Bar Scabbard suggestions

[Philbert]

Here are a few versions of the canvas, ‘wrap’ style bar covers (note: not called ‘scabbards’?).

They each include pockets for carrying small tools, accessories, etc.

Might be a good option for someone who takes one saw into the woods, as opposed to having several saws in the back of a truck, along with a toolbox, parts, etc.

The wrap style may also be easier to place and remove, compared to one that slides on, for very long bars with aggressive teeth. Reminiscent of protective covers used on crosscut saws.

Or, just because someone likes that style. Good to have options!

Links only, because you need to scroll through a few photos on each site to really understand the product.

Some are also available on sites like Bailey’s, Amazon, and other vendors of wildland fire equipment.

https://www.truenorthgear.com/catalog/category/category/wildland-gear/saw-bar-cover

https://gvfireproducts.com/products/chain-saw-bar-cover

Philbert

 

[Gabriel]

Oh man, how nasty would that leather be in less than a season?

 

[SimonHS]

Apparently (?), some ‘old school’ fire hose relied on wet fibers expanding instead of a plastic or rubber liner?

Please correct me if I am wrong.

A generous forum member once gave me several feet of the plastic / rubber lined stuff. It was somewhat mildewy inside, so I washed it out. But it took many, many days to try out on the inside. That’s why I became concerned about potential rust, and passed on using it.

A lot of wildland fire guys swear by it, so I am guessing that there are other types, or that I was just wrong to be concerned?

Anyway, the single piece, plastic scabbards became more available in longer length, and that’s what I use now.

Philbert

Maybe you could spray the canvas with waterproofing spray for coats, to stop any rain from soaking in? Or wax for wax jackets?

 

[Philbert]

Another point about scabbards: I like to keep extra / spare bars in scabbards, to protect the bar, and things it might hit, in transport.

A folded piece of corrugated cardboard and duct tape can suffice for this. But the long, plastic ones are more convenient for bars that you might swap out often.

Philbert

 

[NSEric]

You could always buy a 2x6, cut it off an inch longer than the bar then bore cut into it. It'll last forever.
I have an old stihl scabbard I use on whatever saw im hauling around.

 

[Philbert]

You could always buy a 2x6, cut it off an inch longer than the bar then bore cut into it. It'll last forever.
I have an old stihl scabbard I use on whatever saw im hauling around.

I made one for a large hedge trimmer: 2 sides out of 1/8” lauan plywood scraps; side strips / spacers ripped out spruce / pine / fir trim boards. Glue and staples.

Philbert

 

[flatsfisher]

 

[Philbert]

View attachment 1213758

Inner tubes on the end?

Philbert

 

[flatsfisher]

Inner tubes on the end?

Philbert

yes, I fold it back 5 or 6" and use strips of dirt bike inner tube.

 

[SteveSr]

Apparently (?), some ‘old school’ fire hose relied on wet fibers expanding instead of a plastic or rubber liner?

Please correct me if I am wrong.

I am NOT an expert on fire hose but...

A generous forum member once gave me several feet of the plastic / rubber lined stuff. It was somewhat mildewy inside, so I washed it out. But it took many, many days to try out on the inside. That’s why I became concerned about potential rust, and passed on using it.

All of the fire hose that I have received *looks* like it is covered in canvas (i.e. cotton that holds a LOT of moisture). However, it is really covered in some synthetic fiber (possibly rayon) which doesn't hold moisture.

When cutting a piece to length I first burn/melt through the outer jacket before slicing the rubber/plastic liner with utility knife.

Also I believe that all fire hoses are prone to mildew which is why most stations have outdoor drying racks to hang their wet hoses on to dry them out.

 

[moxiemaul]

I gotta say, it sure is nice to see someone taking hammers seriously. I really appreciate your wall-of-impact, flats

A while back, in a moment of weakness I started talking about hammers to my wife and daughter... well, they were tolerant I guess. OTOH later that year my daughter got me two 3 lb sledgehammers for Christmas, one for the basement, one for the shop. That was really nice

 

[Trailsawyer]

We do a lot of volunteer work of USFS trails, and they have a new rule that requires a scabbard to cover the dogs and muffler as well as the bar and chain! I understand that there are some being made..... about $150!
I'm still using a plactic Husky cover with some "pool noodle" pieces duct taped on it to carry my 462R with a 28" bar!

