How Do I Know What Size Bar I Have?
Your bar's
cutting length (or "called length") is different from its total or overall
length. The cutting length is the distance from the front of the saw to the tip
of the farthest cutter, rounded to the nearest inch. This called length is the
number used in the selector guide to describe the bars that are available for
your saw. Be careful; a bar made by OREGON® may take a different drive link
count than that of another producer. Here?s a tip: if you have an OREGON® bar,
look at the ten-digit number stamped on the motor end; the first two digits,
such as 16, tell you the called length.
Consumer Chain uses a letter system.
Please see table below for more information:
Chain Codes: |
D |
H |
S |
G |
J |
L |
R |
Chain Types: |
72V |
20BPX |
91 Low
Profile |
95VPX |
21BPX |
22BPX |
90SG |
Pitch: |
3/8" |
.325" |
3/8" |
.325" |
.325" |
.325" |
3/8" |
Gauge: |
.050" |
.050" |
.050" |
.050" |
.058" |
.063" |
.043" |
Once you know the make, model, and bar length, there are
some other features you need to know, such as:
What is Chain Pitch?
Chain Pitch is the
size of the chain, and is defined as the distance between any three consecutive
rivets divided by two. OREGON® chain is made in several pitches - 1/4" is the
smallest, 3/8" is the most popular, 3/4? is the largest. Pitch is important
because the drive sprocket must be the same pitch as the chain, and if
applicable, the bar nose sprocket. The easiest way to determine the pitch of
your chain is to look at the number stamped on the drive link.See the
chain-pitch-and-gauge chart below.
What is Chain Gauge?
Chain Gauge is the
Drive Link's thickness where it fits into the bar groove. The gauge of the chain
and the gauge of the bar must match. OREGON® has several gauges for chainsaws -
such as, .043?, .050", .058? and .063". Normal wear can make it difficult to
accurately measure chain gauge on a worn chain. Always order by the number
stamped on the drive link of your old chain to assure correct gauge. See the
chain-pitch-and-gauge chart below.
How do I measure the length of my chain?
The length of your chain is determined by counting the number of drive
links in your chain. Your drive link count has a direct correlation to your
bar?s length. Be careful; a bar made by OREGON® may take a different drive link
count than that of another producer. Here?s a tip: count the number of drive
links in the chain you have now, and write that number down someplace where you
can find it. Or, if you have an OREGON® chain, the drive link count is stamped
on the gold ID link; you can refer to that gold ID link for future
reference.