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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.
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 chain keep coming loose on my chainsaw?
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.
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.
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.
What is the LA screw on a Stihl chainsaw?
The LA setting on Stihl chainsaws is controlled by a screw on the outer housing of the engine that adjusts the flow of fuel and air through the carburetor. This screw is inside the engine housing on the carburetor, but is accessible through a hole or gap in the outer housing of the saw.
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.
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.
Why does my chainsaw dull so fast?
What is this? 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. It won’t be hard to notice whether the wood that you’re cutting is dirty or not.
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.
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 sharpeners really work?
Sharpening a chainsaw once meant working on the chain’s individual teeth by hand. An electric sharpener (also called a “grinder”) makes quick work of getting a dull chainsaw back into shape.
