How to Size Saw Chains

Chain saws are useful machines. They can cut the largest of trees with ease. Occasionally, they hit rocks or objects embedded in the wood. The chains wear out or stretch and won't stay on the saw. Often, the saw bar is worn down too and it's impossible to tell what replacement chain will fit. It's easy to figure out by measuring, and getting the code from the bar.

Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the saw on its side. Place a tape measure on the saw blade with the tip of the measuring tape touching the saw body where the bar enters the saw body.
- 2
  Measure the length of the bar to the point where the curve starts at the end of the bar. The measurement will probably be 16 inches, 18 inches or 22 inches.
- 3
  Check the numbers on the individual lugs to get your chain type. On the bottom of the chain on the drive lugs there is a five-digit code. The drive lugs are the small fins that fit into the slot along the bar. The code is the same on all of them.
- 4
  Count the individual links on the old chain if you are still not sure what length you need. Use the code and the number of individual lengths from your old chain to order the same chain.

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