Chainsaw Guide Bar Guide

Are you considering buying a chainsaw, or have you already selected a model that suits your needs? If so, it's time to become more familiar with this tool, which is great for small and large gardening jobs, DIY tasks, and chopping wood.

A chainsaw consists of three main parts: the motor unit, the cutting system, and the handle. In this article, we focus on the cutting system consisting of a guide bar and a saw chain.

As you may already know, the chainsaw guide bar (also known as the chainsaw blade) has the important job of guiding the movement of the chain, which is the cutting element of the machine.

It depends on the model. For example, engraved rods are slightly different from standard guide rods. Nonetheless, all types share similar characteristics, such as:

Tail: This is the part of the guide rod that fits into the body of the chainsaw.

Mounting slot: Attach the guide rod to the machine's profiled hole by means of large screws (studs) with threaded ends.

Adjuster hole: This houses the pawl needed to adjust chain tension.

Tank outlet hole: Essential for proper lubrication of the guide rod/chain assembly.

Strip rails: These are grooves around the edges of the rails.

Groove (or track): The channel between the rails along which the chain runs.

Tip (or nose): This can be reinforced or equipped with nose sprockets.

Front sprocket: Can be fixed or replaceable, is a gear that improves the movement of the chain around the rod, reduces friction, and helps tension the chain.

The actual length of the chainsaw blade, and the tip distance, is not the best criterion for evaluating the guide bar. Instead, you should consider the cut length, which is the useful length of the guide bar, or the number of guide bars that stick out of the saw body.

In addition to the power rating of the chainsaw, the cutting length of the guide bar gives you an idea of what the machine can do: from simple pruning to cutting thick tree trunks. Guide bars for pruning chainsaws and pruning shears have a shorter cutting length (25-30cm) compared to standard guide bars and engraving guide bars. Standard guide bars are available in cut lengths ranging from 35 to 76cm.

The compact chainsaw for small gardening and DIY tasks has a guide bar for cutting lengths of 35 or 41cm and a fixed front sprocket.

Guide rod wear is highest in the area where most of the cut is done. This is usually the underside of the rod: flip the rod periodically to ensure it wears evenly on the top and bottom edges.

Burrs can form on railings as they wear: burrs must be filed away, or they can lead to erratic movement of the chainsaw and premature wear of the chain and track itself. At the same time, if the two rails are not uniformly worn, i.e. have different heights, also file them flat.

It is normal for the depth of the bar groove to gradually decrease over the life of the bar. If excessive or uneven wear occurs, we recommend replacing the guide rod.

Place the chainsaw on a flat surface and place your fingers on the chain. If it sags, then it's time to replace the chainsaw blade (be sure to wear chain guard gloves when handling the chain).

Press the ruler against the side of the rod and the outer teeth on the chain. If there is still a gap between the bar and the ruler, the bar is in good condition. If the ruler is lying flat on the rod, the rod is worn and should be replaced.

There are also some simple precautions you can follow to extend the life of your guides. In particular, as you work remember:

Check chain tension before and after cutting (to avoid abnormal groove wear)

Adjust the oil flow rate according to the type of wood being cut (to prevent the grooves from overheating at the point of greatest friction with the drive link)

Regularly and thoroughly sharpen the sprockets (this reduces abnormal wear on the grooves and helps ensure a clean and precise cut)

Always cut straight, do not push the saw sideways: this is to minimize damage to the grooves and avoid blade warping

Chainsaw blades are for cutting only, not as hammers, levers, or wedges for felling trees.

Not all chainsaw blades are created equal: If you need to replace the guide bar, first follow the instructions in the chainsaw owner's manual and choose a replacement from a manufacturer-approved product. Why is it important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations? There are two reasons:

The cutting plane of the new bar must be compatible with the chainsaw housing.

Only install rods and chains that are approved for use with your chainsaw: otherwise, you will void your warranty and the manufacturer will not be responsible for any malfunctions.

We said that the cutting plane of the bar must fit properly because the following parts of the chainsaw need to be perfectly aligned:

Mounting slots and studs inserted into them

The tensioning pawl and the chain tensioner hole that houses it

Oil outlet hole on the guide rod

Therefore, the cutting plane characteristics of the chainsaw blade are critical when selecting a guide bar.

The components and replacements of the chainsaw guide bar are described in detail above. If you want to buy spare parts for the chainsaw, please contact us. HUSTIL is a professional custom garden tool spare parts manufacturer with 19 years of experience. We provide customers with a full range of accessories search inquiries, garden tool accessories replacement, and after-sales service.