Abstract: A flail device for use in conjunction with debarking or delimbing apparatus is disclosed. The device comprises a rotatable drum having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart rows of longitudinally spaced-apart openings, a plurality of rods extending longitudinally within the drum, each of the rods positioned radially inward of the openings, and a plurality of guide plates rigidly attached to the drum for rotation therewith. The guide plates have slots sized to removably receive and support the rods. A plurality of chain flails are attached to each of the rods, attachment being by extension of the rod through an interior aperture of an attaching link of the flail. The rods have a size in the radial direction to substantially fill the aperture of the attaching link to minimize the radial movement of the attaching link relative to the rod during usage.