The first step should always be to check the tension of the chain. You can do this by using the adjuster screw near the base of the chainsaw bar and turning it clockwise to increase tension. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific protocols for tensioning the chain.
If the chain is properly tensioned, but still not staying tight, your chainsaw’s bar nuts may need to be tightened. The bar nuts connect the bar to the muffler and help keep the chain from coming off the bar.
You can determine if this is the problem by pressing down on the back of the chainsaw bar—if it is loose, then the bar nuts need to be tightened.
If these measures do not help, then your chainsaw may have an alignment issue, an issue with the chain guard, or an issue with the chain brake. All of these issues require professional attention and it is best to seek the help of a certified chainsaw mechanic to ensure that the problem is resolved correctly.
Why does my chain keep coming loose?
The most frequent cause is a lack of lubrication. When the chain runs dry, the friction between the drivetrain components causes the chain to stretch slightly and become loose. The stretching of the links can also be caused by wear and tear, which is normal and naturally happens as the chain ages.
Other potential causes could be worn jockey wheels, an insufficiently-tightened rear wheel nut, a misaligned derailleur or ill-fitting chainrings. Improperly installed chainrings or a bent or warped chainring can also cause the chain to become loose.
Finally, if you’ve recently changed to a different type of chain, your drivetrain may not be compatible and thus tension may become an issue.
To fix the issue, first make sure you are using a lubricant that is recommended for your chain and apply it to the whole length. Then inspect the drivetrain components to ensure that everything is in good working order and that the chainrings, jockey wheels, derailleur and rear wheel nut are all properly tensioned.
If your chainrings are bent, warped or of an incompatible width, then you may need to invest in replacements.
Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?
Yes, it is possible to over tighten a chainsaw chain. If you over tighten the chain, it can cause the chain to become too tight and it can lead to increased wear on the chain, bar and sprocket, as well as reduce the cutting efficiency of the saw.
Additionally, if the chain is too tight, it can cause the guide bar to bend and become irreparably damaged, or cause the engine to run less efficiently and/or stall out due to strain on the drive system.
To ensure that you are tightening your chainsaw chain properly, always make sure to check your manufacturer’s instructions and follow the recommended torque settings. Additionally, be sure to replace the fasteners that are included with your saw with those specified for your saw.
Lastly, always use a torque wrench when tightening or loosening a chainsaw chain, as this will help ensure that the chain is properly tightened.
How tight should my chainsaw chain be?
Your chainsaw chain should be tight enough to have minimal slack, but not so tight that the chain binds or the drive links don’t rotate freely. Your owner’s manual should provide a tensioning procedure, though if you don’t have the manual, you can follow these general steps.
To tighten the chain, loosen the tensioning screw, which is typically located in the top or side of the chainsaw. Pull the chain around the bar until it is taut, and then tighten the tensioning screw until the chain is snug.
Then, use the tensioning lever to adjust the chain tension until the chain responds to light thumb pressure when twisted. Finally, check the drive links to ensure they are rotating freely.
To check the tension, start the chainsaw, and then hold it with the guide bar and chain down. If the chain jumps or slips during operation, it needs to be tightened. You should also periodically check the chain tension, as the chain can become loose after use due to the stretching of the chain over time.
How do you tighten the tension on a chainsaw?
Tightening the tension on a chainsaw can help improve the performance of the saw and avoid problems with power and cutting accuracy. To do this, you will need a few tools, including a wrench and a tensioning screwdriver.
First, use the wrench to loosen the screws on the guide bar cover, located near the bottom of the saw. When the screws are loosened, remove the cover to access the chain tensioner.
Next, you will use a tensioning screwdriver to adjust the tensioner screw. It should be located near the main drive gear. Turn the tensioner screw in a counter clockwise direction, until there is some resistance.
This will put the tensioner in the position so that the chainsaw chain will be tensioned.
You can check the tension by lightly tugging on the chain. It should be tight, but not so tight that it is difficult to rotate the chain. If you don’t feel any resistance when pulling on the chain, then it needs to be tightened.
