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.
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.
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.
The phenomenon of chain stretch is more properly referred to as chain elongation, since it is not the case that the chain links themselves are actually getting longer. For an example of how chain wear gauges work, and to see different types of chain wear gauges, visit ChainWearGauge.com. Another highly significant factor in chain stretch is the accumulation of dirt particles between parts of a chain.
why does chainsaw chain stretch Related Question:
How do I keep my chain from stretching?
How to Prevent Chain Stretch. The most important factor in preventing chain stretch is lubrication. 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.
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.
Do chains really stretch?
Do bicycle chains really stretch? The short answer is no, however they do wear in such a way as to cause their maximum length to increase. Mechanics usually refer to this as chain “stretch.” It is the sign of a worn out chain that should be replaced. Illustration of extreme wear on a chain pin.
Can a chainsaw blade stretch?
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.
Do chainsaw chains stretch over time?
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.
How often should you replace a chain on a chainsaw?
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 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 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.
Do chains loosen over time?
However, old chains will begin to see significant stretch. This “stretch” is actually just the wearing down of the pins and bushings. You may not notice any difference in length if you lay a new and old chain side by side, but you’ll see a significant difference in the way they hold weight.
How often should you change your cassette?
As mentioned, you will want to replace your bike cassette at least once every three years, even if you are not riding super regularly. However, if you are riding your bike a high mileage each year, you will want to change the cassette each season.
Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw chain?
Sharpening your chainsaw chain is definitely worth it as a sharp chainsaw chain is easier to work with. It takes less effort to cut through wood and your chain will make cleaner cuts with sharp blades. A chainsaw chain can be sharpened multiple times without much of a cost.
How many times can you sharpen a chainsaw?
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 much does it cost to sharpen chainsaw chain?
A typical chainsaw can be sharpened up to 10 times before it’s time for a replacement. The cost to have a chainsaw sharpened ranges from $13 to $16. The average cost per chainsaw sharpening is $14.50 for people who choose to have their chainsaws professionally sharpened.
Why does my chainsaw get dull so fast?
Dirt Causes A Chainsaw To Dull If you’re cutting through logs and your angle of approach is too steep, a simple cut through could nick dirt or even worse, rocks on the floor causing your chainsaw to jerk, thus dulling.