Fixing a chain that has fallen off of a chainsaw can seem daunting, especially if it is the first time you are facing the task. However, it is not as difficult as it appears. The first thing you should do is to find a suitable sized wrench, as well as a flat head screwdriver.
Next, you should remove the chain guard, if there is one; then, locate the adjustment screw and loosen it until the tension loosens. With the tension loosened, lift the chain and place it back on the sprocket.
The chain should be placed so that it will run in the same direction as the rest of the chain. If there are arrows or marks on the chain, you should line those up with the arrows or marks on the bar.
Once the chain is in place, you should tighten the chain, using the flathead screwdriver and the wrench. The tension should be set so that the chain moves smoothly, but not too tight.
Finally, you should replace the chain guard and the job is done. If you find that the chain has fallen off again, you should repeat the same process, making sure that the chain is fitted tightly. As with all repair projects, following all safety precautions should be adhered to.
What happens if you put chain on chainsaw backwards?
Putting chain on a chainsaw backwards can be very dangerous. If a chain on a chainsaw is installed backwards, the direction of the chain’s motion will be reversed, which can cause unpredictable results.
The chain is designed for cutting, so when it’s reversed it can cause it to fly off the chainsaw in unpredictable directions and cause serious injury or property damage. Additionally, the tension between the blade and the chainsaw’s power unit can cause the chainsaw to vibrate and tear itself apart, leading to further damage and creating a safety hazard.
Finally, the reversed chain can put additional stress on the engine and cause significant wear and tear on the chainsaw’s parts. Overall, installing the chainsaw backwards is not recommended, and can drastically reduce the safety and reliability of the chainsaw.
Can you use a chainsaw with a loose chain?
No, you cannot use a chainsaw with a loose chain. Chainsaws have a set of instructions for maintenance and setup, and one of the most important instructions is to make sure that the chain fits securely on the guide bar.
Having a loose chain can cause the guide bar to bend and the chain to come off, which can cause a safety hazard. It can also cause serious damage to the chainsaw itself. Before using a chainsaw, make sure that the chain is tight and that it’s lubricated, and that the guide bar is seated and aligned properly.
This will ensure that you get the most performance out of your chainsaw and will also help to prevent any potential accidents or damage.
Why does the chain keep coming off my Stihl chainsaw?
The most common cause of chainsaw chains coming off is that the chain tension is too loose. The tension of the chain should be checked regularly, and any time it is adjusted the bolts that hold the chain sprocket cover should be tightened securely.
Another cause of chainsaw chains coming off is an incorrectly fitted chain sprocket cover, which can happen if the chain is too tight or if the cover is not properly aligned and fitted. Additionally, a chain can come off if the chainbars are not aligned – if the chainbars twist, then the chain will come off, particularly when cutting under load.
Finally, a dull or damaged chain can also cause a chain to come off and should be replaced or sharpened if this is the case.
How tight should a chainsaw chain be?
It’s important to maintain the proper tension on a chainsaw chain for safety and for optimal cutting performance. To get the tension just right, the chain should be lightly pulled away from the side of the bar, with just enough tension that the chain does not sag.
The chain should still be able to spin freely when not in use. If the chain is too tight, it can cause misalignment which can harm the engine or drive components, or at the very least, cause increased vibration and quicker fatigue of the drive components.
Additionally, a tight chain can also reduce the cutting efficiency and increase fuel consumption. On the other hand, a chain that is too loose can cause the chain to jump off the guide bar during operation, or pull loose and wrap around the clutch or sprocket.
Ultimately, the best way to ensure the proper chain tension is to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions in your chainsaw manual.
What causes a chain to break on a chainsaw?
A chainsaw’s chain can break due to wear and tear, incorrect sharpening, incorrect tensioning, improper cutting technique, or a defective chain. Wear and tear occurs over time due to regular use, resulting in the chain links becoming worn and deformed, reducing the strength of the chain.
