When you are ready to service the bar and chain, pick a large, flat area to perform the work such as the tailgate of a pickup truck. Remember the chain has sharp edges so always be sure to wear sturdy work gloves when handling the bar and chain. With the chainsaw engine turned off and the muffler cooled down and the chain brake released, use your bar wench to loosen and remove the nuts on the chain’s sprocket cover.

Remove the cover, release the bar from the chain tensioners adjustment pin, slide the bar back and remove the chain and the bar. Check your sprocket and drum for wear and make sure that they rotate freely. If the sprocket is significantly worn, you should replace it at this point. It’s a good idea to clean away the saw dust and debris that is built up on the saw with a rag. Even an old toothbrush can come in handy for the task. Clean the inside portion of the cover around the clutch drum area, taking special care. Clean thoroughly around the automatic chain oiler’s discharge area, not allowing anything to become lodged in the portal.

Your bar will also need to be checked and maintained. If your bar has a roller or sprocket post, make sure that the roller or sprocket nose rotates freely. Some bars may have a grease hole at the tip that will require greasing periodically. Check your owner’s manual for the maintenance procedure for your chainsaw’s guide bar.

With a rag, wipe the bar down, removing any debris. With the bar groove cleaning tool, like the one shown here, starting from the tip of the bar, remove the debris that’s become impacted in the bar rails and remember to always wear gloves when handling your bar as the bar rails can become very sharp as they become worn.

The wayward end of the bar will have a series of holes and slots. These are the oil inlet holes, the chain tensioners, adjust pinhole and the bar stud slot. It is extremely important that these areas are completely free from dirt and impacted debris. Through wear, you may find that your bar rails will form a rollover edge. If this occurs, with a flat file, smooth the edges down. Again, making sure to wear gloves during the process. If the bar is severely worn, you will need to replace it.

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Filed under: Featured Content • Sharpening Chainsaws

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