QA

Quick Answer: How To Adjust A Chainsaw Chain

How tight should a chain be on a chainsaw?

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.

Why does my chainsaw chain keep loosening?

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 do you tighten the tension on a chainsaw?

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.

Why does my chainsaw chain keep running?

A chainsaw is equipped with a centrifugal clutch, which is designed to engage the chain sprocket and the motor only when the throttle is engaged. When the clutch doesn’t retract, the chain continues to spin, and the cause is either that the shoes are stuck or the springs are broken.

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 is my chain always loose?

Your chain might simply be too old or can stretch over time. When this occurs you need to replace it. Consider that your loose chain also may be due to operator error. Exceeding the recommended gear range for the rear derailleur on your bike may lead to a droopy chain when you ride in these gears.

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.

Can I use vegetable oil instead of bar oil?

Tips for replacing chain oil with vegetable oil: Use canola oil – Canola oil is currently the most common environmentally compatible chain-and-bar lubricant. Vegetable oil is thinner – Vegetable oils have lower viscosities than the bar/chain lubricants and therefore flow more readily.

Why does my chainsaw cut crooked?

Dull cutters damaged by rocks can cause a chain to cut crooked. It’s important to remove all damage from cutters prior to cutting. Cutting with a dull chain can accelerate wear to the bar and chain. If you sharpen your chain at a 25º setting on your left hand, your right hand cutters should match.

Why does my chainsaw dies when I give it gas?

Because your chainsaw will idle, but dies when it is revved up to full power, it means that the filter is only partially clogged; it will allow enough fuel to the engine to run on idle, but not enough to sustain full throttle. If the filter becomes clogged, not enough fuel will reach the engine for it to run properly.

Is there a master link in a chainsaw chain?

Locate the master link that most manufacturers install to make removal of the chain a simple process. A visual inspection of the chain will reveal the master link due to its appearance that makes it stand out slightly from the other links.

How long should a chainsaw chain stay sharp?

A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn’t get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.

Why is my chainsaw leaking bar oil?

What causes a chainsaw to leak oil? If there isn’t proper ventilation of the oil tank, a vacuum can occur and reduce the flow of oil to the guide bar. Correctly venting your chainsaws oil tank will allow air into the tank, and avoid a vacuum from occurring.

What happens if your chain is too loose?

The major symptoms of a loose chain include chain teeth skipping over the sprockets, uneven transmission of power to the wheel leading to jerky wheel movements, chain lash and the chain slapping the swindle arm, and in the final case, chain coming off the sprocket.

Why does my chainsaw chain stretch so fast?

One of the most common reasons why the chainsaw chain gets loose so fast is because of wear off caused by time and usage. New chains will need to be tightened more often because they stretch a lot during the first few uses. This is the ‘break-in’ period of your chain.