Chainsaws are crucial pieces of lawn equipment, and the bar is what guides the chain blade. If it’s in rough shape, your chainsaw won’t operate properly, leading to the chain slipping, catching, or posing a hazard. Below are a few signs that the bar on your piece of lawn equipment needs replacing. 

4 Warning Signs You Need a New Chainsaw Bar

1. Wiggling Chain

If the chain is loose and wiggles around on the bar, it can cause serious injury to the user or damage to the long equipment. The bar's grooves are designed to fit the chain perfectly, and if they become worn, the chain will not fit snugly, causing it to become unstable and dangerous. 

2. V-Shaped Groove

Over time, the chainsaw chain can wear down the bar's grooves, causing them to become V-shaped. This shape can cause the chainsaw to become unstable and make cutting more difficult. A new bar will ensure that your chainsaw cuts smoothly and safely.

3. Broken Nose Sprocket

The nose sprocket is the small gear at the end of the chainsaw bar that guides the chain around the curve. If the nose sprocket becomes damaged or broken, it can cause the chain to become unstable and dangerous. A broken nose sprocket can also cause the chain to stop moving entirely, making it impossible to cut through wood. 

4. Bent or Warped Bar

A bent bar can cause the chainsaw to become unstable and dangerous, making it difficult to control. A warped bar can also cause the chain to become stuck or stop moving entirely, making it impossible to cut through wood. 

If your chainsaw’s bar needs replacing or repairing, the professionals at Lawn Care Equipment Company have the inventory and expertise to take care of it. Serving St. Louis, MO, their service department has over 75 years of combined experience, and they carry parts for major brands of lawn equipment. Find your part online or call the Webster Groves location at (314) 961-5700 or the De Soto location at (636) 337-0000.