Is It Time to Replace Your Chainsaw Bar?

Every year, almost 1,000 Australians experience chainsaw-related injuries.

Part of this reason is due to a faulty chainsaw. Wear and tear is inevitable, but a timely chainsaw bar replacement can minimize these risks.

Understanding this tool is essential even if you're not a power tool expert. Doing so will help you know when to replace your chainsaw bar. It might also help you operate your tool more efficiently.

So keep reading to learn more. Below, we'll explain several indications that you need a chainsaw bar replacement.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Chainsaw Bar

The Bar Has Visible Damage

In many cases, damage to chainsaw bars is pretty visible. It's possible to see cracks in the rail, a bent bar, pinched rails, and damaged or missing teeth.

Chains can get caught in the cracks of a chainsaw bar while the chainsaw is running. If they do, the chainsaw can suddenly jerk back, which can be inconvenient for the job. The force can also propel the blade in unpredictable directions and with lethal consequences.

A bent bar could decrease the performance of your chainsaw. A heavy mallet and enough force could properly reshape the bar. But if that doesn't completely realign the bar, it's due for a replacement.

Pinched areas over your chainsaw rails decrease the space that could smoothly move against the chain. Without this space, the chain will move roughly and erratically and could also affect the chain's adherence to the rail.

If you want to know how to fix a pinched chainsaw bar, open up the affected area with a flat screwdriver. But if that doesn't work, it's time to replace your bar.

If your chainsaw bar is missing teeth, it's less effective. As a result, you'll have to work harder and longer to finish your tasks. But a brand new chainsaw bar will have all of its teeth pristinely sharp and ready to use!

The Chain Is Moving Around

The bar can't hold the chain securely when you see your chainsaw's chain wiggle from side to side. You can use it until you get a replacement, but it will operate less efficiently.

Otherwise, the chainsaw won't cut as well. Since the chain will keep moving around, you'll also need to apply more force to control your cuts.

The Chainsaw Creates Unusual Noises 

Many current chainsaw models aren't that loud, especially if not powered with gas. So if your usually subdued chainsaw starts making loud, disruptive noises, diagnose the problem. Even if your chainsaw is usually loud, any strange grinding, screeching, clicking, or other unusual noises call for an investigation.

In most cases, strange noises mean the bar is wearing out. If you continue using a worn-out chainsaw, you could further damage it. You could also injure yourself since it will be too unruly to control easily.

Pits and Burrs Have Formed

Chainsaw bar damage can result in burrs and pits on the bar's metal edges. Small burrs can be inconsequential. But the more profound the burrs, the more likely the chain will fall off or get caught on the bar.

That's why it's best to address burrs when they first form. You and any surrounding people can get seriously hurt if the chain falls off. If chainsaw bar maintenance practices like frequent oiling and more precise operating techniques don't work, get a chainsaw bar replacement.

The Bar Nose Sprocket is Damaged or Jammed

If the bar nose sprocket of your chainsaw bar becomes damaged or jammed, the chain can fall off the bar. As mentioned before, this can cause serious injury.

Preventative maintenance can prevent damage from worsening at a quick rate. But at some point, it will need a replacement.

The Bar Paint has Faded

Though a cosmetic flaw, faded paint can effectively indicate that the lifespan of your chainsaw bar is ending. A chainsaw's paint is supposed to be hardy enough to withstand plenty of pressure. Therefore, your chainsaw bar has likely taken enough damage if its paint has been affected.

At the very least, visible paint warrants a diagnosis of your tool. You might detect early signs of chainsaw bar damage to rectify right away.

The Bar is Warped

A warped bar is bent to a severe degree. It could render the chainsaw bar entirely unusable. As said earlier, a heavy mallet and enough force could properly reshape the bar.

But with a twisted chainsaw bar, that might be more work than it's worth. So instead of grinding away at your worksite to finally use your chainsaw, have replacements handy to use right away.

The Bar Nose Catches on Cut Material

The nose of your chainsaw bar might get on the cut material. Since the bar aligns the chain with the blade, a caught bar nose could cause the chain to fall off the bar. The chain could even break.

This can cause much damage. So if it affects your bar, it's time to get a new chainsaw bar.

The Guide Bar Shows Visible Signs of Wear and Tear

Time will inevitably make you due for a chainsaw bar replacement, even with regular maintenance, to prevent bar friction and wear. But if the guide bar is worn out, your chainsaw will cut less effectively.

It can also risk dangers such as the chain slipping off. All this can also increase the difficulty of controlling the chainsaw. Signs of wear on a guide bar include dings, chipping, bending, and more.

Get Replacement Chainsaw Bars Only at Jono & Johno!

At Jono & Johno, we understand how critical a quality, well-functioning chainsaw is. That's why we offer one of Australia's largest selections of chainsaw parts, including chains, chainsaw bar repair tools, chainsaw bars, and after-market spare parts. We also carry various other types of hardware and tools.

We've got you covered, whether you're searching for Stihl chainsaw bars or a specific Husqvarna chainsaw bar. Are you interested in learning more? Check out our selection of chainsaw bars today!