QA

How To Tension A Chainsaw Chain

What is the proper tension for a chainsaw chain?

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.

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.

Why does the chain slip on my chainsaw?

Chainsaw chains come off the bar due to worn-out bars, worn-out sprockets, and wrongly set tension. You should also note that with continued use, chains lose their tension and hence are more likely to come off the bar when you least expect it.

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 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.

What makes a chainsaw blade dull?

Is the wood that you’re cutting with the chainsaw particularly dirty? 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.

How many times can you sharpen a chainsaw chain?

Cutters can be sharpened up to 10 times or more before the chain needs replacing. If your cutters are worn unevenly after a few sharpenings, a professional can regrind them to uniform shape. If you use the same chain for a few years, then buy a new one, the new one won’t mesh smoothly with the sprocket and bar.

Why does my chain keep getting 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.

Will cutting wet wood dull a chainsaw?

Does Cutting Wet Wood Dull a Chainsaw? Using your chainsaw to cut through wet wood will not dull the chain any faster than using it for other types of wood. When you think about it, your chainsaw chain is already wet. True, it is not wet with water.

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.

Why does my chainsaw burn the wood?

If the oil pump for the bar oil is not pumping oil on to the bar it will cause the chain and the bar to get very hot. If this is happening, it may cause the wood to burn. The only other thing I can come up with is the chain may be very dull or on backwards.

How do I stop my chainsaw for cutting crooked?

Check the size of the top plates, which sit on the longer sections of each tooth on the chain. These top plates should be the same size. If some are shorter than others, file the longer ones down to match. Keep the same angle on all the top plates as you file – angles that don’t match also can cause curved cutting.

Do you flip the bar on a chainsaw?

Every chainsaw bar has been designed to be mounted right-side up or upside down. The reason for this is that it allows the user to extend the life of his chainsaw bar by 50%. Flipping the bar will give the heavily-used areas some relief from wear and tear. This reduces a chainsaw’s ability to cut accurately.