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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
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How to Measure Chainsaw Chain Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Finding the Measurements on the Chainsaw 2 Measuring the Chain Manually Other Sections Video Things You'll Need Related Articles References Reviewed by Barry Zakar
Last Updated: August 30, 2024 Approved
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This article was reviewed by Barry Zakar. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 83% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 129,823 times.
Chainsaw chains are sized in a very unique way. Instead of 1 size measurement, these chains have 3: the pitch, the gauge, and the number of drive links. Fortunately, these numbers are often easily located on the side of the chainsaw bar. However, even if your chainsaw doesn’t have these measurements stamped on the side, you can still easily measure them yourself to determine the size of your chainsaw chain.
Measuring Chainsaw Chain Length
Find the length of the chain by measuring from the base to the tip of the saw. To find the pitch measurement, measure the length of any 3 rivets and divide by 2. To find the chain’s gauge, measure the thickness of a drive link with a dial caliper.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Finding the Measurements on the Chainsaw
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1 Look on the side of the bar near the user end for the measurements. The bar of the chainsaw is the long metallic blade that the chain is wrapped around. The user end is the casing around the motor where the handle is located.[1]XResearch source
The chainsaw’s measurements are usually stamped on the right side of the bar, although this varies depending on the maker of the chainsaw bar.
2 Read the left-most fraction printed on the bar to find the pitch. The denominator of this fraction will probably have an inch symbol next to it. The pitch is typically located below or immediately following the brand name of the chainsaw.[2]XResearch source
For example, if the number on the bar reads “3/8", this means that the chainsaw’s pitch is 3⁄8 inch (0.95 cm).
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3 Check for a number next to an image of a drive link. The image will look like a shark’s tooth or an inverted triangle with 2 circles in the top corners. This number represents the number of driver links on the chainsaw chain.[3]XResearch source
You may also see a number next to the letters “DL” instead of an image of a driver link. For example, if your bar contains the phrase “72DL” on the side, this means your chainsaw has 72 drive links.
4 Identify the number printed in both millimeters and inches. This number will likely be to the right of either the brand name or the drive link number. This measurement refers to the gauge of the chainsaw.[4]XResearch source
For example, if your chainsaw read “.050/1.3,” this means that the chain’s gauge is .050 inches (1.3 mm).
This number may also have an image of a bar groove next to it.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Measuring the Chain Manually
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1 Measure the saw from the front to the tip to find the length of the bar. Place one end of the tape measure at the point where the motor casing ends and the metal blade begins. Use the tape to measure the distance from this point to the furthest cutting tip. Finally, round this measurement up to the nearest even number in inches. This is the length of the chainsaw bar.[5]XResearch source
There are several different types of chainsaws with different typical bar lengths. For example, the standard length of light-duty chainsaws is 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm), while the typical bar length of heavy-duty chainsaws is 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46 cm).
You may also see the chainsaw bar referred to as the chainsaw blade. These are the same thing.
This length is sometimes called the “called length.”
2 Gauge the length between any 3 rivets and divide by 2 to find the pitch. Rivets are the small, round pegs that hold the different segments of the chain together. Use your tape measure to find the distance between 3 consecutive rivets. This distance divided by 2 is equal to the distance between individual drive links in the chain itself.[6]XResearch source
For example, if the distance between 3 consecutive rivets on your chainsaw chain is 1 inch (2.5 cm), then the pitch would be this measurement divided by 2, or 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm).
The most common pitch measurements you’ll find on a chainsaw chain are 3⁄8 inch (0.95 cm) and .325 inches (0.83 cm).
3 Remove the chain and count the number of drive links. Drive links are the triangular extensions on the underside of the chain that keep it attached to the bar. Use a wrench to remove the guide bar side panel, then use a screwdriver to release the tension on the chain. Pop the chain off the bar in order to count the drive links.[7]XResearch source
You’ll typically find somewhere between 66 and 72 drive links on a chainsaw chain. 16-inch bars typically have 66 drive links, while 18-inch bars usually have 72.
