When A Chainsaw Bar Needs To Be Replaced!

Ever wonder if you should replace your chainsaw bar? In this video I show you exactly what to look for so that you don't need to guess!
Proper chain tension and good bar oil is the key to prevent wear and tear and make your chainsaw bars last longer!
The three major brands of chainsaw bars I recommend are CANNON, OREGON and STIHL.
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[@donyboy73]

Proper chain tension and good bar oil is the key to prevent wear and tear and make your chainsaw bars last longer!

[@josepadron30]

I have a question, my chain gets loose even if get a new chain the screw is all the way but it won’t tight anymore. What do I do should I get a new bar ?

[@donyboy73]

@@josepadron30 Yes possibly, make sure you have the correct chain for bar.

[@josepadron30]

I do

[@josepadron30]

Same number but even if the chain is new starts getting loose little by little and I keep adjusting it till can’t adjust it anymore and is just all loose.

[@tautvis24]

Check the tensioner, the worm gear and screw can strip out, feels maxed out, but may be hitting a stripped thread and will not turn

[@seandwyer2020]

Don, I always find the clarity of your videos impressive. Most KZbin instructional videos for small engine repair have poor, out of focused shots and the information given is rather haphazard. Your instructions have helped me immensely. Thank you.

[@donyboy73]

thanks Sean

[@JDog72MC]

I work at a stihl dealership and all bars come with what looks like a “burnt” edge. It’s actually not burnt they heat them up and harden them so they are less vulnerable to early wear.

[@treeguyable]

Under the paint, there is some manufacturing " heat" marks, for assembly, and tempering. But... a tip , whether rollomatic, or hard nose, can be over heated during use, under certain conditions, and usually makes the bar or tip, bluish, and unserviceable at that point.

[@elaineswartz141]

Tremendous and accurate information. No music or other distraction.👍

[@georgedavall9449]

Amen to that! Cant stand these content creators that feel the need to subject us to insipid music in the background. Also despise fast fwd’g! Good comment Elaine!

[@williamriedel1686]

Also, he gets right to the subject matter with a long repetitive intro or unnecessary “humor” or unrelated garbage. Much appreciated.

[@ama409573]

I understood that the "burning" on the bar edges is actually induction hardening. If you take the paint off a new Stihl unused bar you will see "burning" an indication of induction hardening. Can't speak for other manufactuers but Stihl does this to increase the life of their bars.

[@wildwillie6132]

Hey thanks. Never knew I could learn so much about a subject in such a short video. My hat is off to you for excellence in presentation.

[@Blazer02LS]

Only thing I saw missing was to look at the channel in the bar and make sure the guide rails are flat and even. Wear on one rail will cause the saw to cut to one side.

[@Customsouthernarms]

Every time you sharpen your chain, flip your bar over. It helps them wear evenly.

[@paftaf]

Custom Southern Arms Flip it once a year, that’s enough. Or flip it each time to replace your chain

[@nobodythatyouknow241]

That is way over kill. Even if you you run your saw a full 8 hours, once a day is plenty.

[@davemills3734]

My old bar needs replaced but not sure if it can be. It is the original bar on Stihl 034av that I bought in 86. What I’m looking for is 18” 3/8 63 gauge 66dl sprocket nose. I really like the hard nose, don’t think I’ve ever cut firewood with out pinching the tip.

[@eriedawg]

That Stihl bar is blue around the perimeter from from the factory. It has been heat treated, it's then painted. You wear the paint off and it's exposed.

[@dirtyshirtinfo]

eriedawg Thanks for the info. I got my saw hot with a dull chain and thought I’d burned up the bar when I saw the blue line under a paint chip 👍

[@kennethrobinson1672]

👍

[@markkulyas2418]

@toto222ist maybe it got to hot for the paint, but not to hot to damage the steel.

[@kenberscheit948]

the tip on the new scrench's are cut as to be able to run the tip down the groove of the blade and clean the groove!!! most dont know that

[@Cattimanmatt]

Where that blue line is isn't burnt it's the temper line of the rails

[@treeguyable]

I can usually close the bar gap once or twice, before it just becomes no good. Bought one of the old Bailey bar rail closers, not too good at all. Vice grips, a 1/2 " at a time , works way better.

