If you’re like me, you probably use your chainsaw frequently throughout the year to clear trees and brush on your property. If you use a chainsaw regularly, then you know that the chain can start to stretch after a while. A stretched chainsaw chain can cause problems with the saw’s performance, so fixing it as soon as possible is important.
Luckily, fixing a stretched chainsaw chain is a fairly easy process that anyone can do with a little bit of knowledge and the right tools. In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of how to fix a stretched chainsaw chain quickly and safely.
The most common reason a chainsaw chain stretches is that it is not properly lubricated. If the chain is not lubricated, the metal-on-metal contact will cause the chain to heat up and subsequently stretch.
Other reasons for a chainsaw chain to stretch include using the incorrect size chain or dull blades. Whatever the reason is for your chain to stretch, the process for fixing it is the same. Let’s go through it.
Why Does a Chain Stretch
A chainsaw chain stretches for a few reasons: incorrect tension, incorrect sharpening angle, or a dull chain. To fix a stretched chainsaw chain, you’ll need to determine the cause of the stretching and fix it. If the chain is too loose, tension it correctly; if the sharpening angle is incorrect, sharpen the chain at the correct angle; if the chain is dull, sharpen it.
Tools You’ll Need
- A chainsaw file or a flat file.
- A vise or clamp to hold the saw while you’re working on it.
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Lubricant (I prefer bar and chain oil)
Precautions While Fixing a Stretched Chainsaw Chain
- Unplug the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent the chainsaw from accidentally turning on while you’re working on it.
- Make sure the saw is cool before you begin; you don’t want to burn yourself.
- Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes.
- Use a vise or clamp to keep the saw in place while working on it.
- Lubricate the chain before you start working on it to prevent the metal from overheating.
How to Fix a Stretched Chainsaw Chain in 10 Steps
1. Start by Putting on Your Safety Goggles and Gloves:
Before you start working on your chainsaw, it’s important to protect yourself from the hazards involved. Be sure to put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves before beginning. You have to take the chainsaw apart to fix a stretched chain, which means there is a risk of being cut by the saw’s blade.
2. Turn Off the Chainsaw and Remove the Bar and Chain:
Once your safety gear is on, you can begin working on the chainsaw. Start by turning off the power and unplugging the saw. Then, remove the bar and chain from the saw. You’ll need to take these parts off to access the inside of the chainsaw.
3. Adjust the Tensioner:
The tensioner is what keeps the chain tight on the saw. The chain can become loose and stretch out if it’s not properly adjusted. To adjust the tensioner, simply turn it clockwise with a wrench until it is tight. However, you have to be careful not to over-tighten it, as this can damage the saw.
If your saw has an automatic tensioner, you’ll need to consult the manual to see how to adjust it. These types of tensioners can be difficult to adjust, so it’s best to leave it to a professional if you’re not sure how to do it.
4. Test the Chainsaw:
Once you’ve adjusted the tensioner, put the bar and chain back on the saw and plug it in. Turn on the power and test the saw to see if it is running correctly. If the saw is still running poorly, you may need to replace the chain. You must ensure that the new chain is the right size for your saw. Otherwise, it won’t work properly.
5. File at a 30-Degree Angle:
When you’re filing the chain, it’s important to do so at a 30-degree angle. This will ensure that the teeth are sharpened correctly and evenly.
6. Lubricate the Chain:
Once you’ve tensioned and sharpened the chain, be sure to lubricate it. This will help prevent stretching in the future.
7. Check the Tension Regularly:
It’s important to check the tension on your chainsaw regularly, especially if you use it frequently. A loose chain is more likely to stretch and cause problems. To check the tension, hold the saw up to the light and look at the gap between the bottom of the chain and the bar. The gap should be about the thickness of a dime. The chain is too loose and needs to be tightened if it’s any larger.
8. Use a Sharpening Stone:
A dull chain is one of the main reasons chainsaws stretch in the first place. If the chain is constantly hitting wood that’s too hard, it will quickly become dull and start to stretch. To avoid this, use a sharpening stone to keep the chain sharp.
9. Store the Chainsaw Properly:
When you’re not using the chainsaw, make sure to store it in a safe and dry place. If the chainsaw is left outside, it can rust and damage the chain. Storing the chainsaw properly will help extend its life and keep it working properly.
10. Check the Chain Regularly:
It’s important to check the chain regularly for wear and tear. If the chain is damaged, it can cause the chainsaw to work less efficiently and even be dangerous to use. Inspect the chain for any damage and replace it if necessary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Check the Chain?
You should check the chain regularly for wear and tear. If the chain is damaged, it can cause the chainsaw to work less efficiently and even be dangerous to use. Inspect the chain for any damage and replace it if necessary.
How Often Should I Sharpen the Chain?
You should sharpen the chain regularly to keep it sharp. A dull chain is one of the main reasons chainsaws stretch in the first place. If the chain is constantly hitting wood that’s too hard, it will quickly become dull and start to stretch. To avoid this, use a sharpening stone to keep the chain sharp.
How Often Should I Sharpen the Chain?
You should check the tension on your chainsaw regularly, especially if you use it frequently. A loose chain is more likely to stretch and cause problems. To check the tension, hold the saw up to the light and look at the gap between the bottom of the chain and the bar. The gap should be about the thickness of a dime.
The chain is too loose and needs to be tightened if it’s any larger. For that you need to sharpen the chain after few days. You should also keep checking this regularly.
My Saw is Still Running Poorly, What Could Be the Problem?
If your saw is still running poorly, you may need to replace the chain. You must ensure that the new chain is the right size for your saw. Otherwise, it won’t work properly.
Why is My Chainsaw Weak?
There are several reasons why your chainsaw might be weak. It could be because the chain is dull, the chain is loose, or the bar and chain are not properly lubricated.
How Can I Prevent My Chain From Stretching?
You can prevent your chain from stretching by regularly checking the tension, sharpening the chain, and lubricating the chain. You should also store the chainsaw in a safe and dry place when you’re not using it.
The above content is how to fix a stretched chainsaw chain. If your chainsaw is still running poorly, you may need to replace the chain. You have to make sure that the new chain is the right size for your saw. Otherwise, it won’t work properly.
You can prevent your chain from stretching by regularly checking the tension, sharpening the chain, and lubricating the chain. You should also store the chainsaw in a safe and dry place when you’re not using it.
Conclusion
It is important to fix a stretched chainsaw chain as soon as possible because it can cause the saw to lose power and eventually break. So, there you have it. Follow these tips about how to fix a stretched chainsaw chain and your chainsaw chain should be good as new in no time. Remember always to take caution when working with a chainsaw and never to attempt any repairs if you are not comfortable doing so. Always consult an expert if needed. Thanks for reading!
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