Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): chainsaw chain, chainsaw chains, correct measure

Question
QUESTION: Hi John! Remember me? Tate's Auto Service , retired. John, I have 2 new chains for my chainsaw that are too long. I need to remove links to shorten and I intend to carefully grind away the rivit with a Dremel tool. I don't have a master link so can I safely make/use a rivit from a piece of welding rod? Do you have any advice that will help me? Thanks, Bill

ANSWER: Hi Bill:

>>I Hope All is Well with You and Yours. Welcome Back.
>>I Never Suggest Using Anything but the Proper Part for Repairing Chains. I have Seen too Many Dangerous Situations Using Improper Chain Links.
>>I Feel I have been Lucky to have Not Seen Anything Really Tragic, but a Sliced Open Leg from Using a Nail as a Rivit was Bad enough.
>>For Your Safety and the Safety of Others, Please Do Not Do this.
>>I have a Salesman that Visits the Shop that Carries an Assorted Rivit Kit and I have Used these Rivits on MY Personel Chainsaw Chains with No Problems, but I Do Not Use them on Customers Equipment for Insurance Reasons.
>>It was Great Hearing from you again.
>>Thanks Again for Using All Experts. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John, I will take your advice and not shorten the chain. Instead, I will buy a new bar (worn anyway) to match the two new chains I have. How do I know the length of bar to buy? I have forgotten. I think it is a "14. If I lay the new chain("unbroken",full loop) stretched out and measure, will that be correct? Measure the bar? Thanks, Bill

Answer
Hi Bill:

>>Great. I am Glad you Reconsidered. Thanks.
>>Measure the Bar from the Back of the Adjustment Slot (where the Bar Bolts to the Saw) of the Bar to the End of the Bar. This will give you the Correct Length of the Bar.
>>Remember that the Chain Length will be Determined by the Style Bar you Purchase. There are Slim Bars and Wide Bars. If you Purchased the Chain for the Saw Model, then Purchase the Bar for the Model Saw Also and the Chain should Fit without a Problem.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Hi Bill:

>>I just Realized I Typed in the "Back of the Adjustment Slot" and it should have been the "Front of the Adjustment Slot" on the Bar. Set the Ruler at the Suspected Length (14" or 16") of the Bar at the Bar Tip and Measure Back to the Slotted area of the Bar. You should have Maybe 1/4" to 1/2" of Ruler Over into the Slotted Area of the Bar.
>>I had too Many Irons in the Fire this Morning when I was Answering your Question.
>>I appoligize for the Mistake.

Respectfully

John