Important: Always make sure the engine is turned off before you begin tensioning the chainsaw chain. Locate the chain tension adjustment points on your chainsaw. Common locations for adjustment points include the side cover and the front of the 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.
Proper chainsaw chain tension is almost as important as the sharpness of your chain. It just takes a little practice but once you find the right amount of tension, adjusting the chainsaw chain tension is really easy. Proper chainsaw chain tension is safer, it cuts better and it will extend the life of both your chainsaw and your chain.
There are no formulas or concrete rules on how you should tighten your chainsaw chain. Bar oil is going to be consumed at a higher rate, and if the chain is too tight it can also damage the clutch and bearings when you start the chainsaw. A loose chain will simply flop around the bar grooves, and a chain that is too tight will refuse to budge.
how does a chainsaw tensioner work Related Question:
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 much tension should be on a chainsaw chain?
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.
Why won’t my chainsaw chain tighten?
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.
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 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.
Why does my chainsaw jump when cutting?
Improper Chain Tension You can extend the life of your chain, bar and chain saw motor by maintaining the proper amount of tension on the chain. Too much slack in your chain can cause the saw blades to jump the bar. This is commonly referred to as throwing the chain.
Why does my chainsaw cut on an angle?
Check the size of the top plates, which sit on the longer sections of each tooth on the chain. These top plates should be the same size. If some are shorter than others, file the longer ones down to match. Keep the same angle on all the top plates as you file – angles that don’t match also can cause curved cutting.
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.
Why does my chainsaw chain stretch so fast?
When you operate your chainsaw, the chain will go through tension and friction. This causes it to become hot, and the heat also loosens the chain. Another cause of stretching is called “wearing off.” This is the process that causes the chainsaw chain to loosen because it gets worn down over time.
Why is my chainsaw burning the wood?
Your chainsaw burns wood because of poor lubrication Lubrication allows the mechanical parts to coordinate much better by avoiding a phenomenon of friction which risks causing traces of burns. This is one of the main reasons that your appliance gives off too much heat and that the wood burns.
Why is my chainsaw blowing white?
Why is my chainsaw blowing white? While black smoke is caused by the burning of more fuel than air, blue or white smoke is generally caused by the burning of excess oil.
Can you overheat a chainsaw?
Chainsaw engines run at high temperatures, usually in the summer, so they can quickly overheat. To prevent chainsaws from overheating they must be cleaned regularly. The cylinder and starter both contain air intake areas that pull cool outside air into the engine when it’s running.
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.
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 do I stop my chainsaw from pinching?
To stop your chainsaw from getting stuck, make a cut on top of the log or tree that’s preferably one-third of the log’s diameter. Use your chainsaw to cut from the underside until you meet the initial top cut. Always stand on the side when cross-cutting to prevent injury.