The most common causes are improper fuel or oil, not enough tension on the chain, the carburetor being out of adjustment, or the clutch drum being worn out.
Improper fuel or oil: Chainsaws require the correct mixture of fuel and oil. If the mixture is off (too much or too little oil), the chain will not move.
Not enough tension on the chain: If the tension on the chain is not correct, then it will not move. The tension needs to be adjusted for it to move properly.
The carburetor: If the carburetor is out of adjustment, the chain will not move. The carburetor controls the fuel and air going into the engine, so if it is out of adjustment the chainsaw will not run properly and the chain will not move.
Clutch drum: The clutch drum can become worn over time and may need to be replaced. If the clutch drum is worn out, the chain will not move.
If none of the above causes appear to be the issue, it’s possible that there could be an internal problem with the saw itself. If this is the case, you will need to take the saw in to a repair shop to have it evaluated and repaired.
How should a chain look on a chainsaw?
A chainsaw chain should look well-maintained, sharp and evenly sized. Look for all of the drive links, which should be even and the same size. You should also look for tight side plates and if the chain is overstretched it can cause it to slip off during cutting.
Additionally, look for signs of rust, as this can lead to an enlarged chain and reduced cutting efficiency. Make sure all of the rivets are secure, and aren’t worn out or missing. If there are small tears in the chain, it might be time to replace it.
When it comes to the sharpness of the chain, test the sharpness by trying to cut a piece of wooden offcut – if it’s too dull you’ll need to sharpen it. It’s a good idea to have a spare chain on hand so you’re not stuck if the chain breaks.
Overall, a chainsaw chain should be in good condition and properly maintained to ensure cutting efficiency and safety.
Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?
Yes, you can over tighten a chainsaw chain. Over tightening the chain can cause it to be too tight and restrict the movement of the bar and chain. This can cause uneven cutting, the chain coming off the bar, the bar and chain displaying excessive line wear, premature wear, and severe binding.
Over tightening decreases the life of the chain, bar, and engine; it can also damage the balance of the chainsaw. To ensure proper tension and optimal performance, follow the manufacturer’s advice regarding how tight or loose to set the chainsaw, or take it to an authorized repair shop and have them show you the proper tensioning technique.
How do I know if my chainsaw chain is stretched?
The first thing to do is to visually inspect the chain for signs of wear or stretching. Look for gaps between the drive links, cracked or brittle links, or bent cutters. If any of these signs are present or if the chain appears to be loose or ill-fitting on the chainsaw, then the chain has likely stretched.
Another way to determine if the chain has stretched is to measure it. The measurement should be taken from the top of the drive link to the top of the cutter. If this measurement is more than 0.25” longer than the manufacturer’s recommended length for the type of chainsaw you are using, then the chain has likely stretched and will need to be replaced.
Finally, the tension of the chain should also be checked. Chains should be properly tensioned before each use. If the chain is loose and can be easily moved by hand, then it needs to be tightened. If the tension is set correctly but the chain is still loose and floppy, then it is likely stretched and will need to be replaced before use.
In summary, you can check if your chainsaw chain has stretched by visually inspecting it, measuring it, and checking the tension before each use. If any of the signs of stretching are present or the measurements and tension are off, then the chain has likely stretched and will need to be replaced.
How Loose Should a chainsaw chain be?
Ideally, the chain on a chainsaw should be fairly tight. The chainsaw chain should be snug against the bar, but not so tight that it binds up or puts unnecessary strain on the motor. The tension should also not be so loose that the chain skips or jumps around on the bar when it’s running.
To check the tension on the chain, you should be able to lift up the bottom of the chain with your thumb and index finger. If the chain stays in place when lifting it, the tension is perfect. If the tension is too loose, you can tighten it by using the tension control knob found near the base of the chainsaw.
How much slack should be in a chainsaw?
When it comes to chainsaws, the correct amount of slack should be equal to the space between one side of the chain and the bar. To achieve this, you should always adjust the screw which attaches the tensioner to the chainsaw’s body.
It is generally accepted that the space should be somewhere between 0.3-0.5mm. However, some manufacturers may require a slightly differently sized space.
Having too much slack can cause the chain to move around the saw and result in poor, erratic cuts. Having too little slack can cause the chain to bind up and cause jerky, unsafe cuts. It’s important to ensure the proper amount of slack as it will ultimately affect the longevity of the chainsaw and the quality of the cutting job.
It’s best to refer to your chainsaw’s owner’s manual for exact instructions on how to adjust the slack correctly. Additionally, it’s important to periodically check for any slack in the chain as there can be a slight amount of slack occurring after the saw has been used.
Doing this check regularly will help ensure you get the most from your saw and will help keep you safe.
Do chain saw chains stretch over time?
Yes, chain saw chains can indeed stretch over time. This is caused by the chain’s drive links pushing against each other, creating tension in the bar and chain. This tension can be effectively managed by regularly cleaning and lubricating the chain, and if necessary adjusting the tension on a regular basis.
If the chain is too loose, the performance of the chain saw will be diminished, and loose chain can even result in kickback which is dangerous. If the chain is too tight, it can cause the chain to stretch and wear out quickly.
It’s important to note that some manufacturers such as Husqvarna have developed chains with a self-lubricating and self-tightening feature, which can help prevent chain stretching and make maintenance easier.
In general, it’s important to ensure regular lubrication and tension adjustments to ensure that the chain does not stretch over time.
What causes chain to stretch?
Chain stretch is the term used to describe the lengthening of the motorcycle chain over time. Although exact causes of chain stretch vary depending on the type and make of chain, it is typically caused by chain wear and tear over time.