 

[Philbert]

That’s an interesting challenge.

‘Western style’ dogs can be pretty big. And mufflers can be hot: melting synthetic fabrics and plastics.

Maybe a 2-piece system? A scabbard to cover the bar and chain, and something like a heat resistant ’hat’ to cover the other parts? Flaps?

They must have had something in mind when they passed that rule. Promoting a specific product?

Waiting for a muffler to cool down might discourage people from covering their bar and chain when they otherwise would, such as shorter travel distances.

Philbert

 

[flatsfisher]

I am NOT an expert on fire hose but...


All of the fire hose that I have received *looks* like it is covered in canvas (i.e. cotton that holds a LOT of moisture). However, it is really covered in some synthetic fiber (possibly rayon) which doesn't hold moisture.

When cutting a piece to length I first burn/melt through the outer jacket before slicing the rubber/plastic liner with utility knife.

Also I believe that all fire hoses are prone to mildew which is why most stations have outdoor drying racks to hang their wet hoses on to dry them out.

all the firehose I've used has a rubber liner inside. it goes on the bar pretty easy but won't fall off.

 

[SteveSr]

We do a lot of volunteer work of USFS trails, and they have a new rule that requires a scabbard to cover the dogs and muffler as well as the bar and chain!

I think that this has always been required for wildland fire fighters who carry the saw on their shoulders. I am not sure that this would apply to volunteers who don't carry the saw on their shoulders.

 

[flatsfisher]

I gotta say, it sure is nice to see someone taking hammers seriously. I really appreciate your wall-of-impact, flats

A while back, in a moment of weakness I started talking about hammers to my wife and daughter... well, they were tolerant I guess. OTOH later that year my daughter got me two 3 lb sledgehammers for Christmas, one for the basement, one for the shop. That was really nice

better pic for ya.

We do a lot of volunteer work of USFS trails, and they have a new rule that requires a scabbard to cover the dogs and muffler as well as the bar and chain! I understand that there are some being made..... about $150!
I'm still using a plactic Husky cover with some "pool noodle" pieces duct taped on it to carry my 462R with a 28" bar!

I cut this one to cover the dogs.

 

[thomasinvancouver]

I use covers from TrueNorth and PackShack. They’re canvas with a tool pouch and strap to hold them onto the saw. The PackShack model isn’t big enough to accommodate a plastic scabbard. The TrueNorth one will fit a plastic scabbard, but I’ve switched to a home made aluminum liner that lasts much longer and allows me so slide the bar in and out.

 

[SimonHS]

I use covers from TrueNorth and PackShack. They’re canvas with a tool pouch and strap to hold them onto the saw. The PackShack model isn’t big enough to accommodate a plastic scabbard. The TrueNorth one will fit a plastic scabbard, but I’ve switched to a home made aluminum liner that lasts much longer and allows me so slide the bar in and out.

Pictures please.

 

[Philbert]

Pictures please.

Links to manufacturers in Post #21, above.

Philbert

 

[two4spooky]

Political signs make good machete scabbards. I would question durability for chain saw bars mounted. I too buy the real scabbards online for a discount.

I tried several things when I could not get appropriate scabbards: thin plywood with wood spacers, corrugated plastic from old political signs, fire hose, etc.

I did not like the fire hose that I got, because it was plastic lined, and held moisture: I was concerned about rust. Other guys really like the all cotton style fire hose.

In recent years, it’s been easier to find longer, plastic scabbards. I don’t care which brand: STIHL Husqvarna, no brand, etc.

I don’t care if they’re orange or black. They are just simpler and easier to use, if available, cut down to the correct length.

On my pole saws, I added bungee cords or straps, to keep those from flying off when transported in the back of a truck.

Philbert