[@wbgator1]

I HAVE BEEN USING chainsaws for 0ver 40 yrs. thought I knew pretty much everything. You can teach something to even the most experienced person. I always thought that a curve cut or one that goes sideways was the fault of the chain....... uneven sharpening, etc. Thanks

[@trouts4444]

Donny, when poking around for help it is always a relief when a video pops up and it is by you. I'm pretty much guaranteed that this will be my last stop and I'll get the info I need. Thanks for a lot of great videos.

[@donyboy73]

thanks

[@chinlaiyo9565]

@@donyboy73 when you replace the bar and chain do you need to replace the sprocket

[@donyboy73]

@@chinlaiyo9565yes sometimes you do

[@ebby651]

A great video. I did not know about the oil holes on the rear and the gease hole near the sprockets. I think I definitely need to replace the bar and maintain them based on your video. Thanks a million!

[@WaterPig98]

Great video! I watch quite a few and your video is very informative and useful with safety tips for the users! Thanks

[@gchewo]

Thank you DonyBoy. After doing research for awhile I finally found the reason my chain was cutting even right after sharpening. Thank you again you saved me some big bucks and headeaches from now on. You are the man

[@eddiewilson4291]

I bought a Stihl 048 new around 1980-81. Saw still run like a new saw, I had to put a kit in the carb because of sitting for long periods. It still has the original Bar. It has been through too many chains to count. Flip it and keep the chain sharp !

[@jos6415]

I once had a saw that refused to cut straight. I made sure the chain was evenly sharpened, that the bar groove was clean, and that the bar had no burrs. I filed the bar flat and it cut straight for a little while only. I eventually traced to problem to a defective bar. A bar is made from 3 laminates that are spot welded together. Believe it or not the outside laminate on one side was thicker (heavier gauge) than the other so the thin side would wear much faster and cause the chain to deflect...

[@Hakkeholt]

I used to use bio-chainsaw oil, never again, every summer the oil drain would block and then in winter had to put diesel in the tank to get it clean, off course diesel is nasty stuff when you're chainsawing but it unblocks the oil system.

[@wayneberry8703]

Thanks Dony, I will be checking my bars tomorrow for any obvious signs of wear and tear.

[@kylebible3022]

Ever seen a bar without a front bar sprocket .. I can tell you there was one there when I started.. thanks for all the tips

[@donyboy73]

yes actually some old bars had no sprocket even when new

[@GmGarlo]

really great tips on bars , lots of info , spoken like a true bushman, thanks donny

[@MrHanowski]

So how do you fix the bar edge when it's worn? Also, don't use grease for the spocket tip unless used regularly. IMO, oil from the chain is sufficient. I've NEVER worn out the sprocket tip using chain oil.

[@BrucesShop]

You 2 stroke videos lately have been great Don. Thanks a lot.

[@donyboy73]

+Bruce Pender thanks Bruce, yours are great too

[@davidjoeseph2646]

Currently fighting my ms170 as it cuts about like crap. Chain seems sharp. Bar not messed up. Still overheating after cleaning oil ports. Out of ideas

[@semco72057]

Before I learned to sharpen my chains, I use to go and buy new chains until I got tired of them building up.I have a Stihl, and a Poulan and the latter gave me better service. The Stihl stayed in the shop too much under warrenty and out of warrenty as well. Right now it needs to go back in once more for repairs. I never let my bars get in the condition of those I saw in the video and would quickly replace them if they had any of the damage you showed.

[@juppster5694]

Great information! Very well presented, thank you 🙏

[@justme-jf8fq]

Comprehensive, covered the bases. I learned a lot, thanks!

[@mrnathnlan6291]

I never replace my since new it’s burnt to limit but still going strong

[@tonietoney5917]

I agree with Wild Willie - I sure learned a lot in the short time it took to watch this video. I'm not well informed when it comes to chainsaws but it's clear to me that I haven't been cleaning mine enough. I have a question, Don, that might reflect my ignorance. I have three chains that seem sharp to me but their length has increased through usage to the point that I can no longer get them tight enough. Would you explain to me why it is not advisable to remove a link or two? I must be overlooking something - probably obvious to the more knowledgeable. My chains have 50 drive links. Why can't I reduce that down to 49? Or is it a doable practice?

