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.
Tightening the screw will tighten the chain, and loosening will loosen the chain. Visit our Chainsaw Chains page to our inventory of available replacement chains and other chainsaw accessories. eReplacementParts.com stocks thousands of parts for many major chainsaw brands, including Echo chainsaw parts.
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 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.
Does the chain on a chainsaw need to be tight?
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 loose should a chain be?
It should be tight enough that it only allows you to move it up and down about one inch. If it is sagging or much looser than that, you need to tighten that chain up. Chains often loosen when a bike does not have a derailleur. Derailleur is the gear changing mechanism towards the back of the bike.
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 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.
What does it mean when your chainsaw smokes?
This most commonly is a result of a dull chain and exerting to much pressure on the bar and chain trying to make the chain saw cut. This could also be either a lack of bar and chain oil ( tank empty, restricted oiler hole ) or an inferior type of oil that is being slung off the chain and not lubricating.
Can I take links out of a chainsaw chain?
Align the hole in one of the links of the chain with the punch that presses the rivet out of the middle of the link and the flat base of the tool. Push down on the handle to apply pressure to the rivet until it pops out and releases the link. Snap the remaining links back together securely.
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 tight should a single speed chain be?
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 tight should your MTB chain 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.