New bar and chain prep

[alderman]

Is there any special preparation needed before using a new bar and chain?
I know about replacing the sprocket but was wondering if the bar has to be pre lubed before using.

Thanks:

 

[clearance]

No, put 'er together and let 'er rip. Make sure the oil hole on the bar isn't full of paint first, the chain will get lose after a bit, tighten 'er up.

 

[NWCS]

i allways spray the bar groove with WD-40 on both sides before the initial run, or after it has been sitting a while. i figure it may not do much, but it helps a bit till the oil pump starts doing its job.

 

[SWE#Kipp]

I put the chain on loosely and max the oiler, then run the saw with half throttle with the bar in the air until I see that it's full of oil ,,

/Kristoffer

 

[Lakeside53]

I slop some bar oil on the bar just before starting, let it dibble around, then just start it up. Stops the sparks that fly from a new bar/chain when dry...

 

[SteveH]

These other folks all have some good ideas. I recently purchased a higher–end [read: pricier model of the Stihl line than I usually buy] Stihl bar and used an "old fashioned" oil can to run some 30 W. all thru the groove. Just to give it a starting–out boost. I doubt it matters which method you use. Might not even matter if you do nothing. However, it costs virtually nothing to pre–lube it. One fellow I know soaks his new chains in a shallow pan of motor oil. Personally, I find that to be pretty messy [he hangs them up over the pan afterward and lets them drip a while. Still....]

 

[alderman]

Thanks for tips

I think I'll opt for the oil can and put a bit on before starting out.

 

[SawTroll]

WD 40 in the bar groove and on the chain help my conscience, if nothing else.

In addition, when I plan on using a new chain the next day, I put in bar oil over-night (like Oregon suggests in their Manual).

 

[314epw]

new bar

Don't forget to grease the sprocket nose if it has the grease holes at the end of the bar.
Ed:greenchainsaw:

 

[daemon2525]

I use an old-fashioned oil can with Tranny fluid in it. I started using trans fluid because 1/2 of a bottle was handy. Now I continue to use it because its easy to see the bright red. I figure if it will protect a transmission then its
good enought for anything that I want to squirt.

 

[SawTroll]

Don't forget to grease the sprocket nose if it has the grease holes at the end of the bar.

It is highly debatable if greasing the nose sprocket does any good.
I do it myself, but a lot of people reports good results from not doing it.

 

[NWCS]

in sandy dirty conditions, greasing the tip can aid in trapping that sand/dirt. most of my cutting is in logs skidded through sandy soil and as a result when i greased tips i took a couple out. now that i no longer grease tips, they last much longer. if you wanted to lube the tip get a mini grease gun and use 90wt gear oil or 50wt motor oil.. something thinner than grease.

 

[Ekka]

I spray the groove with INOX .... do you guys have that product there?

Also, I am an anti greaser of sprockets on bars, I INOX that too, I spray it in the oil hole whilst spinning it.

Have you noticed a lot of new bars dont have the grease hole anymore? Or only on one side???

 

[ray benson]

Haven't seen INOX around here. It is an Australian lube. Does it contain any emu oil?
http://www.lockandsupply.com/inox_lubricant.htm

 

[alderman]

I done did it!

I put a bit of oil on the bar, lubed the tip with Oregon grease and let her rip. No problems so far. This bar only has a hole on one side, but the packaging on the bar recommended greasing the tip so I went that route. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Gark]

I use old-fashioned pipe cleaners loaded with bar oil after cleaning out the groove and specially with a new bar. 'Cause my saw is a weak oiler, this gives it a head-start. Just run them pipecleaners through the groove until it's dripping...

 

[sawnami]

I usually spray the chain with motorcycle chain lube and roll it over a couple of times. It gives it a great head start.