How to replace the guide bar on the chainsaw

Abstract: The chain saw chain is fixed on the guide rod (and rotates around it). The guide bar is a solid (or laminated) steel strip that contains milling grooves (always around its outer edge) to keep the chain aligned. Most rods have a rotating sprocket at the tip that reduces friction when the chain bends around it. The guide rod also contains a slot and one or more holes for mounting, aligning, tensioning and oiling the chain.

The saw blade will wear out over time. The chain groove will widen, which will cause the chain to tilt and pull to one side when cutting. The tip of the rod (just in front of the sprocket) is a common wear point. Metal wears faster in this area, causing the chain to be misaligned, which makes it easy to jump off the rod.

Dirt is the enemy of the guide rod. When dirt enters between the chain and the guide plate, it acts like sandpaper and quickly wears the chain groove wider. You should also make sure to fill with oil every time you use the saw. Lack of rod oil will accelerate wear and cause heat damage to the rod and chain.

This article provides step-by-step instructions on removing and installing the guide plate on a gasoline chainsaw.

1. Remove the clutch cover assembly.

● Remove 2 nuts from the reinforcement mounting bolts.

● Turn the chain tensioner screw counterclockwise to release the tension on the chain.

● Remove the clutch cover assembly.

2. Remove the guide plate.

● Remove the chain and chain assembly from the saw.

● Remove the chain from the guide plate.  https://uanbuy.com

3. Install the guide plate.

● Place the new guide rod on a flat surface.

● Install the chain on the new guide bar; make sure that the sharp side of the saw tooth (along the bottom of the saw blade) faces the saw.

● Install the connecting rod and chain assembly part on the saw, and make sure that the chain engages with the drive sprocket on the clutch drum.

● Continue to install the rod (and chain) on the rod bolt.

● Pull the connecting rod assembly forward (away from the engine) to align the drive link (on the chain) with the groove on the connecting rod.

4. Reinstall the clutch cover assembly.

● Install the clutch cover assembly.

●  Apply (side) pressure to the clutch cover assembly.

● Use a long screwdriver (in either direction) to turn the tension screw until the lever adjustment pin engages with the hole on the lever. (When this happens, the entire assembly should "snap" into place).

● Once the adjusting pin is engaged with the rod; turn the tensioner screw in the opposite direction until the chain starts to tension.

● Install and manually tighten the lock nut.

5. Tighten the chain.

● Grasp and raise the far end of the connecting rod and chain assembly (opposite to the engine) until the saw starts to rise.

● While holding the guide plate in the raised position, grasp the guide plate at its center (and top).

● Lift the chain from the chain assembly and check the gap between the two components.

● When the weight of the chain does not cause it to sag, the chain is properly tensioned.

● Turn the tensioner screw (if necessary) to tighten or loosen the chain until it is properly tensioned.

● Tighten the nut to fix the clutch cover assembly.