If you use your chainsaw, you will eventually have to look for replacement chainsaw bars.

Extended use, improper application of bar oil, and dropping, bending, or other damage to the bar may require bar replacement.

What do you need to know about bars to get the right one? And how can you maintain the current bar that you have now? This article will discuss these points.

How do you know when you need to look at replacement chainsaw bars?

One way to tell if your bar needs replacement is to simply look at it closely.

Is the bar visibly bent? Does the chain slip off its rail? Having trouble with rod oil well lubrication? When you look at the track on the bar, does it look worn, with the track edges clearly chipped or otherwise deteriorated?

These are all signs that your bar needs replacement.

Of course, the bar can be damaged if the saw is dropped. When cutting large tree trunks or branches, the bar can get stuck in the saw slot, which can cause the bar to warp or bend. Do you notice that your saw cuts or pulls to the side? These can all be signs that you need a new chainsaw bar.

Bar oil is extremely important to proper saw operation and maintenance, and if the bar oil reservoir dries up, you will likely need a new bar very soon.

If your chainsaw gets a lot of use, you’ll want to examine your bar closely at regular intervals for track wear. Since most people use a saw to cut wood in a downward motion, the bottom of the saw bar receives the most pressure and therefore wears out first.

Things to Know Before Buying Replacement Chainsaw Bars

It would be nice if there was one size fits all, but unfortunately this is not the case with chainsaw swords.

There are many makes and models, and unless you are a professional lumberjack who is well versed in the many variations of chainsaws and parts, then you will want to keep the same original size bar that your saw came with.

However, there are aftermarket bar companies that offer new and improved bars that can replace your current bar. For example, Cannon Bar Works in Canada manufactures replacement bars for a number of saw models and advertises that their bars are laser cut and milled using a unique flame-hardening process to prolong bar life.

To find a replacement bar, you will need to know the make and model number of your saw. You will also need to know the chain pitch and chain gauge.

The chain pitch sets the size of the chain. Common pitch sizes include ¼ inch, 0.325 inch, and 3/8 inch. The drive sprocket should also have the same pitch as the chain.

Chain gauge is basically the thickness of the drive link where it fits into the groove or track of the bar. Chain gauge and grooved bar gauge must match. Common gauge sizes can be .050, .063 (measured in fractions of an inch), and so on.

You will need to know these numbers before looking at new bars.

Proper care and maintenance for chainsaw bars

The most important thing to do to maintain your bar is to keep your bar’s oil reservoir full!

The bar oil lubricates the chain as it moves within the groove. Always use new bar and chain oil. Do not use motor oil or stick oil that has been “recycled.” Impurities and dirt from used oil can damage the chain and saw.

A good rule of thumb is that every time you fill up your saw’s gas tank, fill up the bar oil as well.

Also, make sure your new bar, sprocket, and chain are properly installed and tightened, as improper installation can increase the potential for kickback.

What is kickback and how can it be prevented?

A new chainsaw bar can go a long way in preventing kickback accidents.

Kickback is generally when the chain teeth at the nose of the saw bar “grab” the wood and “kick” the bar toward the operator. This is often a quick and violent action and can be quite dangerous for the operator. (Imagine a saw with full power spinning out of your hands and coming straight at you.)

Most chainsaws have a tip guard. Some people will remove it, but it’s a great security feature! Keep a firm grip on the saw at all times and make sure the saw has an intact chain brake. Avoid sawing with the nose of the saw: use the blade as close to the motor as possible.

Do not saw between your feet when you are standing on a log. Keep your chain, keep it sharp. Dull chains are more prone to kickback.

There are even so-called “low kickback” chains, which are designed to prevent kickback.

Shop online or your local chainsaw dealer can also provide suggestions for finding the best replacement chainsaw bar for your application.