I think Ive confused myself over this by overthinking it but figured I'd ask the mighty OB

I got a matching pole saw attachment for my weedeater for my birthday. Was going stir crazy in the house yesterday so I finally put it together and started trimming some limbs. The manual said to keep checking the chain tension and recommended tightening every 5 or so cuts at the beginning. Well I got in a rhythm and cut a bunch then hit a fat limb and threw the chain. Unfortunately when I threw the chain I also bent 3 of the drive inner links. I tried to straighten out but it just does not slide well anymore in the bar. Likely a cheap factory chain and easier to get a new one then spend time messing with the bent one.

So here is my question. The saw has an 8 inch bar and i measure the chain to be 12 inches long.

So I go by a 12 inch chain right??? Or is that the chainsaw blades are labeled according to the bar size and I would get an 8 inch labeled chain?

Just want to make sure i'm not over thinking this and end up making multiple trips to the store.

Thanks

Usually bar length. Aftermarket chains will usually same something along the lines of "Fits 18" Echo."

Usually there will be a 'pitch', which is the distance between drive teeth, and then the number of links.

You could also google replacement chains for your model/brand, of course I'm assuming you didn't try that already.

This may help.