The best way to know if your chainsaw chain is tight enough is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Chain tension should be checked every time you use the chainsaw, as the chain will stretch and loosen over time.
The tension should be checked with the chain brake off, and when it is taut, but not overly tight. The chain should be just snug enough that you can’t pull it off the guide bar with your hands. The chain should not be vibrating when running, as this can cause excessive wear to both the chain and the guide bar.
If your chainsaw has a tensioning screw, ensure you have the correct tension for the chainsaw. If the screw is not working properly, then it can be replaced with an accurately sized wrench. If the chain is still too loose, check to see if the sprocket and chain are worn and replace them, if needed.
If all else fails, take it to your local hardware store and they should be able to help you.
Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?
Yes, it is possible to over tighten a chainsaw chain. Generally, a chainsaw chain should be tightened using a tensioning device that comes with the chainsaw. Most chainsaw chains will come with a bar tensioning device, which is used to place the correct tension on the chain.
As the chain is tightened, it will gradually tighten more, so care should be taken not to over tighten the chain. Doing so can cause the chain to stretch or warp, and can even cause the chainsaw to malfunction.
If a chainsaw chain feels too tight, then it is best to ease off the tension slightly, either by adjusting the tensioner or using a file. It is important to check the chain tension regularly during use to ensure it is still at the right level.
Why does my chain keep coming loose on my chainsaw?
One of the most common is that the chain has not been properly tensioned, so it becomes too loose over time and eventually falls off. This can usually be fixed by adjusting the tension screw on the side of the chainsaw.
If the tension screw is adjusted properly and the chain continues to come loose, it could indicate a worn drive sprocket, worn bar nose sprocket, or even a worn bar. If these components are worn, they will need to be replaced.
Additionally, if the drive link rivets are worn, they will not be able to hold the chain on the bar, so they may need to be replaced as well. Finally, if the chain is not tensioned properly and is still too loose, it can become lodged between the drive sprocket and the guide bar, causing the chain to come off.
To prevent this, be sure to check and adjust the tension screw frequently.
How tight should a chainsaw chain be Stihl?
The correct tension for a chainsaw chain is determined by the manufacturer and depends on the model of Stihl saw you have. Generally, the chain should be tightened until there is no slack when lifted with your thumb and index finger at the nose end of the bar.
If you can lift the chain and the bar moves from side to side, it’s too loose and needs to be tightened. If the chain won’t move when trying to lift it, then it’s too tight and needs to be loosened. It’s important to check and adjust the tension regularly, as a loose chain could cause the saw to jump off the bar, and a tight chain will cause the saw to be inefficient and wear out faster.
Stihl also advises that after tensioning the chain, always start the chainsaw to check if the chain runs correctly.
Why does my chainsaw smoke when cutting?
Your chainsaw likely smokes when cutting due to a number of potential causes. First, the saw may be burning the chain oil that is sprayed onto the chain to help keep it lubricated and reduce friction.
If the chain has become dirty or worn down, the oil may burn more easily. It is also possible that the chain oil you are using is of a low quality, which should be replaced immediately. Additionally, if the air filter of the saw is dirty, it will also affect the efficiency as well as cause more smoke.
Finally, make sure that your fuel mix is correct, as an incorrect mixture can lead to deposits in the cylinder and a lot of smoke- even more so when chopping wood.
To reduce smoking, be sure to check the chain for wear and dirt build-up, use a high-quality chain oil, and clean the air filter regularly. A good fuel mix is also essential. If the problem persists, you may need to bring your chain saw to a certified service person for maintenance or repair.
Do chainsaw chains stretch over time?
Yes, chainsaw chains do stretch over time. This is due to the effects of wear and friction on the chain links. Over time, the chain’s drive links and their corresponding cutters start to wear down and become rounded.
This in turn causes the drive links to start to slip out of their corresponding cutters, resulting in a gradual stretching of the chain. In addition to this, the tension of the chainsaw’s drive sprocket also contributes to stretching of the chain.
As the drive sprocket wears down, the tension that it applies to the chain lessens, resulting in a further loosening and stretching of the chain links. It’s important to regularly check the tension of your chainsaw’s chain and adjust it as needed to make sure it’s not too loose.
Regularly maintenance of your chainsaw is a must if you want to ensure optimal performance and a longer life for your saw and its chain.
How many times can you sharpen a chainsaw chain?
The answer to this question largely depends on the condition and quality of your chainsaw chain. As a general rule, you should be able to sharpen a chainsaw chain between 3-5 times before needing to replace it.
However, if the chain is not of good quality and/or has a lot of wear and tear, you may need to replace it sooner. If the teeth of a chain get too small or the cutting edges of the chain become rounded, it won’t be able to be sharpened again and will need to be replaced.
In order to maximize the lifespan of your chainsaw chain, you should only sharpen it when absolutely necessary. It’s easy to tell when a chain needs sharpening–it will create a lot of sawdust rather than chips, and it will take a lot more effort to saw through a piece of wood.
Why is my chainsaw not cutting with a new chain?
If you have recently installed a new chain on your chainsaw and it is not cutting, there are a few common issues you should check before you think about replacing the chain. First, check the tension of the chain on the guide bar.
