- The bar shroud is usually made of a hardened plastic that's tough enough to hold metal. This shroud is generally slid onto the bar so that it encompasses both the top and bottom. Some shrouds cover the entire bar and chain while others only protect the top and bottom of the chain teeth. These shrouds will protect the teeth from damage should the chainsaw get dropped and protect the sawyer should he slip while walking with the chainsaw.
- Place the shroud onto the bar before the saw is transported before, during and after cutting. Ensure that the bar shroud is secured to the bar and the power head before moving the saw as the shroud may slip off during transport. While the bar shroud's use may seem unnecessary, use the bar shroud whenever the chainsaw is not being used, even for short distances. The cutting teeth on the chainsaw chain are very sharp and will cut through clothing and other thick material even when the chain is not spinning.
- Always use the shroud when storing the chainsaw when it's not being used. Even if it's a short period of time, like one day, the shroud will protect the bar and chain from damage from unexpected drops or accidents. The shroud will also help prevent the chain from drying out; when the chain dries out, it will start to rust and the rivets will be compromised, which can lead to the chain breaking or snapping in half while cutting, which can lead to serious, even fatal injury for the sawyer.
- If you lost your bar shroud or it has been damaged, there are other options for a protective cover. The most protective is to wrap the chainsaw cutting chaps around the entire bar and chain, and snap their leg buckles around the cutting chaps to secure them tightly to the bar and chain, which will also make for a convenient protective cover as you won't need to bring the shroud with you into the woods while cutting. Don't use other, softer materials like towels or rags to try to protect the chain during transportation. The cutting teeth will penetrate thinner materials.
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