How do you know it's time for a new bar?

What are the signs or symptoms that it is time for a new bar?

 

Well..... when the drivers don't clear the bottom of the groove. If you can't squeeze the rails in any more. Other than physical damage it's hard to wear one out. What issues are you having ?

 

If it looks like the last letter of the alphabet it’s time lol.

I’ve dug many a bar out of the bin at the local mower shop and fixed them fairly easy. A little file, hammer and grinding is all it takes. I have seen a few that were never flipped and used in a particular way a lot so they develop a worn spot beyond what you can clean up.

 

When they quit serving you drinks, and accuse you of having too much!











Seriously though, put a straight edge up against the bar & a cutter, then look for a gap where the cutter holds the straight edge away from the bar (a gap is good).

Madsens1.com has a good article on that, under ‘Bar & Saw Chain’, then go to ‘Guide Bar Maintenance’.

 

The one on the right looks a bit like the one I'm about to toss.

 

My chainsaw hasn't been cutting great lately and I wasn't sure if it was the bar or frozen wood.

 

Great information!

 

I did the straight edge test and it is time for a new bar. Thanks

 

I have a 37" bar that the groove is V'd on. I've tried many different methods to close the rails, all with no success. So I found a 42 to replace it.

 

Me too. Well, a tree did the bending, but it was my fault.

 

In my opinion........ groove wear is more of a problem for people who for some reason or another don't run a sharp chain. Long before the saw starts cutting a curve the chain is being pushed to the side. All it takes is one side being a little bit sharper and the chain will favor that side.

 

Or in my case, someone who took too long to learn how to properly file. Chain is always sharp, but I was messing up the angles from one side to the other.

 

Welcome to the club, theburtman !
i think you're gonna like it here!

 

Oh man.......I missed he's a new hire.
Welcome aboard theburtman !

 

Welcome aboard theburtman


I was gonna run with this...

But I missed the opportunity.


I'll try to do better.

 

That's the best information and illustration I've ever seen on determining bar wear.

 

Welcome theburtman and robertb , you’re gonna like it here, I guarantee it! We like pics, dogs and beer. We also like spending your money on accoutrements to enhance your addiction,,,errr, meant hoard. If you want to buy something, just ask and you’ll be flooded with encouragement,,,,,its that easy! Great folks here eager to lend advice or a hand.

Nice to meet you

 

X2... great folks on here from all walks of life and all over the world.

 

I have had a number of saws in my life, but currently have three in the shed, the oldest going back to the early 1990's. I have never replaced a bar on any of them. They are all used in a random rotation depending on the job required. And I am sure I have unwittingly flipped the bar on them when replacing chains which probably has helped, and while I have cut a lot of firewood, I am certainly no logger or professional.

I did notice last fall that the sprocket on the end of my 18" husky 51 was a little sticky, so I cleaned it with WD-40, then lubed it up with Fluid Film, and haven't thought about since, until now. Which is a good thing, as I will be more mindful now of such matters with all the good information I have learned here.