How to determine the size of your chainsaw’s chain
How to determine the size of your chainsaw’s chain
A chainsaw chain is a metal chain that wraps around the guide bar of the chainsaw. It consists of a series of teeth or cutters that are responsible for carrying out the cutting. The chainsaw drives the sprocket that rotates the chain around the guide bar. The bottom of the chain sits in the Chainsaw bar and is what is driven by the saw sprocket.
ToughMAX currently only provides STAY SHARP Tungsten Carbide tipped Chainsaw Chains. This is because we want to eliminate the problems that come with sharpening Chainsaw Chains.
To determine the size of your chainsaw’s chain, you need to follow these steps:
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Determine the number of Drive Links (DL): The easiest way to get a Drive Link Count is to double up your chainsaw chain and Count the number of Cutters on your Chainsaw Chain. Some chains have an extra joiner link to make an odd size, so just look for an unevenly spaced cutter on your chain for this. The drive link count can often also be found either in the owner’s manual or on the box that came with the last chain purchased. With odd numbered chains our standard sizes provide and extra cutter, but that will still fit your saw.
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Determine the bar gauge: The bar gauge is the width of the groove in the chainsaw bar. You can determine the bar gauge by measuring the distance between the rails on the chainsaw bar with a calliper. The bar gauge is usually stamped on the chainsaw bar, near the mount, and should also be found in the owner’s manual. Common gauges are .043, .050, .058, .063 of an inch.
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Determine or confirm the pitch of the chains: The pitch of the chains is the distance between the drive links. You can determine the pitch of the chains by measuring the distance between any three rivets on the chainsaw chain and dividing the result by two. The pitch of the chains can also be found on the chainsaw bar. Note this is commonly 3/8 /.375 of an inch ( 9.52mm) or .325 of an inch (8.25mm).
It is important to note that using an undersized or oversized chain can damage your saw and lead to safety hazards. Therefore, it is crucial to use a properly sized chainsaw chain. If you are unsure about the size of your chainsaw chain, it is best to consult the owner’s manual or contact us and we can help you find the right size chain for your saw.
Stay Sharp!