5 Reasons Why Your Chainsaw Chain Keeps Coming Loose
- Chain Not Set Properly. One of the most common reasons why your chain might be coming loose is because it was not set properly.
- Temperature Fluctuations. This one is basic science - when metal gets warm, it expands. ...
- Damage To The Guide Bar Or Chain. ...
- Mechanical Problems. ...
- It’s Actually Not Too Loose At All. ...
Why is my chainsaw chain loose?
Sometimes, a damaged chain or bar can cause the chain to become loose. This is one of the most dangerous reasons as to why your chainsaw chain might be loose . Your chainsaw bar has a groove that runs around its outer edge. The chain, on the other hand, has teeth that run within the bar rails to help keep the chain moving straight.
What happens when a chainsaw Sprocket Goes Bad?
Because it is the drive sprocket that engineers propulsion of the chains on the chain, chances are high that they will soon become worn-out. Over time, worn-out drives sprockets in chainsaws can no longer maintain an ideal tensile strength of the chain, let alone holding the chain in position.
What determines the tension on a chainsaw?
The tension of a chainsaw is determined by the distance between the sprocket and the chainsaw bar. In the image below, you can see the internal hardware of a chainsaw where the sprocket, chain and bar all come together.
How do I know if my chainsaw bar or chain is bad?
Your chainsaw bar has a groove that runs around its outer edge. The chain, on the other hand, has teeth that run within the bar rails to help keep the chain moving straight. To determine if there is any damage to your chain or bar, remove the chain, bar, and chain cover. Check for any debris around the bar and make sure it’s not worn down.
Why does my chainsaw chain keep coming loose?
1. 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 to unlock a chainsaw chain?
Start by loosening up the nuts of the sidebar, which will give you some room for the chain and chainsaw guide bar along with easy access to your chain. If your chainsaw has a break that is attached directly to the side panel, you’ll need to unlock it before you proceed .
What tool do you use to tighten a chainsaw chain?
To get the job done, you will need to use a scench. A scrench is a special tool that is a combination of a screwdriver and a wrench and is meant specifically for tightening and loosening the different nuts of a chainsaw chain.
What happens when you don't tighten the clutch cover nuts?
When you don't have the clutch cover nuts tightened securely to the bolts, the position of the bar can shift and wreak havoc on the tension of your chain. 2. Temperature Fluctuations. This one is basic science - when metal gets warm, it expands. As you use your saw, it is naturally going to heat up and get larger.
How to tell if chain bar is damaged?
To determine if there is any damage to your chain or bar, remove the chain, bar, and chain cover. Check for any debris around the bar and make sure it’s not worn down. If it is, you’ll notice that the rails are shallow. If that’s the case, it will need to be replaced.
Is it common to have a chainsaw chain that is too tight?
As a result, a too tight chainsaw chain is more common than one that is too loose. Many people over tighten their chains, which can cause just as many problems later on down the road. When you tighten your chain, do the pull test.
Can chainsaw chain be tightened?
If you store your chainsaw chain in a cool environment and then use it, you may find that your chain needs to be tightened after running it for a while.
Why does my chainsaw keep coming loose?
There could be 3 reasons your chainsaw chain keeps coming loose: The chain was not set properly. A change in temperature. There is a mechanical issue. That’s the quick overview of the reasons, but it doesn’t help you understand the background, or how you can fix the problem.
Why does my chainsaw get tight?
This one comes down to physics. When metal gets warmer, it expands. When you’re using your chainsaw, as the chain heats up, it will literally get larger . This is probably the most common reason that a chainsaw will start tight, and then get loose.
How to determine chainsaw tension?
The tension of a chainsaw is determined by the distance between the sprocket and the chainsaw bar. In the image below, you can see the internal hardware of a chainsaw where the sprocket, chain and bar all come together. All that’s really happening when you tighten your chainsaw chain, is that the chain tensioning mechanism is pulling ...
What happens if the bolts on a chainsaw are too loose?
If the bolts are too loose, then the position of the chainsaw bar can shift, and that will change the tension of your chain.
Why does my chain get loose?
The third reason your chainsaw chain might get loose (repeatedly), is an actual mechanical problem with your chainsaw. To understand this point, it’s helpful to better understand what is actually happening inside a chainsaw when you tighten it.
How to test chain tension?
How to Use the Pull Test, to Test Chain Tension. You can do the pull test after you’ve finished tightening your chain, to make sure it’s correct. All you have to do, is gently pull your chain away from the chainsaw bar.
Is chainsaw chain too tight?
Most chainsaw users are more worried about their chain being too loose, rather than too tight. And to be fair, I understand the logic. It’s much more frightening to think your chainsaw might fly off (from being too loose) than it is to think about your chainsaw chain being excessively tight. However, it’s actually a more common problem ...
