kink in bar

[treeboy]

While falling a tree with my 044, the chainsaw got stuck as the tree started falling (shouldn't have been falling - too windy). I just moved to the safe zone and let the chainsaw go for the ride. Kept using it and at the end of the day I notice the bar has a slight kink - about an 1/8" bent towards the saw end. The chain seemed to stay on just fine, so can I keep using it?

The bar is a 25" stihl rollomatic E


Thanks
Spencer

[Kevin]

Spenc, I would try and straighten it or replace it.

[rebocardo]

> The chain seemed to stay on just fine, so can I keep using it?

Not bent.

If you are not inclined to buy a new one, I would try to straighten it. A technique  that comes to mind is to lay it with the U shape up, put a thick piece of plate metal over it, then drive a 7,000 pound truck over the metal plate.

I would check the bar mounts and make sure they are okay too.

[scottr]

  Spencer , a method that might work is to C clamp the bar to a bench or post and bend it back straight . I've used this method on two laminated bars and it worked .                                                  Scott

[treeboy]

Thanks guys, I think I'm slowly straightning it. Would hate to buy a new bar, stihl's were alot more - but the chainsaw just looks cooler with it.

Spencer

[treeboy]

thanks again the running over the bar idea seemed to work, not perfect but much better!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spencer

[rebocardo]

Yea, I have straighten out one or two things using my truck.

[Frickman]

I've bent a few bars, just like you described. The twenty-ton hydraulic press in the corner of the garage gets used more to striaghten bars than for any other reason.