Chainsaw Bar Length

[Stihlpete]

Hey guys, i have a question on chaisaw bars.

I need to purchase a new bar and i cant work out which length bar i need to get.

The bar total length is 21 inches so do i get a 21 Inch bar or is the bar length only the cutting length... Im so confused and i cant find the answere anywhere... Thanks

 

[Brasco20]

Take it to a dealer, they can answer your question. I know i have a 25 inch bar, but i havent measured from end to end. I get your question, but without throwing a tape on my bar i cant give a good answer.

 

['74 UA FJ]

Bar length is cutting length, iirc.

 

[e9999]

Yes, IIRC, whenever I measured mine the nominal bar length was the exposed portion sticking out from the engine housing. However, it was not an exact measurement and varied from manufacturer to manuf, as in plus or minus a good 1/2 inch or more. I vaguely remember a "16" " bar measuring more like 15". So I think it's basically more a rough estimate.
This could get tricky when you buy a chain if the "hidden" portion of the bars varies in length. Should go by number of links or match bar and chain manuf I guess. The adjustment can only take care of so much variation.

 

[fj40charles]

Hey guys, i have a question on chaisaw bars.

I need to purchase a new bar and i cant work out which length bar i need to get.

The bar total length is 21 inches so do i get a 21 Inch bar or is the bar length only the cutting length... Im so confused and i cant find the answere anywhere... Thanks

What numbers are written on the existing bar? What model saw?

 

['74 UA FJ]

Yes, IIRC, whenever I measured mine the nominal bar length was the exposed portion sticking out from the engine housing. However, it was not an exact measurement and varied from manufacturer to manuf, as in plus or minus a good 1/2 inch or more. I vaguely remember a "16" " bar measuring more like 15". So I think it's basically more a rough estimate.
This could get tricky when you buy a chain if the "hidden" portion of the bars varies in length. Should go by number of links or match bar and chain manuf I guess. The adjustment can only take care of so much variation.

Usually the bar is stamped with the length and number of drive links...

 

[e9999]

Usually the bar is stamped with the length and number of drive links...

yup, best to go by number of links, although the markings on some bars I have seen were a bit cryptic, but I suspect some folks (not the OP obviously) will just buy whatever chain says "16in" if they think that's what they have. Plus they may not have any idea the length of the link must match the drive gear pitch, the guides match the bar slot width etc. Amazingly, I have seen folks use chainsaws with the chain hanging loosely an inch away from the bar.

 

[fj40charles]

yup, best to go by number of links, although the markings on some bars I have seen were a bit cryptic, but I suspect some folks (not the OP obviously) will just buy whatever chain says "16in" if they think that's what they have. Plus they may not have any idea the length of the link must match the drive gear pitch, the guides match the bar slot width etc. Amazingly, I have seen folks use chainsaws with the chain hanging loosely an inch away from the bar.

I have not seen any numbers that were cryptic. Worst case, you can take you existing bar and chain to a real chain saw store (like a Stihl dealer and not sears or homo depot) to have them look at the bar/chain. If they don't have the chain in stock (pre packaged), they should be able to make you one on the spot.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Take it to the dealer, yours might also hold a longer bar than you have been using..longer to me is better. My thought to is to count the links of the chain. I do like my Stihl Farm Boss. MIke