Can a foreign object dull a chainsaw?
Whatever the reason, a foreign hard object can dull a chainsaw’s chain in a heartbeat. There’s nothing effective you can do to combat this situation. I mean, you could take the pliers and somehow wiggle the thing out, but i think it is more logical to choose another spot for the cut, or trash the wood completely.
Can chainsaw chain go dull?
A chainsaw chain can go practically dull in an instant even after just a second’s worth of contact with the ground. You may ask, “but how can something as soft as dirt cause such damage?”. The answer is simple – dirt is abrasive.
Why does my chainsaw chain fall off?
If this ring breaks or becomes damaged, it will not hold the screw and tensioner in place. This can cause the chain to fall off your chainsaw. If your retaining ring is damaged or missing, you will need to replace it, to keep your chain on.
What happens when a chain is worn?
Over time, when the chain becomes worn, it will stretch and the drive teeth of the chain will wear down, allowing the chain to pop off the bar. At this point, the chain will not stay on the bar, and you will need to replace it. The chain rotates inside the channel of the bar.
What happens if a chainsaw sprocket is worn?
The drive sprocket on your chainsaw drives the chain around the bar. If the sprocket is worn, it can impact the tension on the chain and cause the chain to fall off. If the chain falls off during operation, not only will it be difficult to complete your task, but you will have a safety hazard on your hands.
How does a chain work on a bar?
The chain rotates inside the channel of the bar. Over time, when the chain becomes worn, it will stretch and the drive teeth of the chain will wear down, allowing the chain to pop off the bar. At this point, the chain will not stay on the bar, and you will need to replace it. Find your Chains here.
What to do if your chain wiggles?
If the chain wiggles, you will need to replace the bar. If you notice too much movement in the nose wheel bearing, the bar will need to be replaced as well. You will also want to check for wear behind the nose wheel.
Can you flip a chainsaw bar?
Occasionally, the bar will only be worn on one side, and in this case, you may be able to simply flip the bar to prevent this symptom. However, if the bar is worn on both sides, it must be replaced. As part of your normal chainsaw maintenance routine, you should make sure that the bar is clean, and you should check it often for signs of wear. ...
What happens if you don't turn your chainsaw?
When you finish a cut with your chainsaw and you release the throttle , you definitely want the chain to stop turning. If it doesn't, and you make a false move, such as turning around too quickly, you could damage something or seriously injure someone. A simple carburetor adjustment may correct the problem. If it doesn't, then it could mean the ...
How to warm up a chainsaw?
In order to do that, warm up the chainsaw's engine, and then, with the engine running, turn the low-speed carburetor screw clockwise one-quarter turn or less. A dirty air filter also can be responsible for an overly rich fuel mixture.
What is a chainsaw clutch?
A chainsaw is equipped with a centrifugal clutch, which is designed to engage the chain sprocket and the motor only when the throttle is engaged. The centrifugal force generated when the engine spins forces the clutch shoes out to contact the clutch drum; when the engine stops, a set of springs retracts the shoes, reveals Repair Clinic.
What determines if a chain is compatible with a chainsaw?
The size of a chain, is what determines whether it is compatible with your chainsaw. You could have the highest quality chain in the world, but if it doesn’t fit on your chainsaw, then you’re not going to get anywhere.
How does a chainsaw cut a log?
A chainsaw chain cuts through a log, simply by chipping away at it. It’s not slicing clean through a tree in a straight line (like you would slice through a ham). When the chain moves, the links flex, and they cut small rounded chunks from the wood.
What is a semi skip chain?
Semi-skip: We talked about semi-skip and skip in the chain sequence section. This is considered a special addition by some chain manufacturers, like Stihl. Skip (or full-skip): Chains with a skip chain sequence (also called full-skip), are considered a special addition by some chain manufacturers, like Stihl.
How are chainsaw chains measured?
Link Count. The length of chainsaw chains are not measured in inches or CM. Instead, chains are measured by the number of links. For example, instead of saying a chain is 14 inches long, it would say something like “62 links”.
How to measure chainsaw chain size?
In order to determine the size of a chain, you use a combination of 3 numbers: link count, pitch, and gauge. All these measurements can be found on the chainsaw bar stamp or can be measured manually. Here’s a description of each one: 1. Link Count. The length of chainsaw chains are not measured in inches or CM.
What is the gauge of a chainsaw chain?
Gauge is the measurement used to describe the width of a chainsaw chain’s drive links. The higher the gauge number, the wider the links.
What is chain sequence?
A chain’s sequence is the distance between the chain’s cutters. There are 3 main options for sequence: Standard – alternates from left cutter to right cutter, with one drive link in between. Semi-skip – alternates between 1 and 2 drive links, separating cutters. Skip – cutters are separated by 2 drive links in between.
