When your chainsaw chain comes off, the first thing to do is to stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug. This will ensure the engine won’t start up unexpectedly. Next, remove the bar and chain, taking care to ensure you don’t touch the chain’s teeth.
Carefully inspect the bar and chain for any damage or warping and ensure the drive links are properly affixed.
Clean the bar and chain of any debris, sawdust, oil, or grease. Once you have done this, you can begin pairing the drive links with the bar. The drive links connect the chain to the bar and need to match up as closely as possible.
The chain should fit snugly into the bar’s groove without too much force or excess play. Make sure the bar tip is not damaged or worn, as this can compromise chain tension.
Once you have re-assembled the chain, reconnect the spark plug wire and replace the chain guard. Finally, start the chainsaw and slowly move the chain around the bar to ensure proper tension and machine performance.
If the chain cuts into the bar too deeply or is not functioning well, adjust the tension as per manufacturer’s instructions until the chain performs correctly.
What causes a chain to come off a chainsaw?
The most common reason is due to improper installation or tensioning of the chain. If the chain is not properly secured or tensioned, it can come off or even break during use. Additionally, if the sprocket or bar mounted on the chainsaw is damaged, it can cause the chain to come off as well.
Additionally, it’s possible that the drive link that connects the chain to the chainsaw feature has been either worn down or broken in some way. Lastly, defective chains can cause the chain to come off while in use.
How do I put the chain back on my chainsaw?
Putting the chain back on a chainsaw can be a bit tricky, but it is not too complicated with the right tools and a few simple steps. You should begin by ensuring your chainsaw is off and cool to the touch.
You will then need to remove the bar, chain and drive links. This can be done by using the proper tool to turn the sprocket cover anti-clockwise, which will then release the tension allowing you to unfasten the clutch cover.
Remove the bar and chain from the sprocket, then clean all of the components with a cloth and some saw chain oil.
Once the chain has been cleaned, you can begin the process of reassembling the chain by linking the drive links to the chain, then looping the drive links through the bar. To ensure that you have linked the chain correctly, you should run your finger through the links to ensure all the teeth are facing forward and that the chain is tight against the bar.
You can then attach the clutch cover and sprocket cover by reattaching it with a screwdriver. Be sure to tighten the screws securely to make sure the chain won’t come loose.
Once the cover is secure and the chain is looped around the bar, it’s time to adjust the chain tension. You can do this by turning the adjustable screwdriver counter-clockwise, which will allow the chain to become tighter.
You should also use a feeler gauge to make sure the chain is properly tensioned.
Finally, check the chain to make sure it is not overly tight and not too loose. If it is too tight, you may risk damaging the clutch or the chain itself. Once the chain appears to be in the correct tension, you should now be able to start up your chainsaw without any problems.
Can a chainsaw with no chain hurt you?
Yes, a chainsaw with no chain can still hurt you. Even though the chain is the primary hazard of a chainsaw, the powerhead that holds the chain can still cause injury. The powerhead is a heavy, hard metal spinning at high speeds, and if it comes into contact with skin it can cause cuts, bruises, and other injuries.
Additionally, the lubricating oil used on the chainsaw’s components can be dangerous because it is flammable and can burn your skin if it gets in contact with it. Furthermore, since a chainsaw is powered by a gas motor, it also has exhaust which contains carbon monoxide and other gases that can be hazardous.
Therefore, it is important to use caution when using a chainsaw of any kind and wear the appropriate safety gear.
Should you run a chainsaw at full throttle?
No, you should not run a chainsaw at full throttle. Full throttle means the engine is running at its maximum speed, which can put undue strain on the chainsaw’s engine, resulting in it overworking or overheating.
This can lead to parts wearing out much faster as well as a potential dangerous situation of the chainsaw engine failing or ceasing to function properly. Additionally, running a chainsaw at full throttle can reduce the life of the saw’s bar and chain, thereby causing them to wear out significantly faster and the saw will not cut as well.
As a result, it is important to keep the engine of the saw running at regular speed and not overwork it by running it at full throttle for extended periods of time. If a chainsaw does need to be run at full throttle for a brief moment, it is important to remember to cool off the engine afterwards by allowing it to run at regular speed for a period of time.
Can a chainsaw cut through a person?
No, a chainsaw cannot cut through a person. There are simply too many layers of tissue and muscle, combined with the bones, to make it possible for even the most powerful chainsaw to penetrate a living person’s body.
Chainsaws are actually quite dull and the blades would not be able to penetrate the thick layers of skin, muscle, and tissue that are found in a person. The internal organs would also be too delicate to withstand the force of a chainsaw.
Additionally, the chainsaw would not be able to cut through the bones, which would make it impossible to cut through a person.
What happens if you hit a nail with a chainsaw?
