinks at every finish the place the chain is related to the bar.
- Multiply by the pitch: The pitch is the space 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 slicing size.
For instance, you probably have a sequence with 72 drive hyperlinks and a pitch of 0.325 inches, the slicing size can be 72 x 0.325 = 23.4 inches.
Desk: Chain Size Calculation
| Variety of Drive Hyperlinks | Pitch (inches) | Reducing Size (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 64 | 0.325 | 20.8 |
| 72 | 0.375 | 27 |
| 80 | 0.404 | 32.32 |
How one can Measure Chain Size on Chainsaw
Measuring the size of a chainsaw chain is essential for making certain correct match and optimum efficiency. This is a complete information that can assist you precisely measure your chainsaw chain:
Step 1: Collect Supplies
You will 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. Comply with the producer’s directions in your particular mannequin.
Step 3: Determine the Drive Hyperlinks
Drive hyperlinks are the elongated steel hyperlinks that join the slicing tooth. On most chainsaws, drive hyperlinks are coloured otherwise or have a distinct form than the slicing tooth.
Step 4: Mark and Depend 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 whenever 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 space between the facilities of three consecutive rivets. To measure the pitch, use a measuring tape or ruler and measure the space between two adjoining rivets.
Instance:
In case you depend 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 exploit 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 accurately?
A: Discuss with your chainsaw’s producer handbook for the really useful chain size. It ought to match your measured size.
Q: Can I exploit 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.
