How to Determine the Length and Pitch of a Chainsaw Replacement Chain

Whether you’re using a chainsaw to cut down a tree or just for a good old-fashioned yard work, you’ll need to replace the chain at some point. Fortunately, the process is easy and doesn’t take much time to complete. But it’s important to know some key steps before you start so you can ensure the job is done correctly.

Determining the Chain Length

The first step in determining the length of a replacement chain is to count the drive lugs on the chain. These are the lugs that pass over the drive cog on the saw’s bar tip sprocket to impart movement to the chain. With the chainsaw’s spark plug removed, you can lift the chain away from the bar and see these lugs.

Pitch

The second step in determining the length of a chain is to measure the pitch, which is the distance between any three consecutive rivets on the chain. You can find this number stamped into the bar or on the side of the chainsaw, usually near the saw sprocket.

This is the most important measurement to get right as it determines how smooth and aggressive a chain is. It will also help you to decide which chain you need based on your personal needs and the type of wood you plan to cut.

Full Chisel Chains

The cutting teeth on a full chisel chain are square-cornered and designed to be more aggressive in their ability to cut through hard wood. They’re more popular among professionals and experienced chainsaw users as they can be used for longer periods without having to sharpen.

Semi Chisel Chains

The teeth on a semi chisel chain are round cornered and designed to be less aggressive in their ability to cut through soft wood. They’re more popular among domestic chainsaw users as they can be used for more periods without having to sharpen.

Low Profile Chains

The third main variety of chain is the low profile chain. This type is more likely to be found on domestic chainsaws, as it’s typically used for logging or cutting softwood such as pine.

They are less prone to kickback but still have the same amount of risk and need to be carefully selected for use on the particular tree you’re cutting through.

Gauge

The thickness of the chain’s drive links (the tooth-like underside of the chain that fits into the grooves in the guide bar) is measured with a chain gauge. This measurement is found in the manual or on the chainsaw itself and can range from.043′′ to.058′′ with the lower sizes being the most common.

These measurements are critical in ensuring the replacement chain is the correct size for your specific model of chainsaw and guide bar. If the chain is too thin for your model, you may have difficulty gaining traction with it and it could even come off the bar.

Once you’ve matched up the right size, you can install the chain onto the guide bar. Make sure the chain is tightened to the correct tension so that it won’t slide off during use. This should take only a few minutes, but be sure to check the chain’s tension periodically to prevent it from over-extending and breaking.