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Good Tension- 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.
How tight does a chain need to be?
The rule of the thumb says that the exact tightness of a chain will only let you move for about half an inch. Now, if the chain is too loose, then you need to tighten it. If you cannot even move the chain, then it is too tight, and it needs to be loosened.
Why do chainsaw chains stretch?
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?
An abundance of smoke emanating from the engine often indicates that an excessive amount of oil has been introduced into the oil and gasoline mixture that powers the chain saw. Empty the fuel tank of all the oil and fuel mixture and fill the tank with the newly mixed fuel and oil before using the chain saw again.
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.
How often do you need to sharpen a chainsaw?
In most cases, sharpening the chain should happen after ten times of being in use, while in other situations, you have to sharpen it after every session.
Why does my chainsaw chain keep loosening?
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.
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.
Why does my chainsaw jump when cutting?
Improper Chain Tension Too much slack in your chain can cause the saw blades to jump the bar. This is commonly referred to as throwing the chain. Place a dime between the chain and bar, then increase the tension until the chain is snug against the dime. Remove the dime and you’re ready to cut.
How much tension should a single speed chain have?
Chain Tension There should be approximately one half inch of movement in the chain up and down at a point half way between the front and rear sprockets. To change the tension loosen one of the axle-nuts and move the wheel forward or backward slightly and snug it up again.
How do you calculate chain tension?
The forces on each end support are equal to the angular downward and inward force equal to chain tension. Solve for chain tension by dividing the total downward force, 49 lb. by 2 X (sin of the 2.86-degree angle).
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.
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.
