⛓️The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Chainsaw Bar Replacement
There's not much more frustrating than realizing your chainsaw bar needs replacing. It seems like the least likely part of a chainsaw that would break down, right? Sure, you could expect the chain itself to break, or maybe the pull start fails, but the bar? Really? Yet, there are genuine reasons why you might need to replace your bar. The sprocket nose can break, or you can damage the bar by dropping it or getting it pinched in a tree, which can bend it or damage the groove where the chain runs.
The Science of a Chainsaw Bar: More Than Just a Guide
The chainsaw bar isn't just a passive piece of metal; it's an engineered component designed for precision and efficiency. Its primary job is to guide the saw chain with minimal friction. Together with the sprocket and a well-oiled chain, a properly chosen bar translates the saw’s engine power into cutting performance with as little loss as possible. The construction of the bar, whether it's solid or laminated, and the design of the sprocket nose all play a critical role in the saw's overall performance and safety.
๐Top-Rated Chainsaw Bars for Every Need
Here are some of the best and most popular replacement bars on the market, each suited for different tasks and user needs.
| Brand Name | Recommended Size | Reason for Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon 105667 Bar and AdvanceCut S50 Chain Combo | 14 inches | Offers great maneuverability for light-duty tasks and is compatible with many chainsaw models. The included chain and budget-friendly price make it an excellent value. |
| Husqvarna 531300438 Chainsaw Bar | 18 inches | Known for its lightweight design, making it easier to handle, this bar is perfect for regular tree and limb cutting. Its mid-range size offers versatility for various cutting tasks. |
| STIHL Rollomatic 20-inch Chainsaw Bar | 20 inches | Designed for light-duty work, this bar is affordable and well-made, providing reliability for occasional use without sacrificing quality. It's also praised for its easy installation and slip-resistant features. |
| Forester 36-inch Bar | 36 inches | This bar is noted for its affordability and durability, making it a good choice for extensive use, such as in a firewood business or for power company work. It’s well-regarded for its long-lasting performance. |
| Oregon 105671 20-inch Replacement Bar and Chain Combo | 20 inches | Features a Lubritec oiling system to keep the bar and chain well-lubricated, reducing friction and wear. It’s known for its smooth operation and low kickback, which enhances safety during use. |
A Note on Brands: Oregon vs. Stihl
It's probably lost on the average woodcutter, but Stihl is the only chainsaw manufacturer to make their saw chains, guide bars, and engine units in-house. This means all their components work together perfectly. However, Oregon is the hot name in bars and other chainsaw parts worldwide. Many branded saws come with Oregon bars from the factory. The truth is that Oregon bars are a quality product and often just a little bit cheaper than the OEM replacement part, which is why so many Stihl users trust them as a high-quality replacement.
๐What to Consider When Choosing a Replacement Bar
Length Matters
The first thing to consider is the length of the bar. As a general rule, you should replace like with like. Your chainsaw's engine is designed to power a specific bar length. If you put a bar on your engine that is too long, you may find the saw performs so poorly it can't cut wood effectively. Electric chainsaws, for example, do not have the same power as gas engines, so most will only ever have a bar that's 18 inches or less. For the casual user, replacing the bar with one of the same length and shape as the original is the safest bet.
Solid vs. Laminated Bar
Weight is also an important factor. A lighter bar is easier to handle, but a heavier bar can often endure more stress. This comes down to their construction:
- Solid Bars: Made from a single, solid piece of steel, these offer maximum strength and durability.
- Laminated Bars: Made by joining two steel rails with a steel core, these bars are lighter and offer more flexibility.
Rollomatic vs. Duromatic Bars
You may also see terms like "Rollomatic" and "Duromatic," which are trademarks for Stihl's specialized bars:
- Rollomatic: This is a "sprocket-nose" bar. The sprocket in the tip allows the chain to roll around the nose with minimal friction, which is great for reducing wear and kickback tendencies.
- Duromatic: This is a "hard-nose" bar made from solid, ultra-strong steel with no sprocket. It's designed for extreme conditions, like construction or rescue services, but it will get hotter and stretch the chain more than a Rollomatic bar.
⚙️How to Fix a Seized Chain Bar Sprocket
Jamming your bar's sprocket can be an annoying interruption. First, check for debris. Often, a wood chip is simply caught in the sprocket. You can usually clean this out with a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. If that doesn't work, soaking the tip of the bar in kerosene or mineral spirits can help dissolve old grease and muck. Once you get it moving again, be sure to re-grease the sprocket. If the guide rails have been pinched together, you may be able to gently pry them back into position with a screwdriver. For more expert guidance, check here. If the sprocket is physically damaged, it's time for a replacement bar.