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.
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.
You must check the chain tension every time you use the chainsaw and make adjustments when necessary. The video below from Echo demonstrates the proper way to adjust a chain tension. Many new cordless chainsaws have a chain adjusting dial instead of a screw, which allows you to adjust the tension by hand.
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 to keep chainsaw chain tight 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.
Does the chain on a chainsaw have 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.
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 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.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of bar oil?
Effective – Vegetable oils have natural properties including good lubricity, resistance to shear, a high flash point, and a high viscosity index. These qualities lend themselves to chain lubricant requirements similar to petroleum-based chain oils, and do not contribute to chain or bar wear over time.
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.
What is a chainsaw sprocket?
What is the drive sprocket? The drive sprocket and the clutch drum are connected to the saw motor. The sprocket is designed to drive the proper-pitched chain around the guide bar.
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.
Can I use 2 stroke oil for chainsaw bar oil?
Can You Use 2 Cycle Oil As Bar Oil? You should only use two-cycle oil as the mix, never as a chainsaw bar oil alternative. Using two-cycle oil on the bar will not provide enough tackiness to stick to the chainsaw chain in the summer months. Two-cycle oil also will not work in the winter.
Can you use 10w40 in a chainsaw?
You can but it’s not very good for the chain or the environment. The Husqvarna / Stihl stuff is much thicker and vegetable based so it doesn’t fling off the chain as easily or poison your garden! 10w30. Thicker.
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 long does a chainsaw sprocket last?
Even though sprocket maintenance is such as an important aspect of overall chainsaw maintenance, many tree professions tend to overlook it. The sprockets should ideally be changed every two to three chains. It’s also crucial you buy a sprocket that’s compatible with the chain on your saw.
Which is better Rim sprocket or spur sprocket?
Rim sprockets are better than spur sprockets because they are easy to maintain, offer increased flexibility and have a lower cost. Unless you have a very specific use case, you will be happier with a rim drive sprocket and so will your chainsaw.
What is proper chain tension?
A properly adjusted chain should hold itself up against the bottom of the bar. You don’t want the chain to sag, but you don’t want it so tight that it damages your saw as it spins around the bar. To start with, look at your chain. If you can see the chain sagging down from the bottom of the bar..it’s too loose.
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.