How to measure chainsaw bar

The chainsaw is very powerful woodcutting power tool which is used for cutting off large diameters of lumbers or felling small trees. This saw has a big motor and the handle above it on one side and a very long bar with a much longer chain attached with it. When the motor is turned on, the chain which is attached to the bar of the chainsaw starts to run with very high speed. This moving chain is then run against the workpiece. Measuring the length of the chainsaw bar is very important for the chainsaw owner or user. The efficiency of the chainsaw depends on different parts it has. The importance of learning how to measure the chainsaw bar will be described in this article. But, now, there are some types of chainsaw bars. And you should know about them if you are either regular or a new chainsaw user.

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Different kinds of Chainsaw bars

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Sprocket nose bar: A sprocket nose bar is a type of chainsaw which has a sprocket at the nose where the chain rides to reduce friction. The sprocket nose which has more than 11 teeth is more prone to kickback. And those with less than 11 teeth are less prone to kickback.

Laminated bars: The laminated bars are made up of layers of different materials to reduce the overall weight of the chainsaw and also to strengthen the bar of the chainsaw and also, to increase its life span. If the length of the bar your chainsaw is less than 20 inches, then you should consider taking laminated bars for your chainsaw. The chainsaws with laminated bars are lighter. Thus they are very easy to handle and balance.

Laminated bars with nose wheel: These types of laminated bars have a small nose radius and a slight curve to reduce kickback along with reducing the weight. They also provide better control over the saw while cutting. The chainsaws with less than 20 inches have laminated bars with a nose wheel.

Hard nose bar: A hard nose bar is a special type of bar designed for a special purpose. They are made for rough conditions like when the sprocket nose can jam. The power reduction is not much in case of hard nose bars. And in comparison to the sprocket nose bar with a hard nose bar, the sprocket nose bar is more efficient than the hard nose bar.

Solid bar: The solid bars are made of steel. They are generally for cutting hardwood and also for professional works for the professionals. When you need to use the chainsaw for heavy, rough and dusty works, the solid bars are the best option for you.

Some solid bars have a special feature of the changeable nose with them. The nose of the hard bars wears out very fast. Even faster than the bar itself. The replaceable feature is for reducing the load from the bar.

Some solid bars have replaceable tips. These bars have a high-quality roller bearing at the tip of the bar. It carries the load of the chain around the nose. They are available in the shops as spare parts.

Extra-long chainsaw bar: They are made of solid, high tech titanium alloy steel with precision ground grooves. Their length is from 44 to 84 inches. And they also come with replaceable sprocket nose.

Extra light bars: You can guess the type of bar from the name. These bars are made to be as light as possible. They are typically 18% lighter than the normal chainsaw bars. Their light weight makes them easier to lift and handle and also can be used for working above the average height than the other chainsaws.

Double ended bar: These type of chainsaw bars are for milling works. They are powered by two chainsaws. For this reason, they also require two operators. A special mill is also needed to operate them.

Narrow kerf chainsaw bar: Narrow kerf chainsaw bars are found in small chainsaws. They require much less power than the other saws. They are also light in weight. For this, they can cut faster and more efficiently.

Length of the Chainsaw bar

There are two types of the length of a chainsaw bar.

1. Cutting length
2. Full length

Cutting length: The cutting length of the chainsaw bar is from the tip of the chainsaw bar to the end of the other side of the bar. Or more easily, the part of the chainsaw bar that we can see with our eyes is the cutting length.

Full length: The full length of the chainsaw bar is from the tip of the bar chainsaw bar to the end of the bar in the other side including the parts which are inside the motor of the chainsaw. In other words, the full length is the overall length of the chainsaw bar including all the parts that are both in and out of the saw; that we can see and that we cannot see.

How to Measure the saw bar

Measuring the chainsaw bar is very task. You need only two tools for this job. First, measuring tape and last, the chainsaw itself.

There is a very important precaution for everyone before starting to measure the chainsaw bar. Please remember and be absolutely sure to turn the saw off before you start measuring the bar. Unplug it from the electric power source. If the saw is run by battery, then remove the battery from the saw.

Secondly, keep the saw in a flat firm surface where it can seat steadily. You can put it on a table or on the floor or the ground; wherever you prefer. But be sure that the surface is flat.

Now, this is the time to measure the saw. Align the tip of the tape measure with the edge of the chainsaw bar. Pull the tape measure slowly and carefully up to the other end of the bar where it disappears keeping it in touch with the body of the bar or chain. This is the cutting length of the chainsaw bar.

Now it is time to determine the full length of the chainsaw bar. To do that, you have to detach the bar from the saw. Unscrew the casing holding screw of the chainsaw. Now, the whole bar will reveal. Now, measure the length of the whole bar from one end to the other. This is the full length of the chainsaw bar.

This is the whole process of measuring the chainsaw bar.

Some important information about the length of the chainsaw bar

There are some important pieces of information that you need to know about the length of the chainsaw bar.

Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for knowing the length of the chainsaw bar. Some companies write the length of the chainsaw bar and every other thing about their product in the manual. But, some of them do not. So check the manual. If you are lucky, you might find the length in the manual. Moreover, some companies provide an online database of the manuals to inform the users about their products.

The difference between the cutting length and the full length of the chainsaw bar is usually 2-3 inches.

Why do you need to measure the length of the chainsaw bar?

You have to know the length of the chainsaw bar because after cleaning and oiling the chainsaw, you have to ensure the parts are in line and fitting tightly. If the bar of the chainsaw has loose or improper fittings, then it will reduce the efficiency of the machine. Besides, the saw will not run or work if the chain and the bar are not fitting properly. And also, to attach a new bar, you have to know which bar is fit for your saw.  This is why knowing the length of the chainsaw and how to measure the chainsaw bar is important for everyone who uses a chainsaw for woodworking.