Unsticking a chainsaw blade can be a tricky process, but with the right steps and safety precautions it can be done quickly and easily. Before beginning, make sure you have the proper safety equipment—safety glasses, gloves and long pants and sleeves—as well as the necessary tools.
First, unplug the chainsaw from the power source and pull out the spark plug on the engine. Next, remove the chain, bar and covers. Place the covers and the chain to the side so you can inspect the blade more closely.
Check for any bent teeth on the blade and use a flathead screwdriver to straighten any out if needed.
Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the blade, it’s time to unstick it. To do this, use a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen the screws that hold the blade in place. If the screws are too tight or the blade appears to be stuck, try adding some lubricating oil, such as WD-40, and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to loosen the screws.
Next, remove the blade from the saw and use some coarse sandpaper to remove any debris and rust. Be sure to wear protective gloves while doing this. Once you’ve removed the debris and rust, use a fine sandpaper to smooth down the surface.
To finish the job, place the blade back onto the saw and make sure it sits flush with the saw body. Secure the screws, replace the chain, bar and covers, and plug the spark plug back into the engine.
Finally, test out the saw by cutting a safe material, such as wood, to make sure it’s working properly.
If followed correctly, these steps should have your chainsaw blade unclogged and ready for use in no time.
Why won’t my chain move on my Stihl chainsaw?
There could be a few different reasons why your Stihl chainsaw chain won’t move. The most common cause is due to a pinched or jammed chain due to a dull or worn chain, clogged chainsaw drive sprocket, loose chain tension, or a dirty chain tensioner.
It is also possible that the chain brake could be activated, an obstructed oil pickup line, damaged clutch components, air filter clogged, or a damaged crankshaft sprocket.
To troubleshoot the issue, check for any blockages around the chain, bar, and sprocket, as well as a worn chain. If the chain is too worn, it may need to be replaced. If the chain tensioner is dirty or clogged, clean it out and make sure that the tension is properly adjusted.
If that doesn’t fix the problem, try releasing the chain brake. If the chain is still not moving, then the air filter may need to be changed or the clutch components may need to be inspected. Finally, it’s possible that the oil pickup line is obstructed or the crankshaft sprocket is broken.
If none of these troubleshooting steps work, then it is time to bring in a professional to inspect and repair your Stihl chainsaw.
Should a chainsaw chain move freely?
Yes, the chain of a chainsaw should move freely when not being used. This is important because a chainsaw runs at high speeds and having a malfunctioning chain could cause injuries or damage to the user or their surroundings.
The chain should move freely while not in use, but when the chainsaw is turned on, the chain should also be tight and not slacken. The chainsaw chain should be regularly checked for any tension, cracking, or stretching as these can be signs of wear and tear.
Additionally, regularly lubricating the chain can reduce friction and help improve the performance of the chainsaw. Taking these steps can help ensure that the chainsaw runs safely and efficiently.
How do I know if my chainsaw is seized?
In order to determine if your chainsaw is seized, you need to assess its condition and symptoms carefully. If your chainsaw is not starting up or running properly, then it may be seized. As a first step, check that the chain brake is not engaged, as this can cause the saw not to start.
If the chain brake is disengaged and the problem persists, then it’s time to take a closer look.
The first sign of a chainsaw that is seized is the pull cord will be hard to pull or won’t pull at all. This is the most obvious sign as the cord should pull very easily when the chainsaw is not seized.
Also, if the engine is turned over with the spark plug removed and the piston is not moving, then the engine is seized.
In addition, feel the engine block and cylinder head for any debris that may be obstructing the piston movement. If there is obstruction, you will need to disassemble the engine and clean out the obstruction, depending on what it is.
If the piston is still not moving after cleaning the obstruction, then more in depth repair is necessary.
In conclusion, a seized chainsaw can be identified primarily by the pull cord being difficult to pull, the piston not moving when the spark plug is removed, or debris blocking the piston’s movement. If you suspect that your chainsaw is seized, it is important to diagnose the issue and repair it as soon as possible.
How do you remove a flywheel from a chainsaw?
Removing a flywheel from a chainsaw is an important repair that should only be attempted by a qualified professional. If you are willing to proceed with the job, there are several steps involved.
First, unplug the chain saw and remove the spark plug. This will ensure that the engine is not inadvertently turned over when you remove the flywheel and loosen the other engine components.
Next, remove the screw or nut that holds the flywheel in place. This is often located on the top of the saw, but you may also find it near the base. Once this screw or nut is off, you will be able to move the starter assembly.
This will involve removing the starter rope, cover screws, and nut holding the assembly in place.
Now the armature can be pulled away from the flywheel. You may need to rotate the flywheel counterclockwise, using a wrench, to separate the two components. Once the screw or nut is reattached, the entire armature should pull away from the flywheel.
Once the armature is out of the way, the flywheel should come off easily. If it does not, you can use a wrench to unscrew it. Be gentle while doing this step. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause the flywheel to crack.
Once the flywheel is off, you can inspect it for damage, wear, or dirt accumulation. If all is in good repair, the flywheel can be reinstalled. Attach the nuts and screws, replace the armature and starter rope, and re-install the spark plug to finish the job.
What is a chainsaw flywheel?
A chainsaw flywheel is a component of a chainsaw engine. It is typically found between the engine crankcase and the clutch assembly and is responsible for maintaining the power output of the engine. The flywheel stores mechanical energy as it spins and converts that energy into rotational force when it passes through the rotation of the crankshaft.
