The present invention provides an application method of a Cr-plated mandrel bar repeatedly used in mandrel mill rolling by the Mannesmann tube making process. A regeneration treatment is performed to use the mandrel bar again as a tool of like size when an opening width H of a surface defect generated on the mandrel bar by its use in the mandrel mill rolling is not less than 1.5 mm and a depth of the surface defect is in the range of 0.3 mm to less than 2.0 mm. Alternatively, a downsizing treatment is performed to use the mandrel bar again as a tool of a smaller size when the depth of the surface defect generated on the mandrel bar by its use in the mandrel mill rolling is not less than 2.0 mm. The regeneration treatment or downsizing treatment is performed according to conditions or a configuration of the surface defect to achieve repeated application to the mandrel mill rolling, allowing life-extension of the mandrel bar and improvement of cost performance thereof.