Stretch and not overtighten: how to properly install a chain on a chainsaw

In this article we will tell you how to tension and not overtighten a chain, what types of chainsaws there are to adjust the tension, what is needed to tension the chain, how to understand that the chain is loose/overtightened, how to replace a chainsaw chain.

To tension the chainsaw chain you will need:

• Chainsaw, its bar and chain.
• Chainsaw key (included in the kit, you can buy a universal one; some manufacturers make unique keys, universal ones do not fit them).
• Overalls.
• Screwdriver included.

Before tensioning the chainsaw chain:

You can only tighten the chain with the chainsaw turned off and allowed to cool down.

When heated, all substances expand - the hot chain becomes several millimeters, sometimes centimeters longer. If you tension a hot chain normally, when it cools and relaxes, the chain will be overtightened. The engine will have to make more effort to turn the chain - the wear of parts and elements of the chainsaw will increase. The transition parts that will wear out the most are the sprocket and shaft.

Be sure to wear gloves before working if you don't want to get hurt.

How to tension a chain on a chainsaw

Before tensioning the chain, refer to the instructions - it describes in detail how and with what to tension it. The tension may vary depending on the model. If there are no instructions or they are in another language, use our methods. They will be lower.

Let's consider two types of chainsaws - classic and with a tension adjustment knob.

Classic:

• Take the key from the kit, its shape resembles the letter T. The key has two working sides: one for unscrewing the nuts, the second - a screwdriver - for rotating the tension bolt.
• First loosen the cover nuts, but do not unscrew them.
• Use the other side (screwdriver) to turn the tension adjustment screw. It is located near the nuts.
• Turn the screw clockwise until there is about five millimeters of slack in the chain at the bottom.
• Tighten the nuts.

With control knob:

Such models are less popular - they are installed only on expensive equipment. There is a handle on the side of the lid, which, when rotated, will tighten or loosen the chain. Clockwise is tension, counterclockwise is relaxation. Again, aim for no more than 5mm of sag.

Before starting work, you need to check again how the chain is tensioned:

It should sag by ±5 millimeters. Check with your hand how it goes - scroll it. The move should be easy.

The worst thing is if you overtighten the chain. Loose chains quickly fly off and make themselves felt. Overtightened chains do not immediately make themselves felt - you may not even notice the difference for a long time, but the wear of the parts will increase.

How do you know when the chain needs to be tightened?

Firstly, according to external inspection, the chain sags at the bottom and is shifted to the side at the top. This chain is weakly tensioned. It wears out faster and can become warped or slip off during operation. With a sagging chain, the bar, sprocket and saw blade wear out faster. If the chain slips, the bar may become stuck in the material.

How can you tell if the chain is too tight?

Try scrolling through it. It should go without much effort. If not, loosen it.Correctly tensioning the chain means that it should not sag, but it should not be heavy.

When it is too tight, it is more difficult for the engine to turn it. The wear of the chainsaw elements, in particular the shaft and sprocket, also increases. The latter wears out the teeth more strongly, so if the chain is overtightened, you will need to change the sprockets more often.

Check the tension of new chains often - they stretch after the first use. If you do not do this, as we described above, the wear of the chainsaw elements and the chain itself will increase. The risk of injury also increases.

How to change the chain on a chainsaw?

For this you will need:

• New chain (same size as old).
• The chainsaw itself.
• Key from the set.

Instructions for replacing a chainsaw chain:

• Remove the saw cover - unscrew the fixing nuts.
• Take out the clutch circle and tire with the old chain.
• Place the chain on the bar, install them in the pin, and place the free end on the sprocket. The cutting teeth should point forward.
• Return the clutch circle and put on the cover.
• Secure the housing cover with nuts.

If you want to extend the life of the chain, turn it over periodically. So in parallel, first the upper and then the lower part will wear out. This will increase the service life of the chain by 1.5 times. When you use this method, pay attention to the letters of the chain.