The wear and tear is caused by a combination of friction, lubrication, and changes in temperature. As the chain begins to wear down, it becomes less efficient as a link, resulting in more movement and vibration as it moves around the sprockets.
This movement and vibration is what causes the chain to stretch and lengthen over time. Additionally, the lubrication used on the chain to reduce friction can also contribute to chain stretch, as the lubricants can become hard and cause the links to become stuck together and increase friction.
Lastly, changes in temperature can also play a role in chain stretch, as extreme temperatures can cause either the pins or rollers to expand or contract and make the chain links less stable, causing the chain to stretch.
How do you engage the blade on a Stihl chainsaw?
Engaging the chain on a Stihl chainsaw is a fairly straightforward process. To start, you’ll need to make sure that the chain brake is disengaged. You can do this by pressing forward on the front hand guard.
Once this is done, the chain can be rotated by unlocking the chain sprocket cover using the cover lock. Once the cover is off, grasp the chain near the bottom of the saw and slowly turn it counter clockwise around the sprocket.
As you do this, make sure the drive link fits into the groove around the sprocket as it passes. Once the drive link is in place, complete a full revolution and make sure the tip of the chain is tucked safely inside the bottom of the bar.
Then, you can re-lock the chain sprocket cover with the cover lock. Finally, make sure to engage the chain brake before starting the saw.
How do I stop my chainsaw from binding?
In order to stop your chainsaw from binding, there are a few steps you can take.
1. Check the chain tension. Make sure your chain is properly tensioned and not too tight, as this can cause binding. The manufacturer’s manual should include a procedure on how to tension the chain correctly.
2. Keep the chain sharp. If the chain isn’t sharp enough, it can cause excessive drag when cutting, leading to binding. Sharpen the chain with a chainsaw file or take it to a professional for servicing.
3. Make sure the chain has been lubricated correctly. If the chain is too dry, it can cause problems with the bar and lead to binding. Make sure you are using the correct oil for your chainsaw and that it is being properly applied.
4. Make sure the guide bar is not bent or misshapen. If the guide bar is bent or misshapen, it can cause the chain to bind and cause damage to the saw.
5. Check the spark plug and fuel mixture. The spark plug makessure the engine is running properly, while the fuel mixture helps control the speed and power. If either of these is off, it can cause the chain to bind.
6. Make sure that all the screws are tightened. Over time, screws can become loose, leading to problems with the saw’s operation. Regularly check all screws and tighten if necessary.
Following these steps can help prevent your chainsaw from binding and help to make sure it is working optimally.
Why does my chainsaw keep going blunt?
The first and most likely cause is that you are not sharpening your chainsaw and regularly maintaining it as recommended. When a chainsaw is not sharpened, it doesn’t cut as cleanly and can start to go blunt as a result.
Another potential cause is that your chainsaw might not be working at its ideal speed and pressure, which can result in it going blunt before it should. Lastly, if you’re using inferior quality fuel or oils, these can cause the chainsaw to go blunt as they can affect the performance and maintenance of the chainsaw.
Therefore, it is important to regularly maintain your chainsaw by sharpening it as needed, and using quality fuel and oil.
What are bucking spikes on a chainsaw?
Bucking spikes, also known as felling spikes, are studs on the chainsaw bar that are used as a reference point when cutting a tree trunk. They are projections that protrude out of the tip of the chainsaw bar and are used as a guide to help guide the blade when cutting forward or back.
The sawyer uses them to ensure the chainsaw blade remains within the intended felling notch in order to make a smooth, even cut. When cutting back, the operator can reference the spikes on the saw bar to make sure that the cut is staying within the intended cut line.
The length of the bucking spikes can vary from model to model. Some chainsaws have short spikes designed for use in detailed bucking tasks such as making v-notches or small cuts, while other styles are long for larger bucking projects.
Chainsaws with replaceable ‘pocketed’ bars and replaceable chains may also have adjustable bucking spikes, allowing the operator to customize their bucking spike length depending on the job.
When should you throw away a chainsaw chain?
You should throw away a chainsaw chain whenever it’s too worn down to be used effectively. Signs that a chainsaw chain may need to be replaced include chipped or cracked cutters, chains that are difficult to sharpen, and chains that break too easily.
Additionally, if the chain has extended periods of wear and tear, you should opt to replace it as well. Whenever you’re in doubt, it’s safest to throw the old chain away and install a new and more reliable chain.
How do you adjust a chainsaw carburetor?
Adjusting the carburetor on your chainsaw is relatively easy and will involve making changes to the three screws found on the chainsaw body: the idle speed screw, the low-speed adjustment screw, and the high-speed adjustment screw.
First, locate the fuel adjustment screws on the side of the chainsaw. If you need to make adjustments, start by turning the low-speed adjustment screw clockwise (to the right). Turning the low-speed adjustment screw will increase the chainsaw’s idle speed.
Continue turning the low-speed adjustment screw until the chainsaw’s idle speed is within the recommended range.
Next, if needed, adjust the high-speed adjustment screw by turning it clockwise (to the right). This will increase the engine’s power output, which will make it easier to cut through thicker woods or materials.
Finally, adjust the chainsaw’s idle speed screw by turning it counter-clockwise (to the left) to decrease the chainsaw’s idle speed. This will ensure that the chainsaw is running smoothly and that the engine is not running too slow.
Once you have made the necessary adjustments, start the chainsaw engine and check that it is running smoothly. If needed, repeat the steps until the engine is running satisfactorily.