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A properly-tensioned chainsaw chain should still be just a little loose on the chainsaw guide bar, but the chain needs to be tight enough that you can’t pull the drive links out of the bar nose.
How do I know if my chainsaw chain is tight enough?
The chainsaw chain should feel snug but still pull freely. Finally, perform a “snap” test to ensure proper saw chain tension. Simply pull the chain on the underside of the guide bar down so one or two drive links are out of the guide bar rails and release it. The chain should snap directly into position.
Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?
This simple maintenance task is easy to perform and necessary to keep your chainsaw running safely. There is a tension screw located near the base of the bar on the chainsaw. To tighten the chain, turn it clockwise, and to loosen turn it counterclockwise. Don’t over-tighten the chain as this could cause it to break.
How much slack should a chainsaw blade have?
It should “give” about a 1/4 inch from the bar without much effort. Finally, while still holding up on the tip of the bar, tighten the bar nuts. Proper chainsaw chain tension is safer, it cuts better and it will extend the life of both your chainsaw and your chain.
Why does the chain slip on my chainsaw?
Chainsaw chains come off the bar due to worn-out bars, worn-out sprockets, and wrongly set tension. You should also note that with continued use, chains lose their tension and hence are more likely to come off the bar when you least expect it.
Why does my chainsaw smoke so much?
While a chain saw does produce some heat while in use, it should never overheat or begin smoking. The most likely causes of smoking and overheating are a lack of air and/or a lack of lubrication to the engine or the chain saw chain guide bar.
Why won’t my chainsaw chain tighten?
If you can’t tighten the chain, you may not be implementing the proper tightening procedure. To adjust the chain, loosen the nuts that hold the guide bar in place. Attempting to turn the tension screw without loosening the nuts first may be the reason you can’t tighten the chain.
How long should a chain on a chainsaw last?
The lifetime of a chainsaw chain has no fixed limit and depends on usage and maintenance. The chain should last many years; 5-6 years should be no problem. However, if the chainsaw chain is used properly and taken care of, it can last way longer.
Do chainsaw chains stretch over time?
It’s perfectly normal for a chainsaw chain to stretch after regular use. The friction from cutting through wood makes the chain very hot and the heat causes it to loosen. The heat expands the guide bar and when it cools, the chain has stretched. The chain will also loosen as it wears down from use.
What makes a chainsaw blade dull?
Is the wood that you’re cutting with the chainsaw particularly dirty? Many chainsaw enthusiasts have noted that their blades dull faster when they’re cutting muddy wood. If the logs that you’re cutting up are muddy, then perhaps that is the sole reason why your blade is dulling too fast.
How many times can you sharpen a chainsaw chain?
Cutters can be sharpened up to 10 times or more before the chain needs replacing. If your cutters are worn unevenly after a few sharpenings, a professional can regrind them to uniform shape. If you use the same chain for a few years, then buy a new one, the new one won’t mesh smoothly with the sprocket and bar.
Is it OK to use a chainsaw on wet wood?
Does this pose any risk to your chainsaw? In all honesty, no! The additional moisture found on wet wood will not make any difference to the cutting process. It doesn’t place any additional resistance on the chainsaw, and no additional effort is required to cut through it.
Why is my chainsaw leaking bar oil?
What causes a chainsaw to leak oil? If there isn’t proper ventilation of the oil tank, a vacuum can occur and reduce the flow of oil to the guide bar. Correctly venting your chainsaws oil tank will allow air into the tank, and avoid a vacuum from occurring.
Why does my chain keep getting loose?
Your chain might simply be too old or can stretch over time. When this occurs you need to replace it. Consider that your loose chain also may be due to operator error. Exceeding the recommended gear range for the rear derailleur on your bike may lead to a droopy chain when you ride in these gears.
What causes a chain to stretch?
Another highly significant factor in chain stretch is the accumulation of dirt particles between parts of a chain. These particles form a paste with existing petrochemical lubricants, and they will cause pins, rollers, and bushings to lose material rapidly, again resulting in an overall elongation of the whole chain.
Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw chain?
Sharpening your chainsaw chain is definitely worth it as a sharp chainsaw chain is easier to work with. It takes less effort to cut through wood and your chain will make cleaner cuts with sharp blades. A chainsaw chain can be sharpened multiple times without much of a cost.
Do chainsaw chains have a master link?
Locate the master link that most manufacturers install to make removal of the chain a simple process. A visual inspection of the chain will reveal the master link due to its appearance that makes it stand out slightly from the other links.
