How to Measure a Chainsaw Bar | A Guide 2023

If you find yourself in a situation where your chainsaw bar needs swapping out, you need to be able to properly measure the bar to secure a suitable replacement. If this is your first time measuring a chainsaw bar, the process can be a little confusing as there are several different ways a bar can be measured.

How to Measure a Chainsaw Bar

There a couple of methods you can use for measuring a chainsaw bar, with both relatively easy to follow. Below, we break down what steps to take to ensure you always get a true reading when measuring chainsaw bars so you can find a suitable replacement.

True Bar & Cutting Measurements

If you want to find true bar and cutting length measurements, you should begin by removing the spark plug wire of your chainsaw. This will prevent your chainsaw from starting. Next, place your chainsaw on an even surface, with the handle facing upwards. You should then identify the screws holding the cover of your chainsaw in place, using a screwdriver to loosen and remove them. You then need to find the wire that connects to the round port underneath the chainsaw, removing the wire so you have disconnected the spark plug from its power source. Never measure the bar length while the spark plug wire is still connected, as you run the risk of the tool starting as you carry out your measurements.

You should measure the distance from the very end of the bar, right down to the point where it enters the main body of the chainsaw. This will give you the cutting length measurement of your chainsaw. If the measurement falls shy of a round number, be sure to round it up to the next inch. Th majority of cutting bar lengths range from 14 inches to 20 inches.

You should can also take away the clutch cover of your chainsaw to easily remove the bar. To do this, identify the screws on the right-hand side of your chainsaw that are securing the cover in place. Once you have found them, remove them. You can now take the cover away from your chainsaw, which will provide you access to the remaining length of your chainsaw bar. When you move the bar slightly forward, it will release from the clutch. This will allow you to easily pull it free from the bolts with little effort.

With the bar fully removed you can use a tape measure to record its true length. Unless you pay close attention to what you are doing, it can be easy to record an imprecise measurement at this point. Use a long enough tape measure so that you can fully measure the chainsaw bar, end to end. If the overall measurement falls shy of a whole number, round it to the nearest inch. The majority of chainsaw bar lengths range from 8 inches, right up to 24 inches. The true bar length of your chainsaw will always be somewhat longer than the standard cutting length of your chainsaw.