Chains should be moderately snug and should move freely on the guide bar when not engaged. If the chain is too loose, it may not cut effectively. Secondly, make sure the chain’s guide bar, sprocket, and clutch drum system are all in proper alignment.
If they are even slightly out of alignment, this can prevent the chain from cutting. Thirdly, check that the chain and guide bar are properly lubricated with bar and chain oil to prevent excessive wear and binding.
Finally, make sure the chain has adequate sharpness to cut the wood. Dull chains will reduce the effectiveness of the chainsaw, so it is important to have the chain properly sharpened with a round file.
What makes a chainsaw blade dull?
A dull chainsaw blade is caused by two main factors: regular wear and tear and improper maintenance. Regular use of a chainsaw blade causes the teeth to become blunt and worn down over time, leading to decreased performance.
Incorrect maintenance methods, such as not properly lubricating the chain or failing to sharpen the blades regularly, can also quickly dull a saw blade. A chainsaw blade is made from metal, which can become dull quickly due to rust and other contaminants if not properly maintained and regularly cleaned.
Conversely, a properly maintained, sharp saw blade should last for a long time and greatly improve cutting performance.
How do you not pinch a chainsaw?
To avoid pinching the chainsaw when using it, you should always cut with the lower portion of the blade, as it makes for a smoother and safer cut. Additionally, you should not put the saw too deeply into the point of the cut so that you can avoid pushing the chain into the cut.
It is also important to make sure the saw has tension on the chain so that it is not loose when operating the saw, because a loose chain can cause it to become pinched. You should also make sure you are wearing the right protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, to help avoid an accident as a result of pinching.
Finally, make sure you are using the right technique when cutting, as an improper cutting technique can increase the chances of pinching the chain.
What causes chain to stretch?
The stretching of a chain is caused by cyclic loading, entrapment of dirt and grime in moving parts, vibration from the engine, and the effects of wear over time. As the chain is used, the inner and outer plates of the chain link become worn.
This creates gaps between the plates that cause the chain to stretch. The grime and dirt that accumulate in the chain links and rollers can cause restricting and binding, adding to the tension in the chain.
The excess tension causes the chain to stretch. Vibrations from the engine can cause the chain to stretch as well, as the motor shakes, the chain tension increases, which can cause the chain to stretch over time.
Why do chainsaw chains get loose?
Chainsaws are one of the most powerful, yet potentially dangerous tools out there. Operating a chainsaw requires great care and attention to ensure its safety and efficiency, and regularly checking the tension of the chainsaw chain is one such task that can prevent costly and potentially life-threatening accidents.
Chainsaws operate by spinning a metal chain covered in sharpened teeth at high speeds to cut through any material its operator desires. That metal chain will become loose from its drive sprocket or from wear over time, and it is important to periodically check to make sure it is properly tensioned.
If the chainsaw chain gets too loose, the chainsaw won’t be able to perform correctly, may kick back toward the operator in a reaction known as “kickback”, and – in the worst-case scenario – may cause injury to the person operating the chainsaw.
Chainsaw chains become loose from wear-and-tear as the chainsaw is used, but particularly when cutting hard materials. This wear causes the link pins to stretch, thus decreasing the tension of the chain.
Additionally, the chainsaw’s drive sprocket can get worn out over time, decreasing the tension of the chain and requiring the sprocket to be replaced.
The best way to ensure that a chainsaw chain is properly tensioned is to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, as they will provide you with detailed instructions on how to tension the chain and how often to check it.
Generally speaking, a chainsaw chain should be tensioned whenever it has become loose, so it’s important to inspect it regularly to ensure it’s tightened to the correct tension.
When should you throw away a chainsaw chain?
You should throw away a chainsaw chain when the chain no longer sharpens when you use a file and stone or grinding wheel, or when the chain is bent or damaged or excessively worn. Signs that a chain is excessively worn include dull cutting performance, smoke or sparking when in use, difficult starting, and noisy performance.
If the chain is stretched beyond its limitations, it could break during use, which could be dangerous. Other than that, you should replace a chain if it becomes too worn to be sharpened properly. Additionally, it’s a good idea to replace chains periodically to ensure optimal performance and safety.
When storing chains, it is important to keep them dry, as moisture can damage them.
How much slack should a chain have on a chainsaw?
Generally, however, it is suggested that the slack in a chainsaw’s chain should be between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch. This amount of slack will ensure that the chain runs freely without any binding or significant stretching of the chain while still providing the operator with enough tension to allow the bar to stay firmly in place.
If there is too much or too little slack, the chain may stretch prematurely or become too tight, both of which can cause damage to the chainsaw parts and limit the performance of the device. To get the correct slack in the chain, you will need to adjust the tensioner properly.
How is chain slack measured?
Chain slack is measured by manually measuring the physical distance between the bottom roller on the rear derailleur and the top of the bottom metal gear on the cassette. If the distance is greater than 1/2 inch, the chain should be tightened.
Another method for measuring chain slack is to rotate the pedals and shift the chain into the largest gear when in the smallest gear. The maximum given slack should be 1/2 inch or smaller. When checking for back and forth movement, it’s important to remember that the chain should never visibly move creating slack when going into the smaller gear.
Chain slack should also be verified when in the highest gear to ensure the derailleur cage is not over extended. All these steps should be taken to ensure the chain has the proper tension and will not skip under load.