Tips on Measuring a Chainsaw Blade and Chain

The chainsaw chain is strong enough to cut through wood easily. It must be maintained with regularly oiling. A chain replacement part should be kept on hand so that when the chainsaw chain needs replacing, you have one ready. The chainsaw chain is a versatile device that can be customized to work on a smaller or larger tool. Homeowners, hobbyists and industrial users all appreciate the design and usability of chainsaw chains.

Knowing how to perform a correct replacement of the chain is vital to chainsaw safety and efficient operation of your chainsaw. Read on for some valuable tips on how to go about measuring correctly when replacing a chainsaw chain.

How Do You Measure a Chainsaw Blade and Chain?

At some point, you will likely feel it is necessary to replace the chain from your well-used chainsaw and it will be important that you know both the length of your chainsaw blade as well as the length and type of chain you will need. Looking at charts can get confusing but it really isn't that hard once you know what to look for in determining the length of both the chainsaw blade and chain.

The length of the chain will be determined by the length of your chainsaw bar. Some companies actually make this easy for you by including the bar size as part of the model number. Oregon chainsaws do this for you with the length of the bar as the first two numbers of the 10-digit number stamped on the blade at the end nearest the motor.

But if your saw does not conveniently help you determine the length of the blade or the saw, here's how you can figure it out for yourself.

What's The Best Way To Measure A Chain Saw Blade?

Measuring a chainsaw blade is actually quite simple. Just measure the blade from where the bar comes out of the casing, all the way to the end of the bar. No need to measure around the perimeter.

Blade and bar are two terms that are both used to indicate the same item. This is the blade that extends from the casing of the motor and carries the chain which is what does the sawing for you.

Chainsaw blades are measured in two-inch increments. The most popular sizes are 16, 18 and 20 inches, although you may find some saws with blades ranging from 10 inches to 42 inches in length. If you don't think your blade ends in an even number, round up to the nearest measurement.

Measuring A Chainsaw Chain

The way to measure the chain on a chainsaw involves knowing the pitch of the chain as well as the number of drive links.

A drive link is simply a tooth on the chain and your chain's length is determined by the number of drive links (or teeth). The pitch of the chain also affects the size of the drive links.

The pitch of a chain is the size of the chain. This is the distance between any three rivets, then divided by two. Your chain pitch is important because it must match the pitch of the drive sprocket and sometimes the bar nose sprocket. The pitch should be stamped on the drive link.

As an example, a 1/4" pitch chain might have 52 drive links and be 2.17 feet in length, while a 3/8" pitch with 52 drive links would be 3.18 feet in length. So the pitch affects the drive link size which affects your blade's length.

If you have any questions, the manufacturer of your chainsaw or anyone who makes chains should be happy to help you figure out what you need to know.

But if you know what size chain saw chain or chainsaw blade you have and are ready to find a replacement, check out the great selection and good prices at ChainsawDeals.com

Tags: chainsaw, chainsaw blade, chainsaw chains, chainsaw parts, chainsaw sharpener

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August 16 2010 | chainsaws | No Comments »

Homelite Chainsaws for the DIY Guy

Homelite Chainsaws have been developed specifically with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. Basically, they are simple for the weekend backyard denizen to operate. Homelite chainsaws take some of the grunt out of yard work. They have a reputation for reliability.

Why Choose a Homelite Chainsaw?

For starters, Homelite is a reliable company with a strong history. This company began in 1921 when Charles H. Ferguson founded the Home Electric Lighting Company in Port Chester, New York. It was later renamed Homelite and made its first electric chainsaw in 1946. A few years later, in 1949, it manufactured a one-man chainsaw and from then on, this company proved itself as a leader in the power equipment industry. But they never stopped improving their line. In 1963, they introduced a lightweight chainsaw that weighed only twelve pounds. Homelite understood the need for a product line that would be easy to use and efficient. Their compact models offer today's homeowners power for their backyard projects at a price they can afford. Buying a Homelite chainsaw is a solid investment backed by this company's reputation and skill in manufacturing a line of tried and true products.

Let's Look at Homelite Chainsaws

Homelite has many models of chainsaws to choose, each with special features for particular types of work. Before being dazzled by their product line, determine your own personal need for a chainsaw. Homeowners won't need the most expensive professional models, which may be too cumbersome and awkward for ordinary backyard use. Homelite specifically has a line of chainsaws geared to do-it-yourselfers, and the features of these models may be exactly what you need. For the average homeowner, the chainsaw bar lengths are 14, 16, 18 or 20 inches. To help you understand what that means, a 14 inch bar can cut through twice its length or 28 inches. Once again, you need to decide what you will be using the saw for before making your purchase.

Chainsaw Safety

Homelite also stresses safety when using their chainsaws. Only use this machine while wearing heavy work gloves, as well as eye and ear protection. The Homelite chainsaws have safety features, like cut-resistant "chaps", which have fibers that release at the saw's impact. This is designed to prevent the skin getting cut. Most do-it-yourselfers prefer the Homelite Ranger model with a 16 inch chainsaw bar. It's powerful enough to take down a small tree and compact enough for regular yard work.

Tags: chainsaw, chainsaw safety, diy, do it yourself, Homelite Chainsaw

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August 14 2010 | chainsaws | No Comments »