Chainsaw bars are essential components of a chainsaw, so it’s essential to get the best one available. Unfortunately, there is an abundance of them on the market, and selecting one that works perfectly can be challenging.
When selecting a bar for your saw, it’s important to select one that fits correctly and doesn’t cost too much. Furthermore, consider safety features like kickback and vibration reduction when making your choice.
Versatility
Chain saw bars offer versatility, which is essential for those wishing to tackle various tasks with one tool. Not only can they prune trees and chop wood for firewood, but they can also clear away overgrown brush with ease.
The ideal bar for the job should be able to support both the weight and power of an engine, as well as how much work is required. Typically, larger bars provide more power output.
Chainsaw bars come in a range of makes and models, so if you have the right one, you’ll be able to tackle even the toughest jobs with ease.
Professional tree surgeons typically use a bar that is at least 20 inches in length to reach and cut large trees. This type of bar is more durable and safer to use due to its lower kickback than smaller bars.
Another advantage of choosing a long bar is it makes controlling your tool easier. Plus, with its greater reach, you can make more cuts in less time.
You can determine the bar’s length by looking at either its blade or back. Some chainsaws also feature a printed chart on the side of the bar to display its size.
When purchasing a bar, you will need to know its mount pattern, bar length, and chain gauge. These numbers are usually stamped or engraved near the saw’s body but can also be measured using a ruler or measuring tape.
To determine the correct chain pitch, measure the distance between three of your bar’s rivets and divide it by two. Common chain pitches range from 1/4″,.325″, 3/8″, and.404″.
You can test the bar’s condition by pressing a ruler against its outside tooth and inside the tooth. If there is any gap between them, it could indicate wear on the bar and indicate you should replace it soon.
Durability
Chainsaws are ideal for woodworking, and the bar must stay in top condition. Without precision when cutting, your cuts will take longer to finish and may even end prematurely.
Chain saw bars can be made more durable by selecting high-quality steel. Some manufacturers use solid bars, while others utilize spot laminated welding – this process makes the bars stronger and helps them last longer than those made from cast iron.
Chainsaw bars often sport the brand name or logo of their manufacturer, but this paint is not permanent and may fade with age. Therefore, it’s wise to spend extra time inspecting the bar for damage as well as areas that have lost their paint.
Chainsaw bars can deteriorate due to excessive pressure and heat exposure. Furthermore, splintering, rusting, or burring are all potential causes of bar damage.
Splintering is a condition in which a small splinter forms near the edge of a bar. This can happen due to excessive wear and tear lack of oiling, overuse, or poor cleaning.
Splintering can be particularly challenging if you’re working with wood that is thicker than usual. Not only will this make it more challenging to cut accurately, but it may even cause injury if not done correctly.
Stainless steel chainsaw bars are more durable and less likely to develop splinters than other types of chains while being easier to clean than cast iron.
Chainsaw bars can help prevent kickback, a potentially hazardous condition that occurs when the saw chain comes into contact with an object such as wood or metal. These types of bars feature a gentle curve and small nose radius to reduce kickback and give you optimal cutting control.
STIHL also offers chainsaw guide bars designed with reduced kickback tendency, making them safer than standard bars with a smaller nose radius for enhanced operator safety.
Safety
Chainsaws can be dangerous when misused, and they pose serious health risks to those who operate them. To minimize these risks, always use a safe and well-maintained chain saw that has undergone regular maintenance.
Chain saw bars serve to support the cutting chain, making them essential components for safety. Care should be taken when selecting one for a job that requires precision and won’t hinder users’ ability to make safe cuts.
A safe bar should be made of high-quality materials and adjustable in length to fit various cuts. Furthermore, it must have an easy-to-use chain brake control lever, which is essential for avoiding kickbacks during cutting.
To prevent injuries, it is essential to keep the bar and chain in good working order. Failure to do so could damage the chain, leading to injury from bent bars or misplaced chains.
Maintaining the chain is essential to prevent accidents from occurring when it becomes blunted and unable to cut properly. Failure to do so could spell disaster for anyone on the road!
Another type of protection is a rear handle hand guard, which shields the user’s right hand from being hit by a derailed or broken chain. A chain catcher can also be added to the bar, catching any dropped chains and diverting them away from your hand.
Some chainsaws feature a throttle trigger lockout, which prevents the chain from being accelerated if accidentally pushed by an object like a branch in the undergrowth. It is usually located at the top of the rear handle and must be depressed to disengage it.
Pull-in and pushback reaction forces are the two most frequent types of cuts-related accidents that can cause serious injury to the operator. They occur when a saw bar is pulled inward or outward, causing it to strike wood or the operator’s body.
Cost
Chainsaw bars are one of the most essential parts of any chainsaw. Not only does it guide the saw through a cut, but it also keeps it steady while minimizing kickback and protecting chain damage. Selecting an ideal bar can ensure efficient performance as well as extend its life expectancy.
Chain saw bars come in a range of prices depending on their length and weight; lighter models tend to be better for softwood while heavier ones can handle thicker timber better.
When selecting a bar length for your chainsaw, your individual needs must be taken into consideration. For instance, if you frequently cut through larger trees with it, then going with a 20-inch bar may be ideal.
Another factor to consider is your budget. You might want to invest a bit more in high-quality, durable chainsaw bars that will last you for longer.
When purchasing chainsaw bars, you should take into account the brand. Names like Oregon and Stihl offer excellent quality at an affordable price point.
Additionally, make sure the chainsaw bar you purchase has an oil lubrication system. Some modern chainsaw chains come equipped with this feature which guarantees lubrication reaches every part of the chain and extends its lifespan.
A properly maintained lubrication system is critical for the longevity of your chainsaw bar, as it helps minimize friction and wear and tear. Quality oil will adhere to both the bar and chain, blocking heat buildup and friction while shielding them from corrosion.
Many chainsaw bars also include anti-kickback features, which shield the chain from contact while cutting. This reduces the chance of kickback, which can be hazardous and lead to serious injury.
Homelite’s “Safe-T-Tip” bar has an integrated shield that wraps around the bar to shield it from anything as it cuts, making it slightly heavier but decreasing kickback risks and increasing safety.