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How To Measure A Stihl Chainsaw Bar Accurately
Knowing how to measure your Stihl chainsaw bar is crucial for proper maintenance and replacement. To accurately measure a Stihl chainsaw bar, you will need to identify the chainsaw bar length in inches, the chainsaw bar gauge, and the chainsaw drive link count. This information is typically found on the bar itself or in your chainsaw’s manual.
Deciphering Your Stihl Chainsaw Bar: A Comprehensive Guide
Keeping your Stihl chainsaw in prime condition is essential for safety and efficiency. A key aspect of this maintenance is ensuring you have the correct replacement parts, and that starts with accurately identifying and measuring your chainsaw bar. Whether you’re dealing with an older model or a brand-new saw, knowing your Stihl bar size is paramount for a perfect fit. This guide will walk you through the simple yet vital steps to measure your Stihl chainsaw bar accurately, ensuring your saw performs at its best.
Why Accurate Measurement Matters
A Stihl chainsaw bar is the backbone of your cutting tool. It guides the chain and dictates the cutting length and performance. Using the wrong size bar can lead to several problems:
- Performance Issues: An incorrectly sized bar can cause the chain to run too loose or too tight, leading to inefficient cutting, increased wear on the chain and bar, and even potential damage to the engine.
- Safety Hazards: A loose chain can derail, posing a serious safety risk. A bar that’s too long or too short might not engage properly with the clutch or chain brake, compromising the saw’s safety features.
- Premature Wear: The wrong bar can put undue stress on the chain, sprockets, and the bar itself, drastically shortening their lifespan.
- Incorrect Stihl Bar Replacement: If you’re looking for a Stihl bar replacement, having the correct measurements is non-negotiable.
Methods for Measuring Your Stihl Chainsaw Bar
There are a few reliable ways to determine your Stihl chainsaw bar size. The most accurate method involves looking for existing markings on the bar itself. If those are worn or unclear, you’ll need to take direct measurements.
Method 1: Reading the Stihl Bar Identification Markings
Stihl, like most reputable chainsaw manufacturers, stamps key identification information directly onto the bar. Learning how to read chainsaw bar numbers is the easiest way to get this vital data.
Locating the Markings
Examine your Stihl chainsaw bar carefully. The markings are usually found on the mounting end of the bar – the part that attaches to the chainsaw body. Look for a stamped or etched section. Sometimes, these markings can be faint due to wear and tear from use and exposure to the elements.
Key Information Found on the Bar
The markings on a Stihl bar typically include:
- Bar Length: This is the most obvious measurement, usually stated in inches. It refers to the length of the cutting edge, not the total length of the bar.
- Pitch: This refers to the distance between the drive links of your chainsaw chain. It’s a critical factor for chain compatibility.
- Gauge: This is the thickness of the drive links.
Interpreting the Markings
Let’s break down what you might see and how to interpret it:
- Length: You’ll typically see numbers like “16,” “18,” “20,” etc., indicating the length in inches.
- Pitch: This is usually represented as a fraction or a decimal. Common Stihl pitches include .325″, 3/8″, and .404″.
- Gauge: This is also a decimal measurement, typically .050″ (or 1.3mm) or .058″ (or 1.5mm) for most Stihl homeowner and professional saws.
Example Stihl Bar Markings:
| Marking | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 16 | 16-inch cutting length |
| .325 | .325-inch chain pitch |
| .050 | .050-inch chain gauge |
A bar marked “16 .325 .050” tells you it’s a 16-inch bar, designed for a .325-inch pitch chain, and requires a .050-inch gauge chain.
Method 2: Direct Measurement of the Bar
If the markings on your Stihl chainsaw bar are illegible, you’ll need to take physical measurements. This requires a tape measure or ruler.
Measuring the Cutting Length (Chainsaw Bar Length)
- Place the bar on a flat surface. Ensure the mounting end is against a straight edge or wall.
- Measure from the tip of the bar to the point where the chain begins to wrap around the nose sprocket. This is the effective cutting length.
- Use a tape measure or ruler. Record the measurement in inches. For example, if it measures 18 inches from the tip to the start of the curve at the nose, your chainsaw bar length is 18 inches.
Measuring the Gauge (Chainsaw Bar Gauge)
The chainsaw bar gauge is the thickness of the drive links that sit in the bar groove.
- Remove the chain from the bar. This makes it easier to access and measure the drive links.
- Locate a drive link. These are the small metal tabs on the bottom of the chain that fit into the bar groove.
- Use a caliper or a ruler with fine markings. Measure the thickness of one of these drive links.
- Common gauges are .050 inches (1.3mm) and .058 inches (1.5mm). If you have metric calipers, you might measure 1.3mm or 1.5mm.
Measuring the Pitch (Measuring Chainsaw Chain Pitch)
The measuring chainsaw chain pitch is the distance between the drive links. This is a crucial measurement for ensuring your chain fits the bar and sprocket correctly.
- Remove the chain from the bar.
- Count the number of drive links. Drive links are the parts of the chain that ride in the groove of the bar.
- Count only the drive links. Do NOT count the cutters or the rivets.
- Measure the distance from the tip of one drive link to the tip of the third drive link. This measurement, divided by two, gives you the pitch. For example, if the distance between the tip of drive link #1 and the tip of drive link #3 is 1 inch, the pitch is 0.5 inches, or 1/2 inch. However, the standard method for measuring pitch is by counting drive links and knowing the common pitch sizes.
A more common and practical way to determine pitch without direct measurement of the chain is to count the drive links and use a chart or your chainsaw’s manual.
