Measuring chainsaw bar "gauge"?

[albngore]

Absent a digital caliper, I'm wondering if there is a way to determine the gauge of a bar? You know, the difference between .050 and .058 is a bit tough to eyeball and, lacking numbers on a bar and the fact the the correct chain might not actually be installed, I was guessing that someone on AS might have a way to make that determination. Thanks.

 

[Chainsaw Master]

Got a 58 gauge chain? stick it in the bar, Also I've used 58 guage chain on a worn 50 guage bar many times....or 63 on a worn 58....make sure the driver will slide all the way around the bar......

 

[Grande Dog]

Stacked up feeler gauges work well.

 

[rb_in_va]

al,
Get a set of calipers from ebay. $1 + $5.50 shipping. You can't go wrong. These things come in handy in the shop.

http://cgi.ebay.com/6-Dial-Calipers-NIB-NR_W0QQitemZ7582406472QQcategoryZ25268QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Toneman]

Stacked up feeler gauges work well.

I agree, they work well!

 

[Gearhead1]

The last time I had to check gauge on a bar with no indetification numbers was as these fellas suggested, by using three feeler gauges together to find the actual dimension. Be sure to clean out the bar groove well with a putty knife and measure down in past the initial 3/32" where the wear is greater than it is in the recess of the groove.

 

[albngore]

Thanks. Feeler or old chain--good ideas

Don't know why I didn't think of feeler gauges. That's an easy solution. Thanks.