Guide : How to choose your chainsaw bar and chain

CHAINSAW

CHOOSING YOUR CHAINSAW CHAIN AND BAR

Bars and chains are often a source of confusion. This guide helps you select the parts compatible with your chainsaw, simply and without mistakes.

QUICK ANSWER

	The bar length must match the power and the intended use.
	The pitch must be identical on the bar, the chain and the sprocket.
	The gauge (thickness of the drive links) must match the bar groove.
	The number of drive links must be exact for the tension.
	The bar mounting (holes, tensioning, lubrication) must suit your machine.

BAR LENGTH

The length depends on the engine power and the use: a low-powered engine needs a shorter bar.

ENGINE	BAR LENGTH
Corded electric (approx. 750 to 2500 W)	35 to 45 cm
Cordless electric (approx. 500 to 1500 W)	10 to 30 cm
Petrol (approx. 1000 to 2500 W)	35 to 45 cm
Petrol (approx. 2000 to 7000 W)	40 to 110 cm

CHAIN PITCH

The pitch is the distance between 3 consecutive rivets, divided by two. It must be identical on the bar, the chain and the sprocket.

DISTANCE BETWEEN 3 CONSECUTIVE RIVETS

÷ 2 = THE CHAIN PITCH

THE MOST COMMON PITCHES

1/4" .325" 3/8" .404"

GAUGE

The gauge is the thickness of the foot of the drive link, the part that slides in the bar groove. It must be identical on the chain and the bar.

NUMBER OF DRIVE LINKS

The number of drive links is not calculated: it depends on three combined factors and is checked by counting.

BAR LENGTH

CHAIN PITCH

GAUGE

EXACT NUMBER

of drive links

Count the drive links one by one: the total must match your bar and your chain exactly.

CHECKS BEFORE BUYING

	Identical pitch on bar / chain / sprocket.
	Gauge compatible with the bar groove.
	Exact number of drive links.
	Suitable bar mounting: hole pattern, tensioning slot, oil hole.

Unsure about compatibility? Our team will help you find the right bar and the right chain.