Method 3: Counting Drive Links and Using a Chart
This method is often the most practical when direct measurement of pitch is difficult or when you’re trying to confirm existing information.
Counting Drive Links
- Remove the chainsaw chain from the bar.
- Lay the chain flat.
- Count every single drive link. These are the tabs that fit into the bar groove.
- Record the total number of drive links.
Relating Drive Link Count to Pitch
Different chain pitches use specific numbers of drive links for common bar lengths.
- For .325″ pitch chains:
- 13-inch bar: typically 52 drive links
- 15-inch bar: typically 64 drive links
- 16-inch bar: typically 66 drive links
- 18-inch bar: typically 72 drive links
- 20-inch bar: typically 78 drive links
- For 3/8″ pitch chains:
- 15-inch bar: typically 56 drive links
- 16-inch bar: typically 60 drive links
- 18-inch bar: typically 66 drive links
- 20-inch bar: typically 72 drive links
- 24-inch bar: typically 84 drive links
- For .404″ pitch chains:
- 20-inch bar: typically 68 drive links
- 24-inch bar: typically 84 drive links
- 28-inch bar: typically 92 drive links
Important Note: These are general guidelines. Variations can occur depending on the specific chainsaw model and Stihl bar. Always cross-reference with your chainsaw’s manual or Stihl’s official specifications if possible.
Stihl Bar Identification Charts and Resources
When you’re unsure about Stihl bar identification, consulting official resources is your best bet.
- Your Chainsaw’s Owner’s Manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific saw’s Stihl chainsaw specifications, including the recommended bar length, pitch, and gauge.
- Stihl Website and Parts Catalogs: Stihl’s official website offers detailed product information, parts lookup tools, and downloadable manuals. You can often find charts that correlate bar lengths with chain specifications.
- Reputable Chainsaw Parts Suppliers: Online retailers specializing in chainsaw parts often have compatibility charts and databases that can help you identify the correct bar based on your saw model.
Common Stihl Bar Sizes and Their Specifications
Here’s a quick reference for some common Stihl bar sizes, though remember to always verify with your specific model.
| Stihl Bar Length (Inches) | Common Pitch | Common Gauge (Inches) | Typical Drive Link Count (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | .325 | .050 | 44 |
| 14 | .325 | .050 | 52 |
| 16 | .325 | .050 | 56 |
| 16 | 3/8 | .050 or .058 | 60 |
| 18 | .325 | .050 | 64 |
| 18 | 3/8 | .050 or .058 | 66 |
| 20 | .325 | .050 | 72 |
| 20 | 3/8 | .050 or .058 | 72 |
| 20 | .404 | .058 or .063 | 68 |
| 24 | 3/8 | .058 or .063 | 84 |
| 24 | .404 | .058 or .063 | 84 |
Important Considerations for Stihl Bar Replacement:
When you are looking for a Stihl bar replacement, it’s not just about the length. You must match:
- Bar Length: Must be the same as your current bar or a specified alternative.
- Pitch: The chain pitch must match the bar and the drive sprocket.
- Gauge: The chain gauge must match the bar groove width.
- Mounting: The chainsaw bar mounting pattern must be compatible with your Stihl chainsaw model. Stihl uses various mounting systems, so ensure the new bar’s mounting bracket aligns with your saw.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Confusing Total Length with Cutting Length: Always measure or refer to the cutting length.
- Guessing Pitch and Gauge: These are critical specifications that cannot be guessed. Always verify.
- Ignoring Mounting Type: Even if the length, pitch, and gauge are correct, an incompatible mounting system will render the bar useless.
- Assuming All Bars of the Same Length are Identical: While length is a primary identifier, pitch, gauge, and mounting are equally important.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know what pitch and gauge chain to use with my Stihl chainsaw bar?
A: The pitch and gauge are usually stamped on the bar itself near the mounting end. If not, check your chainsaw’s owner’s manual or look up your chainsaw model on the Stihl website. You can also count the drive links and use a conversion chart, but verifying the stamped numbers is best.
Q: Can I use a longer or shorter bar than what came with my chainsaw?
A: While it might be possible to fit a different length bar, it’s generally not recommended unless specified by Stihl for your model. Using a different length can affect the saw’s balance, power delivery, and the effectiveness of safety features like the chain brake. Always consult your owner’s manual or a Stihl dealer for approved alternatives.
Q: What does “drive link count” mean for a chainsaw chain?
A: The drive link count refers to the number of drive links on the chain. The drive links are the parts of the chain that sit in the groove of the chainsaw bar and engage with the drive sprocket. Knowing the drive link count is a key way to identify the correct chain for your bar and saw.
Q: My Stihl chainsaw bar numbers are worn off. What is the best way to find the correct replacement bar?
A: If the markings are unreadable, the best approach is to physically measure your existing bar’s cutting length, measure the thickness of a drive link for the gauge, and count the drive links. Then, use these measurements along with your chainsaw model number to consult your owner’s manual, the Stihl website, or a knowledgeable dealer.
Q: What is the chainsaw bar gauge?
A: The chainsaw bar gauge is the thickness of the drive links on the chain. It corresponds to the width of the groove in the chainsaw bar. Using the wrong gauge will prevent the chain from fitting correctly. Common gauges are .050″ and .058″.
By following these steps, you can accurately measure your Stihl chainsaw bar and ensure you have the correct specifications for maintenance, chain replacement, or purchasing a new bar. This attention to detail will help keep your Stihl chainsaw running smoothly and safely for years to come.