It creates centrifugal force in order to keep the engine running at a consistent speed. The flywheel also helps to minimize excessive tension on the drive chain, which helps to maximize the performance of the chainsaw.
The flywheel’s size and the amount of metal it is made of will determine how much weight it can safely hold, which affects the cutting power of the saw. The flywheel is one of the most important parts of the chainsaw engine and is responsible for redirecting power from the crankshaft to the clutch assembly for cutting applications.
Why is my chainsaw chain not moving?
If your chainsaw chain is not moving, it could be for a few different reasons. First, check if your chain is properly tensioned. You should have about 1/8-1/4 inch of slack in the chain. If the tension is not correct, the chain may not be able to move around the bar.
Second, check if the chain has the correct sharpness. A dull or damaged chain that does not have enough sharpness to cut through material effectively will not be able to move around the bar. You can inspect the chain for damage or dullness, and if necessary, use a chainsaw sharpening tool to restore the blade’s sharpness.
Third, check your fuel mixture. If the oil to gas ratio is too high, the chain may not move freely due to the thick, sticky oil causing the chain to stick to the bar. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check the mixture and make sure it’s the correct ratio before you start your chainsaw.
Finally, check if the bar is properly lubricated. A dry, unlubricated bar can cause the chain to stick and not move properly. Therefore, make sure that your bar is properly lubricated with bar and chain oil.
If your chainsaw is still having problems with the chain not moving, your safest option is to call a professional for assistance. A chainsaw technician can look at the issue and determine what is causing the problem and provide the necessary repairs.
How do I fix a stuck chainsaw chain?
First, make sure the chainsaw is unplugged from the power source and that the spark plug wires are disconnected for added safety. Switch the chainsaw to the sharpening setting, loosen the tensioning screw and remove the bar and chain from the chainsaw.
Then remove the drive link from the chain by using a flathead screwdriver and gently wedging it away from the other links. Depending on the model of your saw, you may need to use a bar-mount homelite splitter to do this.
Once the drive link is removed, use a round file to file each cutter back to its original sharpness, making sure to be careful and follow the instructions of the file your chainsaw came with. Reassemble the chain by feeding it through the tensioning guide hole in the side of the chainsaw and reattaching the drive link.
Finally, tighten the tensioning screw until you can just barely move the chain by hand. This will ensure your chainsaw chain is fixed and ready to be used.
How do I stop my chainsaw from binding?
If your chainsaw is binding, the best way to stop it is to first make sure your saw chain is properly tensioned. If the chain is too tight, it can bind and make it difficult to use. You should check your chainsaw’s user manual to find guidance on how to properly adjust the chain tension and ensure it is not too tight.
It is also a good idea to regularly check and clean the saw’s blade, bar and chain to ensure it is free of dirt and debris. A build up of dirt can cause binding and can lead to damage over time.
Finally, make sure you are providing the saw with enough lubrication during use. Properly lubricating your saw and chain can help reduce binding and prolong its life.
What would cause a chainsaw chain to not spin?
A chainsaw chain may not spin for several different reasons. Most common causes include a low level of motor oil, a spark plug with incorrect settings, a dirty spark plug, improper assembly of the chainsaw, a wet or blocked air filter, a poorly maintained chain, or if the clutch is not engaged.
It’s also possible the engine may be suffering from a malfunction of the engine bearing or clutch. Additionally, the chain may be spinning too slowly, as this can be caused by an improperly tensioned chain, an overly tight chain brake, worn sprocket, an issue with the chain bar itself, improper chain, or due to an issue with the carburetor.
Some of these issues may require more in-depth investigation and a professional repair, so it is recommended to take the chainsaw to a qualified service center for repair.
Why does my chainsaw keep going blunt?
Chainsaw blades going blunt is a common problem that many people face, and there are a few reasons why this might be happening. One of the most common is that the chain has become dull due to lack of proper maintenance.
Even with regular use, chainsaws can become dull if they are not properly lubricated and sharpened. Another reason for a dull chainsaw could be that the chain is of poor quality, so it may need to be replaced with a higher quality blade.
Lastly, the chain may have become damaged due to misuse of the chainsaw, such as using a force or angle that puts too much strain on the bars and teeth or using the wrong type of wood. By ensuring proper maintenance and using the right type of wood, you can help to keep your chainsaw blades sharp and improve its performance.
What are bucking spikes on a chainsaw?
Bucking spikes (also called buckspikes, buckspurs, or spike bumpers) are attachments fitted onto chainsaws to control its depth into the material being cut. These spikes, usually made from metal, are designed to keep the saw from cutting too deep into the material, which could cause damage, kickback, and dangerous situations.
When the saw reaches the desired depth, the spike bumpers keep it from continuing to push in further. Bucking spikes are usually found near the tip of the chainsaw’s guide bar and easily snapped onto the bar.
Some chainsaws come with them already installed, while some may require them to be purchased separately.
When should you throw away a chainsaw chain?
When a chainsaw chain is worn or damaged, it should be thrown away. Over time, the chain can stretch, wear out, become dull, or become damaged due to small stones, dirt, and other debris. A worn or damaged chain can cause damage to the saw, operator, and whatever the saw is cutting.
Signs of a worn or damaged chain include large gaps between the cutting teeth, broken and missing links, and signs of wear on the drive links. If you notice any of these, it’s time to replace the chain.
Additionally, if the chain is making unusual noises, jumping off the bar, or throwing debris, this is another sign that the chain should be replaced.