To determine whether the chainsaw chain is stretched, pull the chain away from the chainsaw’s guide bar to see if there’s space between the two. If there’s space between the chain and the chainsaw’s guide bar, then the chainsaw chain is stretched. If you pull on the chain slightly and it stays on the slides of the chainsaw guide bar, then the chain isn’t stretched.
Over time, the chain on your chainsaw will become loose, and new chains will stretch a lot more when you are breaking them in. You need to pay attention so that you can tighten a loose chain before you turn the chainsaw on, as loose chains are dangerous. People often wonder if chainsaw chains can stretch because they can come loose.
If you want to know more about it, I’ll go through some quick facts about how the chain on your chainsaw operates, what caveats there are, and what you can do to keep both your chainsaw and chain working for longer efficiently. This is especially true for brand new chainsaws that have never been used before: their chains may need to be tightened more often and generally speaking, will stretch a lot after the first few times you use the chain. The chain will always stretch to some extent no matter what you do; this is why you have to make the necessary checks and inspections before working with your chainsaw.
Chainsaw chains stretch over time to mechanical wear and thermal expansion. Chainsaw chains stretch considerably after their first run, with about 1/100 of an inch per link. All new chainsaw chains stretch by a certain amount after their very first use.
Okay, so chains don’t stretch but the chain loop can get longer anyway. Now, if you’re wondering if your chainsaw chain is stretching out, then you might have the problem of your chainsaw chain repeatedly getting loose when you use it. The tension of a chainsaw chain is determined by the distance between the sprocket and the chainsaw bar.
why do chainsaw chains stretch Related Question:
Can a chainsaw chain stretch too much?
Chainsaw chains stretch during normal operation and begin to sag on a saw’s guide bar. If a chainsaw chain is allowed to become too loose, it can easily come off the bar during operation and create an unsafe situation for the user. Chainsaw chain tension should be checked and tightened often.
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.
How do you prevent chain stretches?
How to Prevent Chain Stretch. The most important factor in preventing chain stretch is lubrication. If roller chains are poorly lubricated, stretching will take place very quickly. When a chain has elongated 3% of its original length, it must be replaced.
How do I stop my chainsaw chain from stretching?
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to stop the chainsaw chains from stretching over time. Your chain will constantly change from use, it is just the extent of change that varies. You will notice the most difference when you first get a new chainsaw and chain as it stretches a lot.
How much do chainsaw chains stretch?
Chainsaw chains stretch considerably after their first run, with about 1/100 of an inch per link. A longer chain with 75 links stretches around 0.75 inch. A shorter chain will still stretch almost half an inch. After this initial stretch, they continue to elongate gradually due to fatigue.
Is there a master link in a chainsaw chain?
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.
What do you do if your chainsaw chain won’t tighten?
If you’re having trouble tightening the chainsaw chain, it may be adjusted properly already. Check the tension on the chain by grasping it in the middle of the top of the guide bar and giving it a quick snap. The chain should quickly snap back into place with no sagging on the underside of the guide bar.
Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?
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 often should you replace a chain on a chainsaw?
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 do I know if my chain is stretched?
Another ballpark method for checking chain wear is by measuring it with a ruler. Pick a rivet and line it up at the zero mark. Count 24 more rivets and your last rivet should be at the 12″ mark of your ruler. If it is off by more than 1/16″ your chain is stretched to the point of replacement.
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).
How many times can a chainsaw chain be sharpened?
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.
What do numbers on chainsaw chain mean?
If you are replacing a Stihl® chain, you can look at the numbers on the side of the chain to determine pitch, gauge, and other characteristics of the chain. Example: Your chain has the number 33RM2 stamped in the side of it. The first number represents the pitch: 1 = 1/4″ 2 = 0.325″
What chainsaw do loggers use?
Stihl is the most popular chainsaw for professional loggers. It has a long-lasting chain, and you can also enjoy the exceptional cutting speeds available with this brand of chainsaw. Additionally, the chains are high-performance, low vibration, and quiet in their performance.
What is the biggest chainsaw made?
For the largest, toughest and most demanding jobs, professionals can find the performance they need in the MS 881 chainsaw. With its updated engine design and up to 41” guide bar length, the MS 881 is the largest, most powerful saw in the STIHL lineup.