If you hit a nail with a chainsaw, there will be a variety of outcomes depending on the blade’s motion and the nail’s size. If the blade is moving at a high speed and its sharp teeth contact the tip of a large nail, the nail will likely be bent or broken by the force of the chainsaw.
If the nail is small and the chainsaw’s blade is moving slowly, the nail may remain intact, although the chainsaw’s teeth may get stuck in the nail’s shaft and require manual removal. If the chainsaw’s teeth make contact with the sides of an unsecured nail, it may cause the chainsaw to jar and kickback, posing a risk of injury to the user.
In any circumstance, it is generally not recommended to use a chainsaw to hit a nail as it can potentially cause damage to the tool, damage to the nail, kickback, and other dangerous accidents.
What is the safest chainsaw?
The overall safest chainsaw is the STIHL MS 271 Farm Boss. This model features both a blade cover as well as an anti-vibration system to reduce the chances of user strain and injury. The chain brake and quick-stop system also dramatically reduce the chance of kickback, which is the most serious danger of chainsaw use.
It also has an adjustable oil pump, with an automatically activated chain break to reduce the risk of uprooting the saw while cutting. The STIHL MS 271 Farm Boss is ideal for those who need to use a chainsaw in a professional or semi-professional context and get maximum safety and performance.
Can you cut wet wood with a chainsaw?
Yes, you can cut wet wood with a chainsaw, although it will require extra effort and there is some risk involved. Firstly, you should ensure that you are wearing proper safety equipment, such as a hardhat, hearing protection, eye protection, and leg protection.
It is also recommended to use safety glasses with side shields. Secondly, it is important to ensure that the chainsaw is properly balanced and tuned. This will help ensure that it is up to the task of cutting wet wood, as well as making it easier to handle.
Additionally, use a new chain and keep it sharp, as this will make it easier to cut through wet wood. Finally, it is important to use lower RPMs and to take your time when cutting wet wood. Wet wood is heavier and more slippery, so cutting should be impactful and slow.
Can I use a chainsaw to cut a hedge?
In general, it is not recommended to use a chainsaw to cut a hedge. This is due to the fact that chainsaws have very sharp blades that can easily damage the branches of the hedge, leading to an uneven cut.
Additionally, using a chainsaw on a hedge can be dangerous since hedge branches can kick back when cut, potentially leading to injury. If a chainsaw is used for hedge trimming, extreme caution should be used and great care should be taken to make sure the blade is sharp and not dull in order to avoid damaging the hedge.
It is much safer and more reliable to use a manual hedge trimmer or even a pair of shears. Quality hand tools are available today that make trimming hedges quick and easy with excellent results.
Which way does chainsaw chain go on?
The direction in which the chainsaw chain goes on is determined by the orientation of the drive links and the orientation of the saw’s bar (the bar on the saw that runs along the length of the chainsaw’s engine).
The drive links are the lugs on the chainsaw chain that fit into the grooves on the saw’s bar. Generally, if you look at the chainsaw from the side, the drive links should point away from the engine.
This ensures that the drive links pull the chain into the cut. If the drive links point towards the engine, then the drive links will push the chain out of the cut and the saw won’t work properly. In either case, make sure to secure the chainsaw chain correctly with the tensioning screw and turning the chainsaw’s bar in order to fit the drive links properly.
How tight should you tighten a chainsaw chain?
When tightening a chainsaw chain, you should be careful not to overtighten it. Chainsaw chains should be tightened just enough that they don’t wobble on the bar when they are running. A good indication of proper tightness is to press the chain against the top of the bar with a thumb or finger.
It should give just a little and then return to place. If it feels too tight, loosen the tension slightly. If it wobbles or feels too loose, tighten the tension a little more. Try to tighten it evenly on both sides as well.
It also helps to use a chain tensioner tool if available. With this tool, you will be able to adjust the chain quickly and accurately. Once you are sure that you have the chain tension just right, be sure to double-check for safety.
How tight is a chainsaw chain supposed to be?
The optimal tension for a chainsaw chain should be tight enough to stay in place without sagging but still have a little bit of give when you press against it. To check the tension, grasp the upper corner of the chain and the guide bar so you can pull the chain away from the bar.
If the chain moves more than ¼ inch, the chain needs to be tightened. To properly tighten the chain, use a chainsaw file guide. This guide will enable you to match the chain size and the tension. Depending on the chain, you may also need to use a tensioning device to properly secure the chain.
Once you have tightened the chain, you should check that it still runs parallel to the bar and that none of the chain links are sticking out. If the chain is too tight, it can cause the chainsaw’s power to be reduced and damage the chain.
It is always important to refer to the manual for any specific instructions related to tensioning your chainsaw chain.
Why does my chainsaw smoke when cutting?
