How to Find the Pitch of Chainsaw Chains

Chainsaws are high-powered cutting tools designed, primarily, to cut wood. Chainsaws come in a variety of sizes with a variety of chain lengths and widths. When replacing your chainsaw's chain you'll need to know information such as the chain's length, gauge, and pitch. Some chainsaws may take various types of chains, while others may only fit one kind of chain. Some manufacturers associate part numbers to each chain type; with each chain type having a specific pitch.

Measuring tape

Turn off the chainsaw. Engage the safety lock. Unplug an electric chainsaw.

Closely inspect one of the links in the chain. Look for a part number or gauge number stamped on the link. Since different chainsaw manufacturers may use different numbering systems; you need to compare the stamped number to the manufacturer's pitch and gauge chart. These charts can generally be found in the chainsaw's manual or the manufacturer's website. An example is Oregon Chainsaws, which uses "11" to indicate a pitch of 3/4 inch. If you do not see the number marked proceed to Step 3.

Closely inspect the links of the chain. Measure from the center of one rivet in one link to the center of the rivet in the next link. There will be a rivet between these two end-point rivets; skip over this rivet.

Divide the distance number from Step 3 by two. In other words the pitch is the distance that lies between the first and third rivet, of any three rivets in a row, divided by two to get the pitch.

The larger the pitch, the heavier the chain.

The most common chain pitch is 3/8 inch, according to eReplacement Parts.com.

Use extreme caution when handling the chain and making measurements. At all times during this procedure the chainsaw must be turned off and the safety lock must be engaged.