QA

Question: How Tight Should A Chainsaw Be

A properly-tensioned chainsaw chain should still be just a little loose on the chainsaw guide bar, but the chain needs to be tight enough that you can’t pull the drive links out of the bar nose.

How tight should a chain saw chain be?

Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?

This simple maintenance task is easy to perform and necessary to keep your chainsaw running safely. There is a tension screw located near the base of the bar on the chainsaw. To tighten the chain, turn it clockwise, and to loosen turn it counterclockwise. Don’t over-tighten the chain as this could cause it to break.

How much slack should a chainsaw blade have?

It should “give” about a 1/4 inch from the bar without much effort. Finally, while still holding up on the tip of the bar, tighten the bar nuts. Proper chainsaw chain tension is safer, it cuts better and it will extend the life of both your chainsaw and your chain.

How do I know if my chainsaw chain is tight enough?

The chainsaw chain should feel snug but still pull freely. Finally, perform a “snap” test to ensure proper saw chain tension. Simply pull the chain on the underside of the guide bar down so one or two drive links are out of the guide bar rails and release it. The chain should snap directly into position.

Why does chainsaw chain keep getting loose?

Chain Not Set Properly One of the most common reasons why your chain might be coming loose is because it was not set properly. When you go through the steps to tension your chain, you need to finish those steps by setting the tension so it won’t change as you work your saw.

How often do you need to sharpen a chainsaw?

In most cases, sharpening the chain should happen after ten times of being in use, while in other situations, you have to sharpen it after every session.

How long should a chain on a chainsaw last?

The lifetime of a chainsaw chain has no fixed limit and depends on usage and maintenance. The chain should last many years; 5-6 years should be no problem. However, if the chainsaw chain is used properly and taken care of, it can last way longer.

Do chainsaw chains stretch over time?

It’s perfectly normal for a chainsaw chain to stretch after regular use. The friction from cutting through wood makes the chain very hot and the heat causes it to loosen. The heat expands the guide bar and when it cools, the chain has stretched. The chain will also loosen as it wears down from use.

Why won’t my chainsaw chain tighten?

If you can’t tighten the chain, you may not be implementing the proper tightening procedure. To adjust the chain, loosen the nuts that hold the guide bar in place. Attempting to turn the tension screw without loosening the nuts first may be the reason you can’t tighten the chain.

Why does my chainsaw jump when cutting?

Too much slack in your chain can cause the saw blades to jump the bar. This is commonly referred to as throwing the chain. Place a dime between the chain and bar, then increase the tension until the chain is snug against the dime. Remove the dime and you’re ready to cut.

Why does chainsaw cut in a curve?

Two main reasons will cause the chain to cut on a curve. The most common reason is from improper hand filing. If one side of the teeth is more heavily damaged, sharpening them down will make them smaller than the other side.

Why does my chainsaw smoke so much?

An abundance of smoke emanating from the engine often indicates that an excessive amount of oil has been introduced into the oil and gasoline mixture that powers the chain saw. Empty the fuel tank of all the oil and fuel mixture and fill the tank with the newly mixed fuel and oil before using the chain saw again.

When should I change my chainsaw blade?

The signs that it’s time for chainsaw chain replacement #1 – Difficulty with positioning. #2 – The chainsaw no longer pulls itself into the wood. #3 – Smoking, even when lubrication is good and chain tension is correct. #4 – Crooked cuts. #5 – Missing or damaged teeth. In Conclusion.

Why does my chainsaw blade go dull so fast?

What is this? Many chainsaw enthusiasts have noted that their blades dull faster when they’re cutting muddy wood. If the logs that you’re cutting up are muddy, then perhaps that is the sole reason why your blade is dulling too fast. It won’t be hard to notice whether the wood that you’re cutting is dirty or not.

Why does my chainsaw blade dull so quickly?

With a single contact with the ground while running, a chainsaw can become very dull. This is because the ground contains sand and dust which is abrasive and contains a lot of tiny rocks. To avoid such occurrences, avoid cutting wood placed on the ground.

How much does it cost to have a chainsaw sharpened?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR YOU TO SHARPEN MY CHAIN PROFESSIONALLY? If you bring the chain into our shop off your saw, our average chain sharpening price ranges from $13- $16.00, depending on the number of cutters.

Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw chain?

Sharpening your chainsaw chain is definitely worth it as a sharp chainsaw chain is easier to work with. It takes less effort to cut through wood and your chain will make cleaner cuts with sharp blades. A chainsaw chain can be sharpened multiple times without much of a cost.