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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 my chainsaw blade keep coming loose?
Chain Not Set Properly One of the most common reasons why your chain might be coming loose is because it was not set properly. When you go through the steps to tension your chain, you need to finish those steps by setting the tension so it won’t change as you work your saw.
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.
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.
How often should you change the bar on a chainsaw?
If you are looking for a general idea for how often you should replace a chainsaw bar, a rule of thumb is to replace the bar of your chainsaw once after you have gone through three chains on the same bar.
How many hours does a chainsaw chain last?
Different Types of Chainsaw Chains Pitch Gauge Lifespan 1/4” .0.050” Around 4-5 years 325 0.050” Around 4-5 years 325 0.050” Around 4-5 years 325 0.058” Around 4-5 years.
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.
Why does chainsaw cut in a curve?
Two main reasons will cause the chain to cut on a curve. The most common reason is from improper hand filing. If one side of the teeth is more heavily damaged, sharpening them down will make them smaller than the other side.
Why won’t my chain stay tight on my chainsaw?
Turn the tension control screw to the right to tighten the chain and to the left to loosen it. Attempting to turn the tension screw without loosening the nuts first may be the reason you can’t tighten the chain. Tighten the nuts back into place when you have the chain properly adjusted.
When should I change my chainsaw blade?
The signs that it’s time for chainsaw chain replacement #1 – Difficulty with positioning. #2 – The chainsaw no longer pulls itself into the wood. #3 – Smoking, even when lubrication is good and chain tension is correct. #4 – Crooked cuts. #5 – Missing or damaged teeth. In Conclusion.
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.
How much can a chainsaw chain stretch?
one eighth of a millimetre all round) then once you have pulled all of that clearance space to one side, your chain will be 17.5mm longer, that’s around three quarters of an inch.
How long should a chainsaw chain stay sharp?
A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn’t get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.
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 does my chainsaw burn the wood?
If the oil pump for the bar oil is not pumping oil on to the bar it will cause the chain and the bar to get very hot. If this is happening, it may cause the wood to burn. The only other thing I can come up with is the chain may be very dull or on backwards.
What chainsaw chain cuts the fastest?
A full chisel chain is a chain with square cornered teeth, and they’re known for being the fastest cutting blade shape available. A full chisel chain also has a higher number of teeth than other chain options(full chisel is also known as a standard chisel chain).
