Your chainsaw chain may be coming off for several different reasons. The most common reason is that the chain tension is not tight enough. If the chain tension is too loose, the chain won’t stay on the bar.
To tighten the chain tension, you need to use a combination wrench to turn the tension mechanism. You may also need to replace a damaged or worn-out bar, chain, or guard. Another cause for a loose chain is that the bar may not be square to the chain or the chain may not be sharpened properly.
Proper sharpening and squaring of the chain and bar are important steps in keeping your chain in place. Additionally, you may have an issue with the oiling system. If the oiler is not working properly, the chain will not be lubricated adequately and the chain will come off.
To check the oiler, look to see if there is oil flowing freely out of it when the saw is running. If not, the saw may need to be serviced. If all else fails, you may need to take your chainsaw to a qualified technician to get it inspected and repaired.
Why does my chain keep turning?
Most likely, your chain is turning because of a mechanical issue, such as your chainring or rear cassette not being lined up properly. This can cause the chain to either get stuck between the chainring and cassette, or cause it to loop around and cause the chain to turn.
In addition, worn out or ill-fitting chainrings, locks and links, or a broken link, can cause your chain to turn. Lastly, if the sprockets on the cassette are misaligned, your chain won’t be able to move or stay in the correct position and will cause turning.
To solve this, the first step is to check the alignment of the chainring and cassette, as well as checking overall condition of the chain, locks and links, and any other components related to the chain.
If all else fails, replacing the chain might be necessary.
How tight should my chain be on my chain saw?
When setting up a chain saw, it is important to ensure the chain has the proper tension. The chain should be tight enough that it is not excessively loose and there is no visible slack. However, the chain should not be so tight that there is unnecessary pressure on the components of the chain saw.
To achieve the correct tension, adjust the bar nut so that the chain is held firmly against the guide bar. You can also use a chain tensioning gauge, which will help you to measure the tension on the chain.
When adjusting the chain tension, it is important to remember to not force the chain beyond its recommended tension setting. Once the tension is set, the chain should not need any further adjustment.
When should you throw away a chainsaw chain?
You should always inspect your chainsaw chain before each use and replace it when it appears excessively worn or damaged. Signs that the chain may need to be replaced include:
• Chain has become dull and is hard to sharpen
• Chain has broken teeth or cracked cutter links
• Chain has excessive stretch or slack
• Chain has missing or damaged depth gauges
• Chain has broken rivets
When it is time to replace the chain, it is critical to use the correct size and type of chain for your particular chainsaw. Chains come in a variety of sizes and styles and should be matched to the manufacturer’s specifications for the particular saw.
Unsuitable chain can result in increased wear, inaccuracy and cutting difficulties. Additionally, replacing the chain too late can result in an unsafe chain that could cause kickback, chain derailment and personal injury.
How many times can you sharpen a chainsaw chain?
The number of times a chainsaw chain can be sharpened depends on a few factors, including the quality of the chain itself and how aggressively it is used. A high quality chainsaw chain can typically be sharpened for 8 to 10 times.
You can usually tell when it is time to sharpen the chain when it begins to leave dust, instead of chips, when cutting. If you’re using your chainsaw frequently, it may be necessary to sharpen the chain after just 4 or 5 uses.
Sharpening too often, however, can damage the chain. If you notice that the teeth are not cutting correctly and struggle to make it through the wood, even after sharpening, it may be time to get a new chain.
Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?
Yes, you can over tighten a chainsaw chain. Over tightening a chainsaw chain causes the chain to be too taut, which can be dangerous because it can cause the bar to buckle when the chain is running. Additionally, the chain will run at a higher speed which can increase the risk of kickback, and the chain can stretch or even break during use.
When tightening the chain, it is important to ensure it is just tight enough so that it does not slip but is not overly tight. To tighten a chainsaw chain correctly, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or consult a qualified technician.
How do you adjust the tension on a Husqvarna chainsaw?
Adjusting the tension on your Husqvarna chainsaw is an important part of regular maintenance, as it keeps the saw’s chain running correctly and reduces the chances of injury. Fortunately, it is a simple process.
First, begin by ensuring that the chain is still taut. This can be done by firmly pressing down on the chain from the center, and checking to be sure that it does not easily move. If there is excess slack, it is time to adjust the tension.
