Cleaning the bar is an important part of good chainsaw maintenance. A dirty bar will prevent oil from properly reaching the chain, resulting in premature failure.
Today we will be cleaning up a neglected STIHL HT56C bar and chain. For anyone not familiar with this model, the HT56C is the pole saw trimmer that features a 10-inch bar/chain mounted atop a 9ft shaft.
This type of tool is great for trimming up high, hard to reach branches. It can also be used to get into tight spots like under a fence-line for brush clearing.
Why a clean chainsaw bar is important
As you can see from the photo above, the bar and sprocket assembly is caked with sawdust.
What is the problem with that?
This build up causes a few problems. First, it clogges up the oiler holes, preventing oil from reaching the bar & chain.
Without oil on the bar, this will create heat as the chain works. Resulting in premature chain and bar wear….or failure.
Second, this also creates more heat and friction on the chain sprocket. Again, this can result in premature wear or failure.
Cleaning a STIHL Chainsaw Bar and Oiler holes
This is a pretty simple job and doesn’t really require any special tools. (unlike if you want to adjust the carburetor)
On this model you start by removing the nut holding the bar cover in-place. Once removed, you will have full access to the bar & chain.
With all the sawdust in this area, the chainsaw oiling system can no longer work properly.
Instead of delivering oil to the bar through the small holes, oil is just leaking everywhere. Further adding to the mess.
Cleaning the chainsaw bar
To clean the area and fix the oiler. A flat head screw driver works good to scrape out the large pieces of gunk.
With the majority of the large debris cleared out. Wipe down the area to get the smaller pieces and clean up the oil.
Once remotely clean, the last thing I like to do it hit the area with a blast of compressed air. This will really clear out all of those hard-to-reach areas.
Pay special attention to the oiler holes located on both sides of the chainsaw bar.
This is how oil enters the rail in the bar and lubricates the chain.
Small Oiler holes on chainsaw bar
The photo above shows the clean sprocket area along with a clean bar. Note the small hole on the bottom edge of the bar, this is where oil weeps into the bar and must be clear of debris.
Since the bar can be flipped, there will be an oiler hole on both sides of the bar.
Even though oil will only enter through one hole (depending on bar orientation) it is good to clean both holes and the entire rail where the chain rides.
That’s all there is to it! Results
The above process is a quick and easy way to clean out a build up of debris and get your chainsaw oiler working again.
Nice and clean and ready for work!
If you are sick of gas powered chainsaws, check out these:
Hopefully this article was helpful and if you have any questions please leave them in the comments below.
Reference Material:
• STIHL HT56C Pole Pruner User Manual link
stihl is a very cool brand for cutting woods. thanks for your good post.
Thank you for stopping by and your comment. I have had good luck with both Stihl & Husqvarna chainsaws. Take care