precaud
ArboristSite Operative
Here's the question: Is chain stretch worse on saws with a single bar nut than on those with two? I'll withhold my opinion until the experts have weighed in.
Bar nut(s) and chain stretch
- Thread starter precaud
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If you mean the chain actually stretching, then the answer is clearly NO. If you mean the chain loosening up because there is only one bolt instead of two, I'd still say NO, at least in my experience.
begleytree
H. sapiens moderatus
The one has nothing to do with the other, bar nuts and chain stretch
-Ralph
-Ralph
stonykill
ArboristSite Guru
agreed, unrelated. IMO chain stretch has more to do with oiling than anything else. The chain isn't actually stretching in as much as the rivets and holes are wearing. The amount of oil present minimizes this, as well as providing a cushion between the rivet and hole. At least thats how I see it.
Husky137
Addicted to ArboristSite
What makes people even think of these questions?
I must be content to sit and stew in my non-contemplative ignorance!
opcorn:
I must be content to sit and stew in my non-contemplative ignorance!
opcorn:
cuttinscott
Addicted to ArboristSite
Oiling in part with a sharp chain. A dull chain will cause major stretch from heat. The best oiler in the world will not overcome DULL Chain Stretch.
Scott
precaud
ArboristSite Operative
OK, all of the replies (except Husky137's) make sense, thanks. So, let's change the question a little. If there's no advantage in holding the bar more stably, what's the point of having two bar nuts versus one?
habanero
ArboristSite Guru
I do feel that 2 nuts are better than one (get your mind out of the gutter people...), but I think one can do the job well enough. Probably has at least a little to do with bar length. I wouldn't want only one bar stud holding my 36" bar on my 955, but I'm comfortable with the one bolt holding the 12" bar on my Explorer II.
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
Two nuts are much better.. It's not just longitudinal , but also lateral stability.. small saws/short bars can get away with one nut..
precaud
ArboristSite Operative
If this was basketball, I believe I'd get scored for an assist here...
I have been mentally scratching my head trying to recall even seeing a saw with just one bar nut. I did have an XL2 way back but can't recall if it had one or two. I wouldn't think any saw with a bar over 12 or 14" would have just one.
Harry K
Harry K
precaud
ArboristSite Operative
Well you've said it more precisely than I would have... I have saws with both, and that's exactly what I experience. The two-nut saw feels more solid and stable, and requires less chain adjustment.
ScoutmasterRick
ArboristSite Operative
I have a husky 336 with a 16" bar and one bar nut. I don't see any sign of a lack of stability on that particular saw. As others have opined I wouldn't want that feature in a bigger saw.
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
Ray Bennett
ArboristSite Guru
I need both nuts!
begleytree
H. sapiens moderatus
I'm going to try to expound on Lakes knowledgeable post if I can.
two bar nuts? I think due to the forces involved when using a top handle saw prohibit the true torque that you can put on the bar, unlike a rear handle that you can really bear down and push into the wood with.
all the single stud saws Ive seen had a block that the bar sat on as well as the single stud, but only one nut holding it together, whereas the double studs allow the bar to bridge across both studs to help hold it when you bear down.
I know I left out the older 024 in my example, but since it was changed, one stud/nut on a rear handle saw must not hold up too well.
-Ralph
two bar nuts? I think due to the forces involved when using a top handle saw prohibit the true torque that you can put on the bar, unlike a rear handle that you can really bear down and push into the wood with.
all the single stud saws Ive seen had a block that the bar sat on as well as the single stud, but only one nut holding it together, whereas the double studs allow the bar to bridge across both studs to help hold it when you bear down.
I know I left out the older 024 in my example, but since it was changed, one stud/nut on a rear handle saw must not hold up too well.
-Ralph
