Cheap bars and chains

[aesmith]

Hi,

 

I was wondering whether the cheap bars offered by some dealers are worthwhile for occasional use, or whether they're completely useless. I'm thinking of trying a 16" bar on my MS180, and I can get a bar + chain for £14.95 from one of the budget mail order places. The idea is that I'd see how that works for me, then get a decent 55DL chain if it works well.

 

Any comments on the cheap stuff?

 

Thanks, Tony S

[Ray1]

False economy, buy cheap, buy twice or three times, and running a 16 inch bar on a MS180, i wouldn't advise it.

[peatff]

I don't know about the bars but I bought a couple of cheap standard length Ozaki chains for my 135 and they work fine.

[aesmith]

... running a 16 inch bar on a MS180, i wouldn't advise it.

I understand what you're saying, but my electric saw was 16" and I was missing the extra length trying to slice up a large log. Assuming the cheap bar is not completely useless, once I've tried it I can either get a decent chain, or keep the cheap 16" set for occasional use, and keep a decent quality 14" (or even 12") for normal use.

 

Tony S

[Will Heal]

I bought a 14 inch ital light bar with 2 chains off eBay for £21 bars I'm pleased with the bar so far the chains lose their edge a bit quicker than Oregon but for the price very good

Edited December 16, 2014 by Will Heal

[SawTroll]

I bought a 14 inch ital light bar with 2 chains off eBay for £21 bars I'm pleased with the bar so far the chains lose their edge a bit quicker than Oregon but for the price very good

 

The 55dl 16" bars really are about 14 1/2" - but still a little long on that saw.

 

Personally, I would never buy such cheap bars and chains - it is very likely crap made in a Chinese back yard - or something like that.....

[detritus21]

Chains aren't so bad when cheaper. I've had a gopart bar which wore very heavily so ain't convinced. I also don't like the 0.50 cheaper chains prefer branded as they seem harder wearing.

[Adamam]

Ozaki is Euro-branded Carlton I believe. Ozaki and Carlton bars have always been OK when I've used them.

 

The chains have had a greater degree of variation in hardness, so hand filing the depth gauges (for example) can go easy, easy, super-hard, easy etc. Also cheap chain depth guages seem to be set higher, so slower cutting out of the box/bag. Presumably to minimise stress on the lower. Quality chain...

[doobin]

I found some 12" chains on eBay from GHS for £12 for three.

 

If it's anything like their cheap chainsaw files it's junk, but for that money I will give them a go.

[aesmith]

The 55dl 16" bars really are about 14 1/2" - but still a little long on that saw.

I suppose it depends where it's measured, but either way a 55DL bar will be 1 7/8" longer than a 50DL 14" bar, won't it?