I have a hook full of chains from saws that I have had for the last 20 years. Presently have a 254 and MS250 that I know which chains go to each saw. My Poulan is not running and haven't used it in years. In a web sight that I looked at, they showed how to measure the pitch and gauge. They also said to count the drive links. If I were to lay the miscellaneous chains out beside the known chains for length, measure pitch, gauge, and count the drive links is it all I would need. There may well be some chains on the hook I could re-sharpen and use. They are all from the saws I use to own and same brands that I presently own. Throw what doesn't measure up away.
Somebody sells a handy chain sizing guide. Less than 10 bucks I think. I have a couple around, use it quite often. Bailey's or some place like that sells them. Might as well buy a chain spinner while you are at it.
I just got a handful of chains with a recent saw purchase and at first glance could tell that they all didn’t go to the saw! So I ended up getting out my handy digital caliper and doing it that way. Once I started separating I used a 2x4 with some nails and hung them accordingly labeling each spot with a pencil. In the process of sizing I did some inspecting and out of the bunch ended up throwing out most of them Son had bent and burred drivers, locked up rivers, missing teeth etc.
