Chainsaw bar upgrades. Forester Platinum, Stihl, Echo, ETC

[@paulhare662]

It appears to me that drilling a hole in front of and behind the original hole in the same diameter and grinding a slot of sorts would work best. Any wider top to bottom than the saw body slot just makes for possible leaks. I've done my bars that way for 40 years and have had good results.

[@hollerwoodsman]

That sounds good. But that world is more work, hahahaha.

[@elvispusley3515]

I have never had an issue with the standard hole. Once in awhile the hole gets plugged. I am usually taken the bar or chain of at least every day and clean the hole during that time. I can see maybe opening it to the next numbered drill-bit size but any bigger is too much.

[@johnarnold3696]

I have noticed that the hole that comes standard in most bars are plugged solid with sticky sawdust. I have opened the holes to 3/16 and it helped but still plugs. I used a die grinder to angle the hole like the stock bar only bigger. I think I will go to 7/32. Tried 30 wt oil that is not sticky and seemed to help a little.

[@hollerwoodsman]

Yeah I think that something has to be done. Opening up the holes definitely helps the bar and chain.

[@dann8902]

Try diluting your bar oil with vegetable oil. Flows better esp in winter

[@hollerwoodsman]

I run some winter blend when it gets cold. I've been running the bars with no issues with oiling for a bit now. I actually had to turn the oil down some.

[@vegar6013]

Not a good idea, this oil doesn't stick on your chain, so it gets to hot and stretch during time.

[@rickwhite3112]

You didn’t show how to drill that hole bigger… or at an angle. Just talk over and over about making the hole bigger. But how??!

[@hollerwoodsman]

Sorry about that, I get kinda excited when the camera is going. I used a 7/ 32-bit straight down. That size might work for you but might not. Just make sure that you don't take out too much and get into the rail. It's easier to drill more than to put back. I got a bar that I need to open up I'll try and make a better video on that one soon. Thanks for watching.