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A chainsaw bar is a long steel tube attached to the top of a chainsaw with chainsaw nuts and bolts. The teeth on this bar actually cut down trees when using a chainsaw. The purpose of this article is to help you learn How Do You Measure A Chainsaw Bar in order to find an appropriate replacement if it becomes damaged, bent, corroded, worn out, etc. This article will measure all types of saws except for telescopic bars. Telescopic bars have their specifications and needs, which can be found here.
How Do You Measure A Chainsaw Bar
Measurements:
There are many different types of chainsaw bars. Therefore, you will need to know your current measurements or future requirements before buying a new replacement bar.
The first step to finding out your optimal measurements is knowing what type of saw you have and its power source: gas, electric, or cordless. The next step is measuring the length and width of the actual chainsaw bar itself and understanding how it should be installed on your specific tool.
If you do not know the specs required for the right size bars for your chainsaw, then that’s ok! We will go over all three types of power sources below with their best measurements to ensure proper cutting results from each bar.
After following this, you should have the correct information to measure your current chainsaw bar as well as the correct measurements for a future bar.
Nose cone length:
This is the measurement from the chainsaw’s tip to the end of the nose cone. The nose cone is a small metal piece that protrudes from the chainsaw and helps guide the saw chain onto the bar. On some bars, this part is replaceable if it becomes damaged or worn down over time.
Nose cone width:
The nose cone width is exactly what it sounds like – it’s the width of the metal nose cone at its widest point. This measurement is important when looking for a replacement bar because you want to make sure that the new one will have a width that matches your current bar. If it doesn’t, you run the risk of either damaging your chainsaw or not having a proper cutting surface.
Bar length:
This is the obvious measurement of how long your chainsaw bar is. It’s important to know the correct bar length for your chainsaw to ensure that you’re getting a replacement that will fit properly. On the other hand, you don’t want a too-short or too-long bar, as either one can cause problems while cutting.
Bar width:
The bar width is the measurement of the widest part of the bar. This is another important measurement to know when looking for a replacement bar because you want to make sure that the new one will have a width that matches your current bar. If it doesn’t, you run the risk of either damaging your chainsaw or not having a proper cutting surface.
Bar bore:
This is the measurement of how big the bar can accept a chainsaw chain. It is important to know this when looking for a replacement, as the new bar needs to fit your chainsaw. Conversely, you do not want one that is too small or too large for your chainsaw, as neither will work well and could cause damage.
Chain pitch:
The chain pitch is what you measure to determine how many drive links are needed to attach a particular size chain. This measurement changes drastically if you change types of saws, so do yourself a favor and don’t try to mess with this little number unless you know exactly what you’re doing!
Listed below are all three power sources, gas, electric, and cordless, with their best measurements.
Gas Chainsaw Bar Measurements
The average gas-powered chain saw bar would be somewhere between 14″ to 18″. That’s the optimal length that ensures a good balance while maneuvering it around trees, shrubs, brush piles, etc. Since this is a powerful tool intended for heavy use, you want to ensure that your chainsaw bar is durable enough to handle its job. A wimpy little 12″ bar won’t hack it if you’re cutting anything other than twigs. So instead of searching for something small, I would recommend at least 16″ or more if possible because they are safer and more effective in general!
Most of the bars out there have instructions engraved on them that explain how to measure your chainsaw bar. If you can’t find that, then remember that it’s the measurement from the tip of the nose cone to the end of the bar where it connects with your saw chain.
Electric Chainsaw Bar Measurements
The average electric-powered chain saw, in general, has a smaller frame than their gas-powered counterparts, so consequently, their bars are also shorter. However, electric chainsaws only come with 14″ or 16″ bars. Therefore, they will never be any longer than 18″. I recommend not going any less than 14″ because anything smaller is much more difficult to maintain balance when cutting larger objects. Still, if you’re working primarily in tight spaces, then 16″ is perfect.
Cordless Chainsaw Bar Measurements
This is the newest addition to the chainsaw world, and it comes in all different shapes and sizes (literally). Because of this, there isn’t anyone perfect cordless chainsaw bar measurement. It all depends on the type of saw you purchase and its intended use. For example, a homeowner who wants to do some light pruning around their yard may not need the same sized bar as someone clearing an acre of land for a new home construction site. With that said, I would say that the average cordless chainsaw bar length falls between 12″ to 18″. Like gas-powered chainsaws, 18″ is the ideal length because it offers the most versatility. Anything less than that will be a lot more difficult to maneuver.
If you need a replacement bar, then your current one may have been damaged or worn down to the point where it’s no longer effective. In this case, I recommend going with something similar in size to what you currently have. If your chainsaw is used primarily for cutting firewood, then go with an 18″ gas or electric bar because they are made of sturdier materials than their smaller counterparts. Remember that it is always better to measure the old one before purchasing anything new!
Conclusion
Now that you know what measurements are best suited for your chainsaw, there should be no problem finding the right fit! Just make sure that all of the measurements match the chainsaw you have when you receive it. If they don’t, then it’s back to square one, and you’ll have to do some more research!