[@davemills3734]

Use saw dust to soak up oil on driveway. Remove saw dust to help lubricant bar. Got it. Thanks

[@stephencrosby8143]

Your video is very helpful, informative. With my chainsaw, when cutting through larger, 12-14 in. logs, the cut wants to curve so it is t a straight and even cut. What causes this? My bar has no burrs, unusual signs of overheating. When I lay it on a totally flat surface, I see a very small wobble side to side when on one side but not on the other suggesting a very slight warp. Might this be the cause? Thanks very much for the video and your response.

[@rosewispinsk9901]

Love the video !!! why would the bar ware on one side of the groves please as one side is lower then the other

[@barbeonline351]

Another basic I was taught-- flip your bar routinely. Some say as often as every tank of fuel. Spread the wear over both edges. Just be ready when someone ribs you because the logo on the bar is upside down.

[@joec1951]

Thanks Donny enjoy your helpful video's very much, I myself replace the bar and chain every few years never had a problem.

[@KyleRevives]

2:55 that’s exactly my problem. Thanks sir!

[@manofsteel423]

I'll clean a bar for a customer when I do that, I make sure the grooves are clean and I make sure to clean out the sprocket on the end. I'll use an amsoil lubricant and shoot the tip of the bar and lubricate the track on both sides take my compressed air and blow out the tracks then I'll shoot air at an angle on the sprocket and get the sprocket to sing a loud whining pitch then install the bar and chain.

[@averagejew]

Top off the bar oil, but fill to less than full tank of gas- that way you run out of gas before you run dry on bar oil.

[@ipguyman108]

great idea..!

[@900stx7]

If you saw is operating properly it should run out of gas before the oil runs out.

[@ChilleDxFighteR]

All saws are designed to run out of gas before oil if you fill up with oil with every tank but a lot of people dont

[@ShermanT.Potter]

Best video I have found on when to replace a guide bar and all of the signs to look for. Well done, sir!

[@chips4289]

you are so right..people dont realize a bad bar can keep your chain from cutting properly..I loaned a saw out and when I got it back all chains were dull and I noticed the bottom edge of the bar was blue. I told the guy ..you should fill the oil reservoir everytime you fuel the saw up...apparently he did not since he burnt the bar. Next time I used the saw after sharpening all chains, it still didn't cut good. so I flipped the bar over to the good side and it cut fine. I guess I will have to buy a new bar and just keep this as a back up since it has one good side. I wont loan my saws anymore ..everytime I do, they are destroyed or I have to repair them! One time when I wasn't home a friend came by to borrow a saw..he happened to grab my saw with a very aggressive chain ($50 chain) he then used it to cut the roof off a building they were re-roofing. it came back with broken teeth and missing teeth...He never replaced it..another reason not to loan good tools out.

[@philliphall5198]

It’s so hot in Texas so I add STP to my TSC oil , it works great and I watch it like a hack

[@jacquesblaque7728]

To compile a few things about apparently healthy bar-rails that act up: chain must ride with side-straps on the rails, not drive-links on groove bottom; rails must be of even height to avoid cutting circles- can be leveled with file or bench-grinder; burrs outside rail can snag in a cut, and can be easily filed off. In the first case, bar is used up. Likely also with spread rails.

[@georgedavall9449]

Wow look atchoo! Impressive Nice comment Jacqie

[@nheng6913]

Another great video. Good content, to the point and clearly presented. Thanks !

[@thomasshort6738]

Straight to the point , great video! Thank You

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Thank you! You did a great job with your presentation and I learned a lot.

[@clarissemoustache838]

Just bought a new small echo cs 303t. It does not seem to cut wood and gets stuck and even stalls. Any ideas as to why. Chain is sharp. It is 30cc.

[@gerryhohler4040]

Great video.....now I know why even a new chain still cuts poorly....my bar is shot! Thanks

[@ipguyman108]

How do you know if the spur teeth are safe??? Thanks Donyboy....!

[@vick77ful]

Good video donyboy really good ideas and tips. I was just out cutting yesterday and was wondering why my cuts were going sideways. Now I know. Thanks.

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome

[@rooster3019]

This an older video, but one tip to reduce wear is to pre-oil the bar groove on new bar or cleaned bar before use.