Wear thick safety gloves during this step to minimize your risk of injury.
To make counting the drive links easier, lay the chain down on a flat surface and arrange it in such a way that its driver links are aligned directly across from each other. This way, you can count pairs of driver links instead of each one individually.
4 Use a dial caliper to measure the thickness of a drive link. This measurement will give you the chain’s gauge. Close the jaws of your caliper around the drive link and read the value on the scale to find this measurement.[8]XResearch source
The most common gauge measurements are .050 inches (0.13 cm), .058 inches (0.15 cm), and .063 inches (0.16 cm).
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Things You’ll Need
Tape measure
Dial caliper
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Reviewed by: Barry Zakar Handyman This article was reviewed by Barry Zakar. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. This article has been viewed 129,823 times. 84 votes - 83% Co-authors: 4Updated: August 30, 2024 Views: 129,823 Categories: Cutting Tools In other languagesJapanese
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Reader Success Stories
Robert H.
Jul 28, 2024
"The article explained in layman's terms how to find the chain size on my old chainsaw. It couldn't have been easier. Thank you."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Barry Zakar Handyman Co-authors: 4Updated: August 30, 2024 Views: 129,82383% of readers found this article helpful. 84 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote
Robert H.
Jul 28, 2024
"The article explained in layman's terms how to find the chain size on my old chainsaw. It couldn't have been easier. Thank you."..." more
Gordon Hayden
May 9, 2020
"Never one to understand chain measurements. This helped a great deal. Thank you!"
John
Feb 26, 2022
"It cleared up some questions." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Finding the Measurements on the Chainsaw 2 Measuring the Chain Manually Other Sections Video Things You'll Need Related Articles References Reviewed by Barry Zakar 
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Reviewed by: Barry Zakar Handyman This article was reviewed by Barry Zakar. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. This article has been viewed 129,823 times. 84 votes - 83% Co-authors: 4 Updated: August 30, 2024 Views: 129,823 Categories: Cutting Tools In other languagesJapanese 
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1 Look on the side of the bar near the user end for the measurements. The bar of the chainsaw is the long metallic blade that the chain is wrapped around. The user end is the casing around the motor where the handle is located.[1] 
2 Read the left-most fraction printed on the bar to find the pitch. The denominator of this fraction will probably have an inch symbol next to it. The pitch is typically located below or immediately following the brand name of the chainsaw.[2] 
3 Check for a number next to an image of a drive link. The image will look like a shark’s tooth or an inverted triangle with 2 circles in the top corners. This number represents the number of driver links on the chainsaw chain.[3] 
4 Identify the number printed in both millimeters and inches. This number will likely be to the right of either the brand name or the drive link number. This measurement refers to the gauge of the chainsaw.[4] 
1 Measure the saw from the front to the tip to find the length of the bar. Place one end of the tape measure at the point where the motor casing ends and the metal blade begins. Use the tape to measure the distance from this point to the furthest cutting tip. Finally, round this measurement up to the nearest even number in inches. This is the length of the chainsaw bar.[5] 
2 Gauge the length between any 3 rivets and divide by 2 to find the pitch. Rivets are the small, round pegs that hold the different segments of the chain together. Use your tape measure to find the distance between 3 consecutive rivets. This distance divided by 2 is equal to the distance between individual drive links in the chain itself.[6] 
3 Remove the chain and count the number of drive links. Drive links are the triangular extensions on the underside of the chain that keep it attached to the bar. Use a wrench to remove the guide bar side panel, then use a screwdriver to release the tension on the chain. Pop the chain off the bar in order to count the drive links.[7] 
4 Use a dial caliper to measure the thickness of a drive link. This measurement will give you the chain’s gauge. Close the jaws of your caliper around the drive link and read the value on the scale to find this measurement.[8] 