The tension screw on a Stihl chainsaw is located on the side of the saw’s body, near the base. It is located between the casing and the bar. To access the tension screw, you must remove the bar and chain, which can be done by loosening the front and rear nuts.
After the bar and chain have been removed you can see the tension screw. The tension screw should be turned clockwise until the chain is sufficiently tight around the bar, but not overtightened. If the tension screw is adjusted to a tighter setting than is necessary, the chain will wear out more quickly and may jam.
How do I adjust my Stihl chain?
Adjusting a Stihl chain requires a few steps. First, you’ll need to make sure the bar and chain are clean and lubricated, and the drive sprocket is free of dirt and debris. Next, you’ll need to adjust the tension on the chain.
To do this, turn the adjusting wheel on the side of the STIHL saw until the chain is snug around the bar. Remember, the adjusting wheel should only be adjusted 1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time. Finally, you’ll want to check the depth gauges on the chain links.
Adjust the depth gauges, so they are even with the top of the bar when fully engaged. Don’t forget to also check the tension on the idle screws and adjust as necessary. Following these steps carefully will ensure your Stihl Chain is correctly adjusted.
How do you tighten the chain on a Stihl ms250?
Tightening the chain on a Stihl MS250 is a fairly simple process. The first step is to flip the unit over so the bar is facing up. Once it is in position, you should find the chain tension adjusting nut.
This is usually located near the bar and may be covered by a protective plastic cap that you can easily remove. Once the nut is exposed, you will need a 3/8″ wrench to firmly tighten the chain to the desired level.
It is important to ensure that the chain is not overly tight as it can lead to damage. Once at the desired tension, you should recheck the chain periodically to ensure it remains at the correct level.
Why won’t my chainsaw chain tighten?
If your chainsaw chain won’t tighten, it could be caused by a number of issues. It could be an improperly-assembled guide bar, a loose chain, a worn out drive sprocket, an incorrectly adjusted chain tensioner, or even a damaged guide bar.
If your guide bar was not properly assembled when you bought it, it could be that the bolts holding the sprocket cover in place have been loosened, meaning the chain is not being held in tension and the sprocket is unable to tighten the chain.
To correct this, simply check the bolts and re-tighten them if necessary.
If the chain itself is too loose, you will need to adjust the tensioner. This is usually easily done by turning a thumb screw located near to the center of the chainsaw’s guide bar.
The drive sprocket’s teeth can become worn with prolonged use, meaning that the chain cannot be tensioned correctly. To check this, you will need to take the chainsaw into a service center for inspection.
Finally, the guide bar may be the cause of the issue, if it has become damaged. You will again need to take your chainsaw to a service center, where they will be able to inspect the guide bar and replace it if necessary.
Why is my chain on my chainsaw loose?
Chains can become loose on a chainsaw for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is a lack of tension on the chain bar. To check if this is the issue, inspect the tension bolts and turn them clockwise, as necessary, to increase the tension on the chainsaw chain.
Additionally, if the chain was not tensioned correctly during installation, it can also become loose during operation. To properly tension the chain and tighten it, it is important to use the tension adjusting tools included with the chainsaw.
If the chain is still loose after tensioning it, it could be a sign that the bar and chain are damaged or worn out and may need to be replaced. Additionally, the chainsaw may need to be sharpened if it has become dull.
A dull chain can slip and become loose, so it is important to use a high-quality sharpening stone to ensure a proper, sharp cutting edge.
To prevent a loose chain in the future, make sure to regularly check the tension bolts and sharpen the chain as needed. Also, after using the chainsaw, be sure to wipe it down with an oil-based cleaner and apply bar and chain oil for proper lubrication.
How do I know if my chainsaw chain is too loose?
To determine if your chainsaw chain is too loose, you first need to check the tension. The proper tension for a chainsaw’s chain should be just tight enough that you can pull it away from the bar by about a quarter of an inch.
If you can easily pull the chain away from the bar, then it’s too loose and you’ll need to tighten it.
Another way to check the chain tension is to inspect it from a side view. If the chain hangs too low or is sagging, then it’s too loose. You can also try holding the saw with the chain mounted and tip it on its side.
If the chain falls off the bar then it’s too loose.
Lastly, you can also arm yourself with a chainsaw chain tension tool, which will give you a more exact reading of the tension. The tool consists of two arms with pegs and a spring-loaded tension meter.
You insert the pegs into the chain and then press down on the meter. If the needle on the meter is outside of the green area, then the chain is too loose and you’ll need to adjust it.
What is the correct tension for a chainsaw chain?
The correct tension for a chainsaw chain depends largely on the size of the chain. Generally, you should use the lowest tension that is necessary to keep the chain tacky and tight, as too much tension can cause increased wear on the chain, bar, and sprocket.
The correct tension is typically between 1/8-1/4 of an inch of slack on the chain. To check, you should press the chain down, parallel to the chain bar, with your finger; the chain should deflect only slightly and should not sag or feel overly loose.
It is important to check the tension often and adjust as necessary, as chains can stretch out over time and need to be adjusted for optimum performance. Furthermore, if you are using a new chain, you will likely need to adjust the tension and continue checking as you work.
Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?
Yes, it is possible to over tighten a chainsaw chain, which can cause damage to the saw itself and even safety issues. When a chain is overly tightened, it can cause the chain tensioner to become stretched, affecting chain tension and putting too much strain on the chain and bar.
This additional strain can cause the drive sprocket and chain to wear out more quickly. Additionally, the chain can become so tight that it runs slower than usual, or even worse, could cause the chain brake to malfunction, leading to potential hazards.
For optimum safety and performance, the chain should be properly tightened to manufacturer specifications, and should not be too tight or too loose.
What size chain does a Stihl MS 170 chainsaw take?
The Stihl MS 170 chainsaw uses a 3/8″ picco micro 3 (PM3) chain. The pitch of the chain is 0.325″ and the profiled special rounded drive links ensure that the saw runs smoothly and safely. The gauge is 0.
05″ and the number of drive links is 55. The bar size on the Stihl MS 170 chainsaw is 16”, 18” or 20”. When selecting a replacement chain, be sure to verify the bar size to ensure compatibility.
What is the biggest bar you can put on a Stihl ms170?
The biggest bar size you can put on a Stihl MS170 chainsaw is 16 inches (40 cm). If you want to use a larger bar, you will likely need to upgrade to a higher model Stihl chainsaw such as the MS271 or MS361.
However, depending on your specific chainsaw and its capabilities, you may be able to get away with using a longer bar than the 16-inch size. Be sure to properly assess the power and restrictions of your chainsaw before attempting to use a larger bar.