Matching a chainsaw chain accurately is essential for safe operation and optimal cutting performance. It primarily involves paying close attention to three crucial parameters: the length of the guide bar, the drive link gauge, and the pitch of the chain.
Understanding the Key Parameters
To ensure you select the correct replacement chain for your chainsaw, you need to identify these three specific measurements, which are often found on your existing chain, guide bar, or in your chainsaw's manual.
1. Guide Bar Length
The guide bar length dictates the overall reach of your chainsaw.
- What it is: This refers to the effective cutting length of the guide bar, measured from where the bar emerges from the chainsaw housing to the tip of the bar.
- Measurement: It is typically displayed in inches.
- How to find it:
- Look for a measurement stamped on your existing guide bar.
- Check your chainsaw's owner's manual.
- Measure the exposed part of your guide bar, from the housing to the tip.
2. Drive Link Gauge
The drive link gauge refers to the thickness of the drive links, which are the small projections on the bottom of the chain that fit into the groove of the guide bar.
- What it is: This is the thickness of the drive links that ride in the guide bar groove. A mismatched gauge can cause the chain to bind or come off the bar.
- Measurement: It is displayed in millimetres (mm). Common gauges include 1.1 mm (.043"), 1.3 mm (.050"), 1.5 mm (.058"), and 1.6 mm (.063").
- How to find it:
- It's usually stamped on the guide bar or the old chain's packaging.
- Can be measured precisely with a caliper, but it's best to rely on manufacturer specifications.
3. Pitch
The pitch of a chainsaw chain describes the distance between three consecutive rivets on the chain, divided by two. This determines how many drive links can fit on the guide bar.
- What it is: This is the average distance between any three consecutive rivets on the chain, divided by two. It affects how the chain fits the drive sprocket and the nose sprocket of the guide bar.
- Measurement: It is a combination of imperial and metric units, often expressed in inches (e.g., 3/8", .325", .404", 1/4").
- How to find it:
- Stamped on the guide bar near the chainsaw housing.
- On the original chain's packaging.
- Measure the distance between three rivets and divide by two. For instance, if the distance between the center of the first and third rivet is 0.75 inches, the pitch is 0.375 or 3/8 inch.
Essential Chainsaw Chain Parameters Summary
| Parameter | Description | Unit/Measurement | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guide Bar Length | Effective cutting length of the guide bar. | Inches (e.g., 16", 18", 20") | Stamped on guide bar, owner's manual, or measure. |
| Drive Link Gauge | Thickness of the drive links that sit in the guide bar groove. | Millimetres (mm) / Imperial equivalent (e.g., 1.3mm / .050") | Stamped on guide bar, chain, or old packaging. |
| Pitch | Average distance between three consecutive rivets, divided by two. | Inches (e.g., 3/8", .325", 1/4") | Stamped on guide bar, chain, or old packaging/manual. |
| Number of Drive Links | Total count of drive links on the chain. | Count (e.g., 60 DL, 72 DL) | Count them manually or check old chain's packaging. |
Practical Tips for Matching a Chainsaw Chain
Beyond the three crucial parameters, the number of drive links is equally vital for a perfect fit. Even if the bar length, gauge, and pitch match, a different drive link count will result in an incorrect chain.
- Check Multiple Sources: Always cross-reference the information found on your old chain, the guide bar, and your chainsaw's manual. Sometimes, the numbers can be worn off or hard to read.
- Bring the Old Chain: If you're unsure, take your old chain to a hardware store or chainsaw dealer. They can measure it accurately and help you find the correct replacement.
- Never Guess: Using an incorrectly sized chain can lead to poor cutting performance, increased wear on your chainsaw, and dangerous kickback or chain derailment.
- Buy from Reputable Brands: Stick to well-known chain manufacturers to ensure quality and accurate specifications.
By diligently checking these parameters, you can confidently match the correct chainsaw chain, ensuring safe and efficient operation of your tool.
