Choosing the right (or wrong) chainsaw bar length can have a huge impact on the chainsaw’s overall performance and functionality. And it also plays a big part in determining how efficiently you’ll be able to complete the job, as well as how much energy you’ll need to expend.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why choosing the right size is so important. We’ll discuss the different jobs that each type of chainsaw is best suited for. We’ll also touch upon some chainsaw bar maintenance practices you should be engaging with to extend the lifespan of your chainsaw bar.
Different Bars for Different Jobs – What Length is Best?
Chainsaw bars are available in different lengths for a very clear reason – some cutting tasks require more length and performance capacity. So before you decide on the best length for your chainsaw, you should have a clear understanding of the types of jobs your chainsaw will be expected to carry out. Broadly speaking, chainsaw bars can be categorised into three groups.
Small chainsaws (14″ and under)
Let’s be clear – a small chainsaw is still a very powerful tool and should not be treated lightly. But they are more suited to pruning and tidying tasks rather than heavy-duty cutting. They are often the lightest type of chainsaw and are usually powered by electricity rather than gas.
Medium chainsaws (16″- 18″)
Mid-tier chainsaws are great for most household and garden tasks. They’re well-suited for cutting firewood and chopping down smaller to medium-sized trees. With this length of chainsaw bar, you’ll be able to strike a nice balance between reach and control, allowing you to handle larger jobs than a shorter bar would permit while still maintaining a level of maneuverability and precision compared to longer bars.
Large chainsaws (20″ and over)
The largest chainsaw bars available for most homeowners come in at around 20″. You’ll need a chainsaw of this length if you’re planning on chopping down large trees or harder types of wood. As they require more power, you’re more likely to find that these are gas-powered rather than reliant on a battery. They’re usually the heaviest and the noisiest type of chainsaw. You can even find chainsaw bar lengths up to 36″, though for most typical household use, this length won’t generally be required.
Diameters – Why They Matter
One of the most important factors you’ll need to take into account when choosing your chainsaw length is the diameter of the wood you’ll typically interact with. For anyone who’s forgotten their high school math, that’s the straight line taken through the center point of the tree, from one point on the circumference to another.
“A common mistake that many people make is thinking that if a tree has, for example, an 18″ diameter, then they’ll need a chainsaw with an 18″ bar. Always choose a bar length that’s slightly longer than the diameter of the wood you’ll be cutting most often.”
A general rule of thumb is to select a bar that is at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of the wood you plan to cut, allowing you to make a single, clean cut.
When using a bar that is too short, you may need to make multiple cuts to complete the task, which can be time-consuming and increase the risk of accidents. In addition it can put excessive strain on the chainsaw motor. The saw may struggle to maintain chain speed, leading to slower cuts and potentially damaging the saw over time.
A bar that is too long can be cumbersome to handle and control, making it more difficult to navigate through tight spaces or make precise cuts. The extra weight and length of a longer bar can tire you out faster, especially during long periods of use. Fatigue-induced mistakes, such as misjudging the angle of a cut or allowing the bar to contact unintended objects, can result in dangerous kickback or loss of balance, putting you at risk of serious injury.
Tips to Maintain Your Chainsaw Bar
No matter which length of bar you ultimately go with, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re maintaining your chainsaw properly. Chainsaw bars, by design, are built to last and can handle a lot of heavy-duty work.
But even with all the love and care in the world, a chainsaw bar will have a limited shelf life. If you’re starting to notice a lot of nicks on the bar’s surface, if there’s wear on both sides of the bar, or the chain wobbles or shifts it might be time to consider purchasing a new one.
However, there are still plenty of things you can do to extend a chainsaw bar’s life cycle.
Clean the bar groove
Your chainsaw’s bar groove is always going to pick up a lot of dust and debris while it’s in operation. If left untreated, it can build up into a thick sludge-like material that’s difficult to get rid of. So make sure you remove this build-up with a wire brush and clear what’s left with an air compressor.
Use a rail dresser
A rail dresser is an essential piece of maintenance kit that all chainsaw owners should have. It has a guide that fits over the bar and a flat file that slides along the edges to make the edges of the bar straight and smooth again.
Lubricate the sprocket
Your chainsaw’s sprocket – the small, wheeled component within the chainsaw that helps drive the chain around – is an essential mechanism, so be sure to apply a fresh layer of grease whenever you carry out your maintenance tasks.
Degrease the chain
It’s no good having a perfectly maintained bar if the chain is instantly going to cause damage to it again. You’ll need a mixture of a good degreasing agent and water to soak the chain in. Then you should look to remove all the dirt and grime from the chain’s teeth and grooves. Finally, apply a fresh layer of oil before placing it back onto the bar.
Final Thoughts
Your chainsaw bar is one of the most important components on your chainsaw. So making sure you choose the right one for the types of tasks you need your chainsaw for and properly maintaining it is essential to maximize lifespan, efficiency and safety while cutting.
But as with all types of power tools, your own level of capability and experience is something to be considered as well. You should not look to start using your chainsaw until you have a firm grip on operating your chainsaw safely.