[@philliphall5198]

Yep clean bar track out even during cutting to

[@jasonmichaels558]

I really enjoy your videos. You do an excellent job explaining various procedures and diagnosing problems. I often refer to your channel when I come up a piece of equipment that has me stumped.

[@farmboyhh1]

Great video! I learned I'll have to check on a lot of things I'd never thought of checking! Thanks!

[@phil3332]

l,m learning as much as l can before l start using my chainsaw but what l would like to know do you ( l ) slacken the chain after using it/ putting it away until the next time that l want to use it

[@peterford9369]

Great point. Bars aren't that expensive either. Makes no sense to run a messed up bar or chain. Anyone that has any power tools know a dull blade is ridiculous to run,,, no difference with a chainsaw bar and chain.

[@markdening9549]

Always wondered how tight to do the chain, thanks

[@halfazzhomesteader]

Good video Donny,have you ever replaced just the tip on the 2 piece bars,how about a video on that.

[@bbruuse]

You are the "BEST", Thanks I've learned so much from your channel;

[@MrHanowski]

How much side to side chain rocking is allowed before the bar is considered worn out? Mine rocks side to side, but don't know what is excessive. Also don't know if excess rocking is caused by worn bar, worn chain, or both. So not sure if I should replace the bar, chain, or both. Why is it important to file the edges of the bar? Thanks.

[@johnbernier34]

Hello- I’m terrible at KZbin searching. Stihl ms250, new aftermarket chain doesn’t fit in the groove. Do you have a way of “opening it up” ? Thank you, John

[@STMwoodturning]

Can you make a video for choosing after market parts for Stihl chainsaws? I have an old 024AV that needs a piston and cylinder and when I looked on ebay and Amazon for parts, there were too many choices. I need some guidelines to follow so I can get decent quality parts without breaking the bank. I use my saw around the house and not as a professional so I don't need top quality. Thanks.

[@phil3332]

Hi just wanted to know that when l finished with the chainsaw and want to store it away until the next time do l slacken the chain off or leave t how it is

[@thanxx]

Hey donny,first off...thanks for setting up this excellent channel.you really have no idea just how much money you have saved me over the years so thanks for that:) i have just put a new piston in a partner k650 and was wondering how should i run it in?

[@donyboy73]

+thanxx use more oil for the first few tanks

[@truthseeker9284]

I have a stihl farm boss chainsaw. The oil pump works fine and fills the channel on the top of the bar with oil but hardly any oil comes off the tip of the bar in fact most of it gets slung around the clutch housing is there something wrong with my bar?

[@Kiefy6886]

Wow I learned a lot. Thank you

[@ianschulze1461]

I've learned so much from your videos. Thank you.

[@GPW787]

Excellent tutorial.

[@jeffm4554]

Wow - you really do a great job with these videos. I've learned a lot - Thanks!

[@RG-wy1ol]

Thanks for making this video very HELPFUL 👍🏽👍🏽.

[@rosamaserati]

The rim sprocket and the bearing have to be checked regularly for wear too. It's better to check how many washers are in the original design because is possible to lose them over the time like my used ones.

[@marklam8548]

Washers? Where?

[@vasileios9338]

Such useful videos. I would like to make a question. Using old car engine oil as bar oil has any affection on bar or cutting? i'm saying this from recycling-reusing point of view.

[@donyboy73]

it's hard on the oil line and pump on newer saws and the bar will wear out quicker

[@nobodythatyouknow241]

Not a good idea. I doesn't have the same lube properties and bar oil is tacky. Helps it stick and not so easily thrown off by centrifugal force.

[@10minlaterugotdropoed88]

Whit this tight chain as you showed in the video I burnt out my bar after 5 uses. No try to be on loose side and it’s way better

[@mypointofblue5260]

great tips! Thanks!

[@levibartley9264]

Define something really cool I just learned at 5:00 the oiler he used to oil the chain was sent to him by my neighbor a few Christmases ago it's from Harbor Freight his name is Tom

[@mikeashcraft4354]

Even during this Flu 19, trees still need felling, limbing. Have been enjoying your "lessons" and have made good use of your knowlege. My question is, why are parts for Stihl & other mfgs so costly? Is it tarrifs, shipping?

