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.
I think the last time I checked the sprocket, instead of replacing it I merely flipped it over on this saw, thinking that the issue was wear on the side of the sprocket that was pushing against the drive links. After the first chain, flip the sprocket over, then replace it after the second chain is used up. One problem with this saw is that you need to use a piston stop and a special tool to remove the clutch drum to get at the sprocket, discouraging frequent checks and replacement.
If you do a lot of chain saw work,Do what me & my Dad use to do,we invested into a Chain breaker,plus a chain reviter so that way we never relied on taking the chain to get repaired or shorten. The chain breaker I use is just a piece of steel I bought from them with groves for different size chain you lay the chain across it and knock the rivet out with a punch that comes with it. Any time your buying new chain make sure the size of the chain fits in the track on your saw when a bar is very warn you can buy a size larger so it will cut straight again but I just buy a new bar.
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.
how to keep chainsaw chain from stretching 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.
What causes chain to stretch?
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.
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.
Can a chainsaw chain be to tight?
A loose chainsaw chain increases the risk of kickback as well as the chances of the saw chain being thrown off the guide bar. Saw chain that is too tight can prevent the chainsaw from turning the saw chain or cause the chainsaw to heat up.
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.
Why is my chainsaw blade smoking?
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.
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.
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.
How do you tell when a chainsaw chain is worn out?
The chainsaw pulls in one direction, which results in a crooked finish. Blunt cutting teeth on one side or uneven teeth lengths usually cause this. The teeth has hit rocks or dirt and broken. If you notice the tops of the teeth are missing you will need to replace the chain.
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 much tension 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.
Where do you put chain tensioner?
Applying tensioners Always place a tensioner on the slack side of the drive. A tensioner on the outside should be 1/3 of the center distance from the small pulley or sprocket. On the inside, the tensioner should be 1/3 of the center distance from the large pulley or sprocket.
What are the adjustment methods of chain tension?
To adjust chain tension, loosen the bolts that fasten the motor base to mounting angles on both sides. Tighten take-up bolts until desired chain tension is reached. Do not over-tighten. A good rule of thumb is 1/4″ deflection in the chain between the sprockets.
What is sometimes used to control the tension of a drive chain?
Spring-loaded tensioners automatically maintain tension as belts or chains wear and stretch. Floating tensioners are mounted on chains and belts, typically with two opposing pulleys or sprockets.