Determining bar and chain size ?

[Harvey]

I have a small Jonsered 2035,  it needs a new chain,  according to the manuel it's a 16" chain.  I measured the bar itself and it's about 18" from the back to the tip.  Just how do you measure to determine the size?

Tks
Harvey

[CX3]

Chain gauge and number of drivers required should be stamped on the bar

[John Mc]

To order a new loop of chain, you'll need to know the gauge (thickness of the drive link), pitch (basicaly, a measure of the length of a link of chain), and number of drive links in the loop.

As CX3 mentioned, the numbers should be stamped on the bar. Being a Jonsered, I'm guessing the gauge of the chain is either .050" or .058" (these numbers might be in metric, rather than inch, in which case you'll find 1.3 or 1.5). Other gauges of chain are made, but those seem to be the most common on Jonsereds. If the stamp is unreadable, you can try measuring the thickness of one of the drive links (the little "tang" that sticks down into the bar) - you'll need a micrometer or a digital caliper (or something else that can measure accurately down to .001")  Note that these drive links may be worn, which will throw the measurement off.

You'll also need the number of drive links that make up your loop of chain. This should be stamped on the bar, sometimes with "DL" or the outline of a drive link near it. If all else fails, count the number of drive links in your loop of chain.

For the chain pitch, I'm guessing you have either .325" or .375" LP (low profile). This should also be stamped on the bar somewhere (again, this could be in metric). If this is unreadable, you can probably figure it out from the number of drive links in the loop (see above). If you really do have a 16" bar, and the number of rive links is around 55 or 56,  you've probably got .375" LP chain. If it's 66 (or 67) you've probably got .325 pitch chain.

Or, you could take the easy way out: Take the saw in to your nearest chain saw shop, and ask them for a loop to fit it. While you are at it, ask them what kind of chain it is, so you'll know what to ask for next time without having to bring the saw back in. NOTE: at least around here, taking the saw to a local hardware store or "big box" store that also sells some chainsaws is very likely to get you the wrong kind of chain for your bar/saw.

Our Forum Sponsor, Baileys can also walk you through finding the correct chain for your saw. They stock quite a variety at reasonable prices.

[Cut4fun]

Oregon bar and chain selector can help you too.

http://www.oregonchain.com/pro/lookups/selguide.aspx?BusId=OCS&SellReg=USA&LangId=ENG

[John Mc]

A quick & dirty way of determining your bar's gauge from one of Bailey's blogs:

Here's the link: The 36 Cent Chainsaw Bar Gauge

or the text:

Time for a Change? The 36 Cent Chainsaw Bar Gauge Determination Tool
by dotcompost 12. November 2010 22:15

Bailey's 36 cent bar gauge determination tool

Numbers worn off your bar? Forget the last time you ordered a bar or chain for your chainsaw? Dog ate your chainsaw manual? If you don't have a good way to measure your bar groove, perhaps it's time for a change. Now you too, can have a Bar Gauge Tool for the low, low price of only 36 cents. Each of the coins below will fit snugly in the corresponding gauge chainsaw bar groove.

Quarter = .063 gauge
Penny = .058 gauge
Dime = .050 gauge

Once you figure out your chainsaw bar's gauge, be sure to check out our comprehensive selection of chainsaw bars and saw chain!

Good cutting,
dotcompost

Note that what determines the fit is the "rim" around the edge of the coins, so you should pick a coin that's not all chewed up on the edge. I checked the coins mentioned with a micrometer, and the rims are all just a few thousandths of a inch bigger than the gauge size, so it makes sense that they should be a snug fit -- assuming your bar rails aren't pinched, sprung, or overly worn.

All of my bars are the same gauge, so I don't have trouble remembering, but this should come in handy when a friend asks "what kind of chain do I need for my chainsaw?"

Thanks, Bailey's!

John Mc

[Harvey]

Thanks for the replys gentleman.

Have a Merry Christmas