[@donyboy73]

not sure but stihl likes to please the shareholders and make their stuff cheaper quality every year

[@roadwarrior8560]

Excellent video, thanks.

[@mcmaster22]

Thanks Dony Great video. Just want to let you know again how much I enjoy and appreciate your videos and also the time you put in them. Have a Great weekend.

[@donyboy73]

+mcmaster22 thanks

[@cartee72]

Hey DonyBoy mine is a McCullough PM 36

[@maddawgnoll]

What if your chain doesn't move freely even when loose. Mine feels like it's gummed up. I keep my bas clean and very well maintained, same with my saw.

[@donyboy73]

It could be gummed up, check out my new video on a similar issue! have a good weekend!

[@toledo3211]

Great video! would a worn out bar cause chainsaw to stop frequently while cutting a big chunk of wood? thanks

[@TarmanTheChampion]

Yeah

[@hughbo52]

Wish you'd talked a bit more about burs on the side of the bar and how to remove then evenly. Good post.

[@programmingchicago]

Thank you for this video. Now I know.

[@TruthHurts2u]

Stihl bars are heat treated on the edges from the factory. If you strip the paint off a brand new Stihl bar you would see they are already blue. If you don't grind the rakers/ depth gauges to the correct height customers will complain about dull chains and chains not cutting.

[@beaugibson2951]

Just had an idea, say you have an 050 bar and the groove wears, you could switch to 058 chain and when that wears switch to 063😂

[@tubesockets120v]

Can I stand the bar up to see if it falls over to test if worn?

[@ollie2sik]

What if my bar has a slight amount of verticals play ? I think we pushed my husky way past it’s limits last time

[@johnkinnane547]

I can't believe how some people misuse and abuse machinery, they shouldn't be allowed to own machines! Apart from stuffing it up it becomes down right dangerous John

[@chiwu6212]

Can I replace or upgrade a 16” bar with .050 chain gauge as a set to my Milwaukee M18 that has a set of .043 chain gauge with 16” bar?

[@ZippoVarga]

Hey Donny. Often, I get chainsaws in where the owner didn't flip the bar with each chain change out and a single side is bad. This bar should also be taken out of service and the customer informed of the need to flip the bar when ever switching out Chains. Excellent Video as always! Cheers from the States! Zip~

[@donyboy73]

+ZippoVarga yes for sure

[@kaiok1777]

How do you stop a chainsaw (echo) leaking bar oil, besides emptying it after every use. Is there a way you can hang it up to stop it from leaking?

[@RudyNortz]

Tip grease holes are on both sides of the bar. Grease 'em both.

[@nobodythatyouknow241]

Why? The grease goes straight through. 🥴

[@markproulx1472]

Very good advice.

[@Matt_justlikethat]

Great video. Thanks

[@davidmccaffery7977]

Excellent information. Thank you Danyboy

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

If you lay a flat edge on the side of the bar, the cutters should not be able to pass by the flat edge without catching on the flat edge. If they do not catch the flat edge, this indicates the driver groove is worn too wide. A groove that's worn too wide will tend to stop cutting partially, completely or inconsistently. Stellite weld bead is added to the rail tops on many quality bars and especially the tip radius of hard (sprocketless) barsto make them wear resistant. You can identify the normal discoloration of the parent metal remaining once the paint is worn away, so pay attention.

[@Pondy974]

Hi, i have a original stilh 16 inch bar and 55 link chain, on a ms180. after some time, my chain got so long that even if i thight it to the maximum, the chain is still hanging : the chain is too long. the bar is slightly blue. that the second time it happen, when the teeth of the chain are 50% ok, but the lenght make it unsuable. i check and clean the bar for the oiling regularly. my sprocket also got some damage, i never heard anyone complaining about a chain getting longer to the point it cannot be thighened. Any advise ? i got my chainsaw jam in trunk many time, had to pull it by force, could that be a reason of the chain getting longer to the point it is unsuable ?

[@mariobranco123]

Thx for this video. Really enjoy your videos. Very educative. Love from Porto, Portugal

[@P3L0745]

Thank you very much! I learnt so much from such a short video

[@manu7815]

Very good information thank you 🙏