Start by turning the tensioner knob in a counterclockwise direction, taking care not to remove it completely. This will loosen the saw’s chain. Test the tension again, as described previously. If it is still too loose, you can tighten it further.
Next, slowly turn the tensioner knob in a clockwise direction until the chain has enough tension. If the chain is too tight, however, you will need to begin again and loosen it slightly. Once the tension is correct, ensure that the chain runs smoothly, and stops when the chain brake is activated.
Finally, replace the cover and secure the screws. You are now ready to use your Husqvarna chainsaw with the chain properly tensioned for safety.
What is the correct tension on a chainsaw chain?
The correct tension on a chainsaw chain will depend on the type and size of your chainsaw. Generally speaking, you want the chain to be tight, but not too tight – it should be able to move easily, but still be snug against the guide bar.
It’s best to consult the user manual for your chainsaw, as manufacturers typically provide instructions for the proper tension. As a general guide however, you should be looking to tension the chain so that it is slightly loose when the guide bar is held at either end and pulled away from the chainsaw body.
The chain should have enough slack to sag up to 3/8-inch from the guide bar.
You should also check the tension of your chainsaw chain regularly to ensure it is operating at the optimal level. This can be done by loosening the bar nuts and checking through the slot of the chain tensioner, or by gently pushing the chain away from you with your thumb.
If the chain easily moves more than 3/8-inch away from the bar, it’s likely too loose and should be tightened.
It’s important to get the tension of your chainsaw chain right, as too loose or too tight can lead to damage of your chainsaw, as well as potential injury. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to consult a professional to get the correct tension for your chainsaw.
How do I know if my chainsaw chain is tight enough?
You can use a chainsaw chain tensioning gauge or a ruler to check if your chain is tight enough. With a tensioning gauge, you should place it over the chainsaw drive links, then press down firmly and see if the gauge deflected or moved.
If the gauge does not move, your chain is tight enough. If the gauge slides or moves, your chain needs to be tightened. Alternatively, you can use a ruler to measure the distance between the link and the bottom of the bar.
The correct distance should be one-eighth of an inch or less. If it is any greater, the chain needs to be tightened. Additionally, you should check if the chain is properly centered and correctly aligned with the bar.
If the chain is not aligned correctly or is misaligned, it needs to be tensioned accordingly.
Why is my chainsaw chain coming loose?
The first and most common reason is because the chain is not being properly tightened during each use. Before using the chainsaw, you should always ensure that the chain is tight by using the tensioner located on the chainsaw’s side.
If the chain is tightened too much, it could come loose as you use it. Another possibility is that the chain and bar may have become worn over time, which can cause the chain to loosen as you use it.
The bar should be regularly inspected and replaced if there are signs of wear or damage. Not oiling the chain and bar properly can also contribute to the chain loosening, as the chain needs to be properly lubricated in order to stay tight.
Finally, it’s possible that the chain has become dull, which will cause it to become loose quickly as you use the chainsaw. You should regularly sharpen and oil the chain to keep it in good condition.
Can you put a chain on a chainsaw backwards?
No, you should never put a chain on a chainsaw backwards. Putting a chain on a chainsaw backwards will cause it to spin counter-clockwise instead of clockwise. This will mean that the cutting teeth of the chain are facing in the wrong direction, making it ineffective at cutting.
Also, the chain could actually come loose and fly off the chainsaw, which could be dangerous. Finally, a backward-mounted chainsaw chain may cause contact between the clutch drum and the cutting teeth, resulting in serious damage to the chainsaw.
For these reasons, it is recommended to always mount a chainsaw chain in the correct direction.
How often and how should a chainsaw blade be sharpened?
A chainsaw blade should be sharpened every 15-20 hours of use, or whenever you notice signs of dullness or bluntness. When sharpening a chainsaw blade, you will want to first secure the blade in a vice or clamp so it is stable when filing.
Using a round file in the same size as the teeth on the blade, you should carefully file each tooth in one direction only, starting from the base to the top of the tooth. Once all the teeth have been sharpened, you can use a raker file to adjust the depth gauge for each tooth.
Make sure to file in one direction, and never force the file as this can lead to damage. Once a proper blade angle has been achieved for each tooth, you should use a flat file to sharpen the top plate of the blade.
Finally, use a touch up stone to make any small adjustments that may be needed.