Chainsaws typically smoke when cutting because of the intense heat caused by the friction between the chain and the material you’re cutting. As the two surfaces rub against one another, small particles of the material may be burned off and create smoke.
Typically, the more force and pressure you exert on the saw, the more heat will be created, thus increasing the likelihood of smoke. Additionally, the type of material being cut can also influence how much smoke is produced.
For example, cutting a softwood will create much more smoke than cutting a hardwood.
To help reduce the amount of smoke, be sure to keep your saw sharp and oiled. Keeping the chain sharp will reduce the amount of heat produced during cutting and ensure the chain is running smoothly over the material.
Also, be sure to use an air filtration system when cutting, as it will help filter out the smoke particles.
Why is my chainsaw burning the wood?
The most common cause of a chainsaw burning the wood is that you are trying to cut too quickly, without allowing the chainsaw to do the work. When cutting at too high of a speed, the chainsaw can become overheated and cause the wood to burn.
The overheating can occur because of a buildup of sawdust in the chainsaw, or because the chainsaw isn’t properly lubricated. To prevent the burning, try to keep the chainsaw depth even with the surface of the wood and try to cut at a slower speed.
You may also want to clean the sawdust before and after each cut, to ensure that the chainsaw works properly. Additionally, regularly lubricate the chainsaw with a lubricant and a lubricant sponge to make sure it’s working correctly.
Why does my chainsaw blade get dull so fast?
Chainsaw blades become dull for a variety of reasons. The most common one is that the chain is not being properly maintained. The chain should be checked for tightness after every use to make sure that the links are properly lubricated, and the components are all functioning properly.
Additionally, the chain should be sharpened at least once a year to keep it in optimal condition. Other factors that can lead to a dull chain include not using the right kind of bar oil, using the wrong kind of guide bar, using a dirty or clogged chain, or using a chain that is not compatible with the saw.
Finally, if the chain is used too long without being sharpened, the teeth will become dull and ineffective, thus reducing the performance of your chainsaw.
Why is my chainsaw not cutting with a new chain?
Firstly, it could be that the tension of the chain is too high or too low. If the tension is too high, it can cause the saw to jam or kickback when cutting. If the tension is too low, the cut will be ineffective as the chain won’t be able to penetrate into the wood very deeply.
Secondly, it may be that the chain isn’t sharpened in the right way. To sharpen a chain, the edges of the cutters need to be filed so that the teeth are the same height, and the same angle for each one.
Without this, the chain may get stuck or achieve an uneven cut. Thirdly, it could be that the chain is too wide for the bar; if the guide bar isn’t wide enough then it won’t be able to support the wider chain.
Finally, it could be that your chainsaw isn’t powerful enough. If the engine isn’t strong enough to turn the chain rapidly then it won’t be able to cut effectively.
How do you know if your chainsaw sprocket is worn out?
To determine if your chainsaw sprocket is worn out, you should first inspect the overall condition of the sprocket. Pay close attention to any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as gouging, chipping, cracks or dents in the sprocket.
Additionally, check for excessive play in the bearing, which can indicate a worn sprocket. Finally, listen for any loud or odd sounds when the chainsaw is running, as these can be signs that the sprocket has become worn and needs to be replaced.
Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw chain?
Yes, it is definitely worth sharpening a chainsaw chain. Sharpening a chainsaw chain is not only important for a safe, efficient, and effective cutting job, but it also helps to extend the life of the chain.
With a sharp chain, your chainsaw will run more smoothly and you will be able to get better results with each cut; it will also minimize the amount of kickback, and reduce the risk of kickback injuries.
Sharpening is also important to ensure the chain is cutting in a straight line, which will produce cleaner and more accurate cuts. Additionally, a sharp chain can help increase the chainsaw’s fuel efficiency and reduce wear on the inner workings of the machine.
For this service, you can either purchase a specialized sharpening kit that includes sharpening stones, or take your chain to a local hardware store or repair center to have it professionally sharpened.
How often should a chainsaw chain be sharpened?
For optimal performance, it is important to sharpen your chainsaw chain regularly. How often depends on the type of wood you are cutting, the length of time you are cutting with the saw, and the condition of the blade.
A chainsaw chain should generally be sharpened after every few uses, or when the saw seems to be cutting inefficiently. If you are cutting softwood, you may need to sharpen the chain more frequently than if cutting hardwood.
It is also important to inspect the chain after each use, as dull teeth or other signs of wear can indicate that the chain should be sharpened. To sharpen a chainsaw chain, it is recommended to use a round file and file gauge and follow the angles of the existing chainsaw teeth.
Proper filing angles are essential to ensure the chain cuts efficiently, so using a guide is important. When sharpening, it is important to only sharpen a few teeth at a time, since sharpening all teeth during one session can lead to uneven filing angles.
After sharpening one side of the chain, turn the chainsaw around and sharpen the opposite side.