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.
do chainsaw chains stretch over time Related Question:
How much will a chainsaw chain stretch?
How much will a Chainsaw Chain 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.
How do you tell if your chainsaw chain is stretched?
To determine whether or not your chainsaw’s chain tension needs to be adjusted, pull the chain away from the guide bar a little to see if the drive links remain engaged or not. A loose chainsaw chain will look like the one pictured below when it is pulled away from the guide bar.
What causes a stretched chain?
Chain wear is commonly referred to as ‘chain stretch’, because the chain’s pitch grows in length as it wears. This is the most important type of chain wear, and the growth comes from the bushings wearing with the chain pins. Overtime, the inner diameter of these bushings increase and the pins groove out.
Is it possible for a chain to stretch?
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.
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 does my chainsaw chain keep getting tight?
Re: Chain tightens by itself Has the oiler stopped working, or the oil feed hole in the bar got plugged with sawdust. Running without oil will do that sort of thing.
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 tighten chainsaw chain?
The chain isn’t actually becoming tighter—instead, as you turn the tensioning pin—it pushes the chainsaw bar out a little bit, which takes up the slack on the chain. During a typical afternoon wood-cutting session that lasts 2 to 4 hours, you may need to tighten the chain two or three times.
How do you check chain stretch?
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.
How do I stop my timing chain from stretching?
It is important to have your vehicle serviced regularly for oil changes—every 5,000 miles and with the correct oil. Doing so is the best preventive maintenance of timing chain stretch and hop.
Can gold chains stretch?
A 20″ chain in a couple of years could end up being 30″ (gold being very malleable can stretch quite a distance).
Is a chainsaw chain supposed to be loose?
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.
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.
Why do chainsaws smoke?
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. Ensure that you’re mixing the correct amount of oil and gasoline according to the dictates of your owner’s manual.
Why does my chainsaw cut crooked?
Uneven top plates can cause a chain to cut crooked. It’s important to keep all top plates equal length. Dull cutters damaged by rocks can cause a chain to cut crooked. It’s important to remove all damage from cutters prior to cutting.