Incorrect sharpening can weaken the teeth and make them more prone to breaking. If the chain tension is too tight, the extra strain placed on the links can cause them to break. Improper cutting technique or using a chain that is too large or too small for the saw can also lead to a broken chain.
Finally, a defective chain often contains weak links and can break suddenly without warning.
Can you replace links on a chainsaw?
Yes, you can replace links on a chainsaw. When replacing links on a chainsaw, it is important to use the correct size and type of link according to the manufacturer’s specification. The proper length link should be selected to ensure the chain is not too tight or too loose.
Most chainsaws use a standard “rivet-type” chain link, which is press fit and fastened to the chain with two rivets. To replace a chain link, you will need to gently remove the two rivets that secure the chain link with a drill fitted with a silver-colored drill bit.
Once the rivets are removed, you can slide the chain link off and replace it with a new one. It is important to use an appropriate lubricant when putting the chain link back on to ensure that it will fit properly and be securely fastened.
Once the chain link has been replaced and the rivets replaced, make sure to check that the chain has the proper tension before trying to use the chainsaw.
When should you throw away a chainsaw chain?
It is important to know when to replace your chainsaw chain to ensure it remains in top condition and that your saw is operating safely and efficiently. Generally, a chainsaw chain should be replaced when it becomes damaged, dull, or stretched.
Damaged chains can indicate physical flaws and cause the chain to break which can lead to dangerous injury. If the chain has visible physical flaws such as bent cutters, chip ties, broken drive links, or an excessive number of missing drive links, then the chain should be immediately discarded.
In addition, chainsaw chains become dull with use and require frequent sharpening. As the chain dulls, it becomes less efficient and can cause kickback during cutting. It is recommended to sharpen your chain regularly and if the saw is being used heavily, it should be inspected frequently.
If the chain is too difficult to sharpen or cannot hold a sharpened edge, then it should be discarded and replaced.
Lastly, chains can stretch over time which can reduce their overall effectiveness and lead to safety issues. The chain should no longer be used ifdrive links (the connecting section of the chain) become excessively stretched or the pitch gauge shows they are no longer within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
In sum, it is important to keep your chainsaw chain in top condition by routinely inspecting it for any physical damage or excessive wear as well as achieving a sharp cutting edge with frequent sharpening.
When the chain is damaged, dull, or stretched, it should be considered for replacement to ensure it is performing safely and efficiently.
Do chainsaw chains have a master link?
Yes, some chainsaw chains have a master link. A master link is a quick-connect link on a chain that allows you to quickly remove and replace the chain from the saw without having to take it apart. Typically, the master link is located at the middle of the chain, and it is either a special clip or a solid link.
While not all chainsaw chains have a master link, many of today’s chainsaw models do, as it makes it much easier to take off and put back on the chain.
Can you fix a stretched chainsaw chain?
Yes, you can fix a stretched chainsaw chain by making some adjustments to the chain tension. This involves loosening the tensioner nuts, located at the base of the engine, with a wrench and adjusting the tensioner screw until the chain is suitably tight.
It is important to ensure the chain is neither too loose nor too tight. You should also check the chain tension before each use and occasionally check to see if the chain has stretched. After making the adjustments, run the chainsaw for a few seconds to check the tension has been set correctly.
Why won’t my chainsaw chain tighten?
If your chainsaw chain is not tightening, it could be due to several possible scenarios. Firstly, check if the bar nut that holds the chain in place is still tight enough. Sometimes the nut can become loose over time, allowing the chain to become too loose and eventually fall off altogether.
If the bar nut is still tight enough, it could be that the chain has stretched out over time, causing it to become too long and therefore too loose. This can happen as a result of regular use and is simply a sign that your chain needs to be replaced.
Finally, if the chain has become jammed in the guide bar, it can be difficult to tighten it properly. If this is the case, you will need to check for obstructions in the guide bar and clear any debris or dirt that may be causing the problem.
Once this is done, you may be able to tighten the chain. If it is still not tightening correctly, it may be time to replace the chain altogether.