bent bar

[65x55BPD]

i have aquired a 32" bar that is clean but it got pinched by a 3ft diameter tree. the groove is pinched in. i was told that if you bend a bar you cant fix it. the bar itself is straight but the groove is closed up. i would really like to save it(i got it for free and its big and i cant afford one).

 

[ericjeeper]

They make a tool.

or you can just find something of the correct size and tap it through from each end.
I do not think it will hurt anything as long as the areas pinched, do not show any signs of a crack or tear.

 

[Dan Forsh]

Probably isn't the correct way of doing it, but I would clamp some sturdy steel plates to either side of the bar and take a third small plate at a thickness equal to the groove and drive it along with a hammer to open it back up.

Dan

 

[begleytree]

I agree with the previous posters. It's junk now,so what do you have to lose? you may gain a bar.
-Ralph

 

[redprospector]

Sometimes when I'm tightening the bar rails on an old bar I get them too tight. I just take a drive link and find and mark the tight spots, then take a straight screwdriver blade and carefully drive it in between the rails while trying it with the drive link.
It takes a little time, but you can get it back in useable condition that way.

Andy

 

[Stihl #1]

STIHL has some tools for opening and closing the bar groove, .050 and .063 I think.
I will post part numbers in the morning from work.

 

[65x55BPD]

would a stihl dealer have the tool to open the gap? i dont want to go and buy one if i dont need it.

if i try the clamping and bending method do you think i should heat the bar or do this cold? will heating it change the characteristics of the bar like when somebody burns up a bar(no oil, too tight)? keep in mind i am the furthest thing from a metal worker and would have to borrow tools to do this.

 

[Canyon Angler]

if i try the clamping and bending method do you think i should heat the bar or do this cold?

I'm no expert but I would leave the heat-treating to the metalworkers...

 

[Stihl #1]

STIHL bars have the edges flame hardened, so it is easy to start a crack when trying to straighten a bent bar, and don't use any heat.
The tools are:
1110 893 9000 groove gauge 1.3mm for closing the rails MSRP around $15
1110 893 9200 groove drift 1.3mm for opening up a pinch MSRP around $60
1106 893 9000 groove gauge 1.6mm $13
1106 893 9200 groove drift 1.6mm $73

So they are a little pricey, but hopefully your dealer will do the job for a reasonable fee.

 

[SawTroll]

or you can just find something of the correct size and tap it through from each end.
.....

I think I would try that, but if is completely closed - start with something thinner than full width, and work my way up.....

 

[redprospector]

From experience I can tell you that when you spread the rails they will spring back some. You will have to go a little (quite a bit) wider than the gauge you want. Start thinn, go slow it's a trial & error deal.

Andy

P. S. I promise, a screwdriver will work if you're carefull.