Once you have reached a tension where the chain is tight but not too tight, you can use the wrench to tighten the screws on the guide bar cover.
Finally, you can check the tension of the chain one more time by pulling on it and making sure it is still tight.
By following these steps, you can easily tighten the tension on a chainsaw and ensure that it is working correctly.
How do you know if your chainsaw sprocket is worn out?
One sign is crunching or grinding noises when you run the chainsaw. This indicates that the sprocket and drive components are not turning as they should. Another sign is a decrease in the power output of the chainsaw.
If your chainsaw doesn’t have the same amount of power that it used to, this is a good indication that the sprocket is worn out. You may also find that the chain is slipping on the sprocket when you use the chainsaw.
This is caused by worn out teeth on the sprocket or worn out bushings. Finally, you should be able to visibly see signs of wear on the sprocket. If the sprocket looks worn or has worn out teeth, then it’s time to replace it.
Why does the chain keep coming off my Husqvarna chainsaw?
There could be several reasons why your Husqvarna chainsaw’s chain keeps coming off, so it will require some troubleshooting to identify and resolve the issue.
The most common reason your chain is coming off may be due to a lack of tension. The tension should be checked and adjusted periodically to ensure the chain stays on the bar and the chain is running at an optimal speed.
Chain tension should be adjusted so there is no more than a ½ inch of slack between the bottom of the guide bar and the chain.
Another possible cause could be the drive sprocket or the drive links. If the drive links are worn or not correctly engaged, the chain will not stay on the bar. Inspect the drive sprocket to make sure it is completely engaged with the bar and chain.
Additionally, inspect the drive links for any visible wear or damage and make sure the drive links are engaged in the drive sprocket.
A third common cause could be a faulty bar or chain. If the bar has been damaged or twisted, the chain may come off the bar. Inspect the bar for any signs of damage and replace if necessary. Similarly, inspect the chain to make sure it is not too worn or damaged to fit on the bar.
Finally, the chain guide may need to be replaced. If the guide is worn, it can cause the chain to come off the bar. Inspect the guide and replace it with a new guide if necessary.
By troubleshooting each of these components, the cause of the chain coming off your Husqvarna chainsaw should become apparent. Once identified, the appropriate resolution can be taken to ensure the chain remains attached and the saw is working properly.
What causes a chainsaw to bind?
“Chainsaw binding” is caused when the chain becomes stuck and cannot rotate properly on the chainsaw bar. This often occurs when a chainsaw is used improperly, or when it is used for a task for which it is not suited (for example, cutting thick branches or logs).
Other common causes of chainsaw binding include the chain coming into contact with dirt, sand, or other foreign objects, which causes it to become clogged. In addition, chainsaw binding can be caused by the chain tension being too tight, as this will cause the chain to not be able to move freely along the bar.
It can also be caused by a dull chain, which is not cutting efficiently, leading to the chain jamming on the bar. Finally, if the chainsaw bar is not oiled regularly, the blade can become stuck in the bar’s guide slot.
Therefore, it is important to oil the bar when using the chainsaw, as well as checking the tension and sharpness of the chain.
Why is my electric chainsaw not cutting?
The most common reason for an electric chainsaw not cutting is that it may need sharpening or that the chain is not tensioned properly. If the chain is too loose, the chain won’t cut properly and could cause kickback.
Make sure that the chain is properly tensioned before attempting to use it. If the chain still isn’t cutting, remove the bar and chain and inspect it for damage or dullness. If you find that the chain isn’t sharp enough, use a file or a chain grinder to sharpen it up.
Also make sure that you are using the correct type of oil for the chain and that the chain is lubricated well for optimal cutting efficiency. If there is no visible problems with the chain, it could be that the motor on the saw needs servicing.
If the brushes in the motor are worn or the armature is damaged, the chainsaw won’t be able to provide the power needed to cut the wood. Check to see if the motor is getting power, and if it is, it might need to be serviced by a professional.